Proposal for emergency hazards to be repaired in 24 hours through Awaab's Law

New plans to clamp down on rogue social landlords who fail to provide safe homes have been announced this week (Tuesday 9 January), as part of a consultation for Awaab's Law.

Two-year-old Awaab Ishak, from Rochdale, died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by extensive mould in the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing flat where he lived.

Awaab’s tragic death has led to the introduction of life-changing reforms in social housing to prevent future tragedies, including the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which became law last year.

The Housing Secretary, Michael Gove has this week launched a consultation proposing introducing new strict time limits for social housing providers and force them to take swift action in addressing dangerous hazards such as damp and mould.   

It proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further seven days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours.

Those landlords who fail can be taken to court by their tenants where they may be ordered to pay compensation if they fail to fix dangerous hazards.

Landlords will be expected to keep clear records to improve transparency for tenants – showing every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales so they can no longer dither and delay to rectify people’s homes.

The consultation has been welcomed by Awaab’s father, Faisal Abdullah, and social housing campaigners.

Mr Abdullah said: “We hope that Awaab’s Law will stop any other family going through the pain that we went through. Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants and we support these proposals.”

Social housing campaigner, Kwajo Tweneboa said: “As we know many families across the country are still living in homes with damp and mould, creating misery but more worryingly risks their health and safety.  

“I’m pleased to see Awaab’s Law reach the consultation phase and hope that it goes far enough to prevent other families going through the tragedy Awaab’s family have had to. It’s crucial the government are able to make sure this law has teeth and is enforced for it to work as intended.” 

Housing Secretary, Michael Gove said: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. His family have shown courageous leadership, determination and dignity to champion these changes and now it’s time for us to deliver for them through Awaab’s Law.  

“Today is about stronger and more robust action against social landlords who have refused to take their basic responsibilities seriously for far too long. We will force them to fix their homes within strict new time limits and take immediate action to tackle dangerous damp and mould to help prevent future tragedies.  

“Alongside Awaab’s Law, our landmark Social Housing Act will drastically improve the quality of life in social housing, granting residents a proper voice to fight those who think they can cheat the system and ensuring rogue landlords face the full force of the law.”  

The Awaab's Law consultation will be open for eight weeks and closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 5 March:

• www.gov.uk/government/consultations/awaabs-law-consultation-on-timescales-for-repairs-in-the-social-rented-sector