As a result of an unfortunate death, Awaab’s Law was created to ensure mould-related reports are promptly inspected and resolved.
Mould thrives in damp spaces. In England, at least 904,000 properties have suffered from damp, with 11% being in the private sector and 4% in the social-rented sector. The NHS spends an annual £1.4 billion on treating illnesses caused by living in cold or damp housing.
Learn how Awaab’s law and the Social Housing Act could help you in this article.
What Is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law was designed to protect those living in mould-infested homes. It is now a legal requirement for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days. In addition, general repairs must be made within a further seven days or 24 hours for emergencies. If not, landlords could face legal implications, such as paying compensation for tenants.
Why Was Awaab’s Law Created?
In December 2020, a two-year-old boy’s tragic death shocked the nation. Awaab Ishak passed from a respiratory condition caused by extensive mould in his home. It was soon discovered by the public that mould was growing across the flat, such as the bathroom, radiators and dining areas.
In 2017, Awaab’s father, Mr Abdullah, reported the mould to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), the building’s owner. However, he was told to paint over the damage. In June 2020, he made a formal claim to his solicitors, but was told no repairs could be made until an agreement was reached.
The ministers stated that the housing sector cannot easily access health information. This is because the private landlord sector has no access to the housing ombudsman. However, RBH’s policy was to wait for their tenant’s complaints before disrepair.
How Was Awaab’s Law Developed?
As a result of Awaab’s death, RBH was stripped of their funding. Additionally, its chief executive was dismissed. In response to the coroner’s decision, ministers formulated a plan to:
- Update the current guidelines of social homes to include damp and mould
- Review the housing health and safety rating system
In July 2023, Awaab’s Law was integrated into the Social Housing Act 2023 following a petition by his parents. This legislation fits into social housing tenancy agreements, forcing landlords to comply. If not, tenants can take legal action for breach of contract.
Visit the Awaab’s Law consultation to learn how subpar living conditions are improving.
Is Mould Detrimental to Your Health?
Yes, mould is detrimental to our health. While mould is extremely common in most homes, black mould poses a huge threat to our wellbeing and must be cleaned promptly. It is caused by condensation and hosts a multitude of problems, including:
- Allergic reactions
- Cardiac arrest
- Cold symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart disease
- Mental health conditions
- Musculoskeletal conditions
Synserv Can Remove Your Harmful Mould
Stop the dangerous effects of mould and damp with Synserv. We are adept in the cleaning of typical mould, such as green, white and blue, and harmful black mould.
If you are a landlord or tenant in need of emergency mould cleaning, contact us immediately. Our expert cleaners specialise in social housing and healthcare.
We have an intricate cleaning process that ensures the safety of your household even during winter. You can benefit from commercial contract cleaning on a weekly or monthly basis, or a deep end-of-tenancy clean.
