The first phase of Awaab’s Law has come into force, requiring social landlords to take urgent action to fix dangerous homes.

The new legal duty will force social landlords to fix emergency health and safety hazards within 24 hours of reporting. They must also investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days of being notified and then make properties safe in five working days.

For both types of hazards, they must also write the findings to tenants within three working days of inspection.

As part of the reforms, landlords now must also consider the circumstances of tenants which could put them at risk - including young children and those with disabilities or health conditions. Alternative accommodation must also be offered if homes cannot be made safe within the required timeframes.

Awaab’s Law is a lasting legacy to two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died after being exposed to mould at his home in December 2020.

Notes

Phase two of Awaab’s Law next year will expand tenant protections to cover more hazards like excess cold and heat, fire and electrical risks and hygiene hazards – and phase 3 in 2027 will extend it to all remaining hazards covered by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, except overcrowding.

The government has also committed to extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector to ensure all renters in England are empowered to challenge dangerous conditions. This will be made law through the Renters’ Rights Bill which completed its passage through Parliament on 22 October.

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