Introduction
The government has recently unveiled plans to introduce a significant amendment to the Social Housing Regulation Bill, known as “Awaab’s Law.” This new legislation aims to compel social landlords to address the persistent issues of damp and mould within specified timeframes. The proposals for Awaab’s Law will be implemented through secondary legislation, following the recent allocation of £30 million by the Housing Secretary to enhance the quality of social housing in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, attributed to the presence of damp and mould in his home managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, has spurred the government into taking action. As a consequence, funding for new housing projects has been withheld from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing until they can demonstrate responsible management practices.
Awaab’s Law: Holding Landlords Accountable
During a visit to Rochdale on February 9th, the Housing Secretary met with Awaab’s family and the Interim Chief Executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, where he made the official announcement. Awaab’s Law will incorporate specific provisions into tenancy agreements, allowing tenants to legally hold landlords accountable for failing to provide habitable living conditions. This critical development aims to ensure that social housing tenants have the right to a decent home, free from damp and mould-related hazards.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, expressed his condolences to Awaab’s family and acknowledged their relentless pursuit of justice over the past two years. Gove emphasized the importance of the new legislation in preventing similar tragedies, stating, “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. He was inexcusably let down, and his family repeatedly ignored.” The introduction of Awaab’s Law will impose stringent time limits on landlords, compelling them to promptly address and rectify dangerous damp and mould issues. Non-compliant landlords will face legal consequences, as the full force of the law will be brought against them.
Advancing Tenant Rights and Improving Housing Standards:
Awaab’s Law will serve as a cornerstone in enshrining tenants’ rights within the legal framework of social housing. The Social Housing Bill will augment the powers of the Housing Ombudsman and Regulator, providing them with increased authority to hold poor-performing landlords accountable. By implementing this legislation, the government aims to create a situation where substandard social landlords have nowhere to hide. The law will empower tenants to demand and expect safe, decent, and warm living conditions across the country.
Outcomes of Awaab’s Law
The introduction of Awaab’s Law is expected to yield several positive outcomes, specifically in addressing the pervasive issue of damp and mould in social housing. Key highlights of the legislation include:
Crackdown on Damp and Mould: Awaab’s Law represents a robust crackdown on the presence of damp and mould in social housing, ensuring that tenants are protected from the associated health risks.
Strict Time Limits: Landlords will be compelled to promptly investigate and rectify serious damp and mould problems within strict timeframes. This provision aims to expedite necessary repairs, minimising health hazards for tenants.
Strengthened Housing Ombudsman: The legislation will grant enhanced powers to the Housing Ombudsman, enabling them to effectively address and resolve issues related to housing quality. This measure will incentivise landlords to improve their performance and respond promptly to tenant concerns.
In conclusion, the introduction of Awaab’s Law represents a significant step toward strengthening social housing regulations and safeguarding the well-being of tenants. By holding landlords accountable for addressing damp and mould issues within specific time
