Rogue Landlords to Pay Compensation for Ignoring Mould
Rogue landlords who neglect hazardous mould for more than 24 hours could be ordered to pay compensation under a government crackdown. Housing Secretary Michael Gove has proposed strict time limits for landlords to investigate and repair damp complaints.
Tragic Death Prompts Government Action
The government's response comes after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who passed away in 2020 due to extreme mould in his Rochdale flat. This heartbreaking case sparked a major review of the housing sector and a commitment to strengthen protection for renters through Awaab's Law.
Consultation on New Regulations
Launching a consultation on the plans, Housing Secretary Michael Gove said, "Today is about stronger and more robust action against social landlords who have neglected their responsibilities 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."
Father of Awaab Supports the Proposed Law
Awaab's father, Faisal Abdullah, expressed his support for the proposed law, saying, "We hope that Awaab's Law will stop any other family from going through the pain that we went through. Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants, and we support these proposals."
Recent Legislation Empowers Regulator
Last year, the Social Housing Act became law, granting the regulator unlimited fine powers to penalize landlords who fail to make necessary repairs.
