Proposals have been made for a new law, called “Awaab’s Law”, that could force rogue social housing landlords to repair mouldy homes within 24 hours. Following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, campaigners have called for timed and enforced repairs of unsafe homes. Awaab died in 2020 from exposure to mould in his Rochdale home, which was managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH). Campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa stated it is crucial that the new proposals have teeth and are enforced properly.
Under the changes, landlords would be forced to investigate issues within two weeks and start repairs within a further seven days. Any emergency work must be carried out within 24 hours, with landlords who do not meet new deadlines liable to be taken to court by tenants and ordered to pay compensation. The announcement follows the passing of the Social Housing Act last year, set to give the social housing regulator stronger powers to tackle rogue landlords.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove stated that the “strong, robust action” will help prevent tragedies such as Awaab’s death. Mr Gove called his death a respiratory condition that was caused by mould and should never have happened. Speaking at the time of Awaab’s death, his father, Faisal Abdullah, expressed hope that those responsible would receive the punishment they deserved as he had repeatedly raised the issue but no action had been taken.
The proposed legal changes would require landlords to keep clear records for tenants to demonstrate they have taken measures to comply with the time limits. Housing campaigner Mr Tweneboa expressed satisfaction that progress had been made with Awaab’s Law, and he hoped it would go far enough to prevent other families experiencing the tragedy of Awaab’s family
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