Social landlords would be required to fix hazards including damp and mould within ‘strict time limits’ under proposals set out by housing secretary Michael Gove today.
The plans come as part of a consultation on ‘Awaab’s Law’, following calls for government action on unsafe homes after two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from a respiratory condition caused by extensive mould where he lived.
Under the proposals, social housing providers would be required to investigate hazards within 14 days. They would have a further seven days to start fixing the hazard, or 24 hours if ‘emergency’ repairs were required.
Landlords would be expected to keep records to show that ‘every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales’, and those who fail to act could be taken to court and made to compensate tenants.
Social housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa said: ‘I’m pleased to see Awaab’s Law reach the consultation phase and hope that it goes far enough to prevent other families going through the tragedy Awaab’s family have had to.
‘It’s crucial the Government are able to make sure this law has teeth and is enforced for it to work as intended.’
The consultation will be open for eight weeks.
