Renters with emergency hazards in their homes will now get new protections and much tighter deadlines for the problems to be fixed
The tragic death of two year old Awaab Ishak has led to significant legal changes in England, with the introduction of ‘Awaab’s Law’ today (October 27). The new legislation provides increased protection for social housing tenants and imposes stricter obligations on landlords.
Awaab Ishak tragically lost his life in 2020 due to a severe respiratory illness brought on by prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s flat in Greater Manchester. His father, Faisal Ishak, had been raising concerns about the issue with the housing provider for three years.
These living conditions resulted in fungus infiltrating Awaab’s blood and lungs, with his official cause of death recorded as ‘environmental mould pollution’. The toddler’s avoidable death sparked public outrage and, supported by his campaigning family, led to the creation of Awaab’s Law.
The initial phase of Awaab’s Law will impact millions of tenants across England, compelling social landlords to promptly address hazardous homes. They will now be obligated to rectify emergency health and safety risks within 24 hours of being reported.
They are also required to investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days of notification and then ensure properties are safe within five working days. For both types of hazards, they must also communicate their findings to tenants within three working days following inspection.
If properties cannot be made secure within these timescales, alternative housing must be provided to residents. Landlords will also need to take into account tenants’ circumstances that might place them at greater risk, such as having young children or disabilities.
Failure to adhere to the new regulations could result in landlords facing court action, where they may receive enforcement orders and be compelled to pay compensation and legal fees.
The subsequent stages of Awaab’s Law will be rolled out over the coming years to enhance home safety and deliver 1.5 million new social and affordable properties.
The government has today unveiled a £1million fund to develop innovative approaches for tenants to engage with their landlords and gain greater influence over decisions affecting them, whilst reducing outdated and ineffective communication methods that leave tenants feeling ignored.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Everyone deserves a safe and decent home to live in and Awaab Ishak is a powerful reminder of how this can sadly be a matter of life or death.
“Awaab’s family has fought hard for change and their work to protect millions of tenants’ lives will live on as a legacy to their son.
“Our changes will give tenants a stronger voice and force landlords to act urgently when lives are at risk, ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.”