Awaab's Law Sets Fast Repair Deadlines for English Social Housing

Awaab's Law came into force in England on Monday, imposing strict timeframes on social housing landlords to repair dangerous conditions and offering new routes for tenants to seek redress. The measures require emergency hazards such as major leaks or exposed wiring to be fixed within 24 hours, significant damp and mould to be investigated within 10 working days and for properties to be made safe within five working days after inspection. Landlords must provide tenants with written findings within three working days of an inspection and offer alternative accommodation where homes cannot be made safe within the required timeframes for people at greater risk, such as young children or those with health conditions.

The law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two year old who died in December 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould in the social housing flat his family rented in Rochdale. His family’s campaign prompted the legislation and helped drive the government to set legally binding standards for social landlords. Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the changes would give tenants a stronger voice and force landlords to act urgently when lives are at risk.