Government Announces New Plans to Clamp Down on Rogue Social Landlords with Awaab’s Law
The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak has sparked new plans to crack down on rogue social landlords who fail to provide safe homes. Awaab died from a respiratory condition caused by extensive mould in his flat, prompting the government to introduce Awaab’s Law to prevent future tragedies.
The proposed Awaab’s Law consultation, launched by Housing Secretary Michael Gove, aims to impose strict time limits on social housing providers to address dangerous hazards like damp and mould. Landlords will be required to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing them within 7 days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Failure to comply could result in landlords being taken to court and ordered to compensate tenants.
Awaab’s father, Faisal Abdullah, expressed hope that Awaab’s Law will prevent other families from experiencing the pain his family endured. Social housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa emphasized the importance of enforcing the law to protect families from living in unsafe conditions.
The government’s Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which became law last year, equips the Regulator of Social Housing with stronger powers to hold rogue landlords accountable. New enforcement powers allow the regulator to issue unlimited fines and make emergency repairs with only 48 hours’ notice in severe cases.
The government is committed to improving the quality of social housing and ensuring tenants understand their rights. The consultation on Awaab’s Law will be open for 8 weeks, with secondary legislation to bring the law into force as soon as possible. Monthly updates on efforts to improve social housing quality are available on the government’s website.
Awaab’s Law represents a significant step towards addressing systemic issues in social housing, particularly in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire. By holding landlords accountable and empowering tenants, the government aims to create safer and healthier living environments for all residents.
