The UK government has declared that social landlords in England would be legally obligated to look into and fix mold and moisture problems within stringent timeframes beginning in October. Following the untimely death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to mold exposure in his Rochdale home, this adjustment was made.
Why Are These Modifications Being Made?
Since Awaab’s death revealed significant flaws in the system, activists have long demanded immediate action to address moisture and mold in social housing. The previous Conservative administration responded by passing Awaab’s Law in July 2023, but it had not yet been put into effect. Although complete implementation will be gradually over the ensuing years, the most recent notification confirms that certain rules will go into force in October.
“We have a moral obligation to make sure tragedies like the death of Awaab Ishak never happen again,” said Angela Rayner, deputy prime minister and housing secretary. It is unacceptable for landlords to rent out hazardous properties and openly endanger the lives of their tenants.
What Are the New Landlord Requirements?
Social landlords, usually housing associations or local councils, are required to fix any emergency hazards within 24 hours starting in October. In response to a continuing consultation, the government will confirm precise timelines for looking into and resolving further hazards.
Prior Conservative plans would have mandated that landlords look into a hazard and submit a timeframe for repairs within 14 days of becoming aware of it. Repairs would have to start within seven days if there was a serious risk to health or safety. Only damp and mold problems will be dealt with stringent timeframes in the beginning due to the recently stated phased approach; other dangers will be addressed subsequently.
Landlords who disregard the new regulations risk legal action and possible compensation orders.
When Will Additional Housing Risks Be Resolved?
Additional timetables for addressing non-emergency threats will be introduced by the government, but they won’t go into effect until at least 2026. These extra risks include extremes of temperature, collapsed structures, fire hazards, electrical malfunctions, and hygienic concerns.
With the exception of overcrowding, the remaining hazards specified in the regulations will be covered by the law by 2027. The government has stressed that landlords are already legally obligated to make sure their properties are safe for human occupancy and free of dangers, even with the phased introduction.
Why Do Some Activists Worry About Delays?
The delays have drawn criticism from the housing charity Shelter, which warns that they represent “a real risk to the health and safety of tenants and put lives at risk.” “This announcement means social housing tenants will have to wait years longer for this vital protection,” stated Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter. Awaab’s Law must be fully and promptly implemented by the government, as promised.
Housing associations are represented by the National Housing Federation, whose CEO, Kate Henderson, acknowledged the need for action but emphasized the financial difficulties. “The sector is dedicated to making sure that all residences are free from significant threats and that the mistakes that resulted in Awaab Ishak’s untimely death never occur again. But housing associations are under more financial strain than ever before, and the only way to address problems like overcrowding, which leads to mold and moisture, is to finance the construction of new social houses.
Will Private Landlords Be Covered by Awaab's Law?
Through the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is presently making its way through Parliament, the government has also declared plans to apply Awaab’s Law to the private rental sector. In the past, ministers expressed their expectation that the law would be approved by the summer.
Compared to communal housing, privately rented dwellings are more likely to have mold and damp issues. In 2023, dampness afflicted 9% of privately rented homes, while it affected 7% of social housing buildings, according to the English Housing Survey.
According to the government, social landlords are already required to fulfill their legal obligations to provide secure housing. To stop more tragedies, activists and housing groups are still working to have Awaab’s Law implemented more quickly.
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