Awaab’s Law: Father welcomes new proposals for social landlords to fix problems

The father of a two-year-old who died after exposure to mould at his housing association flat has voiced his support for proposals.

The father of a two-year-old who died after exposure to mould at his housing association flat has voiced his support for proposals to bring in a strict timeframe for landlords to fix problems.

The new requirements are part of a consultation on measures under legislation named after Awaab Ishak, who died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his home in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Those landlords who fail to meet proposed new legal requirements could end up in court under the proposals which have gone out for consultation from Tuesday.

Awaab’s father has insisted landlords must listen to tenants’ concerns and said he hopes legislation in his son’s name can prevent other families facing their painful experience.

Faisal Abdullah said: “We hope that Awaab’s Law will stop any other family going through the pain that we went through.

“Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants and we support these proposals.”

Requirements under the new legislation would require social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further seven days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours.

The consultation proposes that landlords who fail to act on issues within the timeframe can be taken to court where they might be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.

Published: 09/01/2024 by Radio NewsHub