Government to amend Social Housing Regulation Bill to deliver 'Awaab's Law'

The Housing Secretary, Michael Gove, announced yesterday (9 February) that social landlords will have to investigate and fix damp and mould in their properties within “strict new time limits”, in a new amendment to the Social Housing Regulation Bill.

The secondary legislation follows the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to damp and mould exposure in his Rochdale flat.

Michel Gove made the announcement on a visit to Rochdale where he met with Awaab’s family and the Interim Chief Executive at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has said that a consultation will be launched later this year to “set the timeframes within which landlords will have to act to investigate hazards and make repairs”.

According to the Government, the new rules will form part of the tenancy agreement, so tenants can hold landlords to account by law if they fail to provide a decent home.

The changes come as the Government makes amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill that it claims will “drive up standards in the sector and hold landlords to account over the service they provide to their tenants”.

The Government has also suggested that “further powers” will continue to “bolster the Housing Ombudsman” in ensuring landlords learn from past mistakes.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove said: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. He was inexcusably let down and his family repeatedly ignored. I want to pay tribute to Awaab’s family for their tireless fight for justice over the last two years.

“Today we have announced tough new laws to force social landlords to fix their homes within strict new time limits. Those landlords who continue to drag their feet over dangerous damp and mould will face the full force of the law."

He added: “Our Social Housing Bill will enshrine tenants’ rights in law and strengthen the Housing Ombudsman and Regulator’s powers so that poor social landlords have nowhere to hide.

“Awaab’s Law will help to ensure that homes across the country are safe, decent and warm.”

The Government has said it continues to block funding to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to build new homes until it can “prove it is a responsible landlord”.

The Social Housing Regulation Bill, which is currently in Parliament, will also give the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) new and stronger powers to “proactively assess” social landlords against the consumer standards.

RSH has called on landlords to “act now” to ensure they comply with the standards - including on issues relating to damp and mould - before the legislation is enacted.

Other amendments to the Bill, tabled yesterday, include improvements to insolvency arrangements, data protection and the requirement for written reports after inspections, the DLUHC revealed.

Lottie Winson