Awaab’s Law is set to transform social housing in England. This amendment was made following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020. Awaab’s death was caused by long-term exposure to mould. His family had been renting the house owned by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) on the Freehold estate in Greater Manchester. His family’s relentless advocacy for change has brought attention to the urgent need for tenant protections against hazardous living conditions.
Awaab’s Law would further protect tenants by mandating landlords meet rigid timeframes to remedy emergency health and safety threats. This legislation, the strongest element of a larger renters’ rights bill, finished its passage through Parliament on October 22. The law is being rolled out in stages, with the first phase scheduled to go into effect in just a few weeks.
Under Awaab’s Law, England’s landlords are required to address reported emergency health hazards within 24 hours. They must further respond to serious damp and mould concerns within ten working days of being alerted. Following the inspections, landlords have five business days to ensure the properties are in habitable condition. They have to notify their tenants of their results, too, within three business days.
This new legal framework directly addresses these startling statistics. A UK-wide survey conducted by Survival of the Fittest showed that 23% of social renters experience damp, mould or condensation in their homes. Awaab’s case shone a light on the potentially fatal consequences of ignoring conditions like these, further cementing the need for swift action and responsibility.
The Ishak family’s commitment to securing better living conditions for tenants has turned their tragedy into a legacy aimed at protecting millions. The local authorities’ implementation of Awaab’s Law goes some way to honour their struggle for justice and the creation of a safer environment for vulnerable renters.
Gavin Smart, the chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Housing, welcomed the new legislation.
“We welcome Awaab’s law as a significant step in ensuring that all social housing tenants live in safe and decent homes.” – Gavin Smart, Chartered Institute of Housing
Awaab’s Law phased approach encompasses a third phase already scheduled for 2027. This phase will cover all other hazards listed by the housing health and safety rating system, excluding overcrowding. This phased rollout gives landlords time to adjust while making sure the safety and health of tenants are not sacrificed.
Awaab’s Law marks a watershed moment in the regulation of social housing in England. It requires fast-moving intervention on public health risks. This will help better hold landlords to account and ensure terrible tragedies, such as that of Awaab Ishak, do not happen again. The legislation includes provisions to ensure that people are able to live safely and independently. It seeks to promote a culture of accountability for property owners.