Awaab’s Law Explained: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

Awaab’s Law: Making Homes Safer

Awaab’s Law was introduced after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who lost his life due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home. His death was a devastating reminder of the dangers of damp and mould when left untreated.

In response, the government introduced Awaab’s Law as part of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023. The law sets out strict duties for landlords and gives tenants stronger rights to live in safe, healthy homes. It represents a significant shift in how damp, mould and other hazards must be dealt with across the UK.

What the Law Means

The law ensures landlords cannot ignore problems when they are reported. It also gives the Housing Ombudsman greater power to make sure landlords are meeting their obligations. These responsibilities are now written into tenancy agreements, meaning tenants can hold landlords accountable in law.

Responsibilities for Landlords

Landlords in social housing must act within set timeframes when dealing with damp, mould or other serious hazards:

• Investigate reported issues within 14 days

• Provide tenants with a written summary of findings within 48 hours

• Begin repair work within 7 days if a serious health or safety risk is found

• Complete repairs within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the tenant’s circumstances

• Carry out emergency repairs within 24 hours if there is immediate danger

• Provide temporary accommodation if the home cannot be made safe quickly enough

In addition to responding to problems, landlords must maintain homes to prevent hazards from developing. This includes regular checks and repairs, as well as keeping properties free from dangers such as excess cold, fire risks and electrical faults.

Senior housing staff must also work towards recognised qualifications to ensure they fully understand health risks and legal responsibilities. Landlords are required to keep detailed records of every stage of the repair process to show that the correct steps have been taken.

Responsibilities for Tenants

Tenants have an important part to play too. They are expected to report problems as soon as they arise and provide enough information for repairs to be carried out properly. They must also allow access for inspections and repairs, and follow advice from landlords on how to reduce damp and mould.

Tenants should also know their rights. Awaab’s Law makes it clear that everyone is entitled to a safe and healthy home. If landlords do not act within the set deadlines, tenants have the legal right to escalate the matter and demand action.

A Wider Impact

Although Awaab’s Law applies specifically to social housing, its principles are relevant across the housing sector. Similar standards already exist for private rentals through laws such as the Homes Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018. Together, these measures show a growing commitment to making sure every home in the UK is safe to live in.

Final Thoughts

Awaab’s Law is more than just a set of rules. It is a step towards ensuring tragedies like the death of Awaab Ishak never happen again. For landlords, it means taking responsibility and acting quickly when problems arise. For tenants, it means understanding their rights and working with landlords to keep homes safe.

At its heart, Awaab’s Law is about fairness, safety and protecting lives. By setting out clear responsibilities on both sides, the law aims to make safe and healthy housing a standard that everyone in society can expect.