The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in December 2020 has sparked significant changes in housing legislation in the UK. Awaab was harmed by prolonged exposure to mould in a social property his family was renting in Rochdale, leading to a campaign for better protection for tenants in social and private housing. The new government has issued its first major update on Awaab’s Law since the King’s Speech, introducing strict new timeframes for inspecting and repairing damp and mould in social housing.
The previous government had initiated a consultation in early 2024 to establish set timeframes for inspections and repairs, but no further announcements were made before the general election. Now, Labour has unveiled its latest plans to build more homes and has issued an update on Awaab’s Law. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that Awaab’s Law will be introduced into the social rented sector, with more details and secondary legislation to follow.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner met with Awaab’s father, Faisal Abdullah, and the family’s legal team to discuss the implementation of Awaab’s Law. The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Labour’s commitment to extending the law to the private rented sector, aligning with the campaign’s goals for safer living conditions across all housing sectors. The family’s legal representatives described the meeting as positive and constructive, emphasizing the importance of effective execution and timely implementation of the law to prevent further tragedies.
The extension of Awaab’s Law to the private sector is expected to be included in Labour’s Renters‘ Rights Bill. Angela Rayner highlighted the significance of the law in empowering renters to raise concerns about unsafe living conditions and ensuring that landlords take swift action to address issues such as damp, dangerous, and cold homes. The Renters‘ Rights Bill aims to give tenants a voice and provide them with legal protection against substandard housing conditions.
The Ishak family and the Manchester Evening News have been commended for their courageous campaigning efforts to bring about changes in housing legislation following Awaab’s tragic death. The commitment to extending Awaab’s Law to the private sector reflects a step towards improving tenant rights and ensuring that all individuals have access to safe and healthy living environments. The urgency of implementing these measures cannot be overstated, and continued advocacy is essential to ensure that Awaab’s Law is fully realized and enforced to prevent future tragedies.