Rogue landlords who neglect hazardous mould for more than 24 hours will be compelled to pay compensation as part of a government crackdown. Housing Secretary Michael Gove has proposed that landlords must also begin investigating all damp complaints within two weeks and initiate repairs within an additional seven days. Those who fail to act promptly may be taken to court by their tenants, where they could be ordered to provide compensation.
Tragic death prompts action
Housing Secretary Mr Gove has announced these strict time limits following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 due to severe mould in his Rochdale flat. This heartbreaking case prompted a thorough review of the housing sector and a commitment by the government to implement Awaab’s Law, aimed at enhancing protection for renters.
Consultation on the plans
Mr Gove has launched a consultation on the proposed plans, stating, "The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. His family has shown courageous leadership, determination, and dignity in advocating for these changes, and now it’s time for us to deliver for them through Awaab’s Law. Today's focus is on stronger and more robust action against social landlords who have neglected their basic responsibilities for far too long. We will compel them to rectify their properties within strict new time limits and take immediate action to address dangerous damp and mould to prevent future tragedies."
Awaab’s father, Faisal Abdullah, expressed his support for Awaab's Law, saying, "We hope that Awaab's Law will prevent any other family from experiencing the pain that we went through. Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants, and we endorse these proposals."
Response to previous legislation
This latest initiative follows the implementation of the Social Housing Act last year, which grants regulators the power to impose unlimited fines on landlords who fail to carry out necessary repairs.
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