The Government’s new Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which includes greater powers to tackle failing social landlords and more support for tenants living in unsafe homes, has become law.
The law enables the Regulator of Social Housing to carry out regular inspections of the largest social housing providers and issue unlimited fines to social landlords.
The Act also introduces Awaab’s Law, following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak as a result of exposure to mould last year. The legislation means all landlords must fix reported health and safety hazards within a strict timeframe.
The Government said the Act responded to issues identified after the Grenfell Fire tragedy, including the safety and quality of social housing and how tenants are treated by their landlords.
Housing secretary Michael Gove said: ‘Today is an important step towards righting the wrongs of the past. Our landmark laws will drive up standards of social housing and give residents a proper voice.’
Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, called the Act a ‘huge win for social housing tenants’.
Mr Downie added: ‘But better regulation is only one part of the puzzle. The Westminster Government must build the social homes we need if we’re to tackle the housing crisis that is gripping this country. Only by doing this will we ensure that everyone can have somewhere safe, secure and decent to live.’
