In a significant move towards ensuring safe and habitable living conditions, the Department of Housing, Communities, and Local Government has initiated consultations on a ground-breaking legislation, named Awaab’s Law. This legislative proposal aims to crack down on rogue social landlords who neglect their duty to provide secure homes, with stringent measures set to be imposed.
The proposed law introduces strict time limits for social housing providers, compelling them to promptly address hazardous conditions such as damp and mould. Notably, this initiative seeks to establish new legal requirements for social landlords, mandating them to investigate potential hazards within a mere 14 days, commence repairs within an additional seven days, and execute emergency repairs within a 24-hour timeframe. Failure to adhere to these timelines may result in legal consequences, including court-ordered compensation for affected tenants.
Transparency is a key focus of Awaab’s Law, with social landlords expected to maintain clear records demonstrating their commitment to complying with the stipulated timescales. This move aims to eliminate any potential delays in rectifying issues within people’s homes.
However, the government has explicitly ruled out implementing a parallel law for private landlords. Housing Minister Baroness Scott of Bybrook, addressing the House of Lords, emphasized the differences between tenures in rented housing. She pointed out that a significant proportion of private rental landlords own a single property, and the majority possess fewer than five properties, making it challenging to maintain in-house or contracted repair and maintenance teams.
Baroness Scott stated, “We have to consider proportionate timescales in legislation for the private rented sector.” Nonetheless, she highlighted the government’s commitment to improving safety and decency in private rented homes through the forthcoming Renters Reform Bill. The bill will introduce a decent homes standard to the private rental sector for the first time, empowering local councils with enforcement powers to address non-decent homes. Additionally, the bill will establish a new private rented sector ombudsman equipped with enhanced powers.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove expressed his support for Awaab’s Law, emphasizing the need for stronger action against social landlords who have neglected their responsibilities for an extended period. Gove asserted that the law would enforce strict time limits, ensuring immediate action against hazardous conditions like damp and mould to prevent future tragedies. He underscored the broader impact of Awaab’s Law, coupled with the landmark Social Housing Act, in significantly enhancing the quality of life for social housing residents and holding rogue landlords accountable under the full force of the law.