Housing Sector's Response to Awaab's Law Consultation

On March 5, 2024, Housing Sector submitted a comprehensive response to the government's consultation on Awaab's Law.

Understanding Awaab's Law: Awaab's Law, introduced in July 2023, aims to prevent tragedies like the death of Awaab Ishaak by setting new requirements for social housing landlords. These requirements, detailed in secondary legislation, hold landlords accountable for meeting specific standards. Failure to comply may lead to legal action by tenants for breach of contract.

Housing Sector's Commitment to the #SafeWarmDry Campaign: Aligned with our ongoing #SafeWarmDry campaign, which supports residents facing damp and other housing-related challenges, Housing Sector emphasises the importance of addressing damp, mould, and condensation cases promptly and effectively under Awaab's Law.

Summary of Housing Sector's Response: While Housing Sector supports Awaab's Law's objectives, there are concerns about unintended consequences. The proposed expansion of Awaab's Law to include all 29 hazards in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) could strain resources and overwhelm housing associations. Housing Sector recommends focusing initially on damp, mould, and condensation cases to ensure the best outcomes for residents.