Awaab’s Law consultation launched

9 January 2024

Following the death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who died as a result of a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home environment, the Housing Secretary has today launched a consultation on ‘Awaab’s Law’.

The consultation includes introducing new strict time limits for social housing providers to take swift action in addressing dangerous hazards such as damp and mould.

It proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further seven days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Those landlords who fail can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.

Landlords will be expected to keep clear records to improve transparency for tenants – showing every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales so they can no longer dither and delay to rectify people’s homes.

‘Awaab’s Law’ came into being after a successful campaign led by Awaab’s family with the support of GCN’s Christian Weaver and Kelly Darlington, Partner at Farleys Solicitors, who represented the family of Awaab Ishak at the inquest into his death.

Awaab Ishak’s family issued the following statement regarding the consultation:

‘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.’

Christian Weaver and Kelly Darlington issued the following statement:

‘We are pleased to announce that the government has initiated the consultation process for Awaab’s Law. Effective participation is paramount in shaping the robustness and efficacy of this legislation. 

‘We strongly urge all relevant stakeholders to participate during this consultation, including tenants who are able to put forward their perspectives on these important issues. 

‘Awaab’s Law holds the potential to address tenant concerns by ensuring their voices are not only heard but also acted upon. Through this process, the system can be refined to offer tenants enhanced protection and transparency. 

‘We welcome these proposals which would bring in strict timelines that social landlords would have to comply with when a serious risk to the health and safety of tenants living in their properties is reported to them.’

Find more information about the consultation and how to respond.