Awaab's Law to put 24-hour limit on emergency repairs

The government has announced new plans to clamp down on social housing landlords who do not provide safe homes.

The Housing Secretary has launched the Awaab's Law consultation, which proposes time limits for social housing providers to address dangerous hazards like damp and mould.

The consultation proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further 7 days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Those who fail to take action can be taken to court and ordered to pay compensation to tenants.

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.”  

Faisal Abdullah, Awaab’s Father 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.”