The appalling details about the tragic death of the toddler Awaab Ishak in 2020, caused by dangerous levels of damp and mould in his home, shocked the country.
Today’s law will be a lasting tribute to his life and his parents’ courageous campaign on behalf of thousands of tenants living in unfit homes.
For too long, tenants have had to suffer in unsafe homes. From 27 October Awaab’s law became law and introduces new protections to finally put tenants’ safety first, with new measures including:
- Protecting tenants and forcing social landlords to urgently fix dangerous homes
- Emergency hazards to be addressed within 24 hours under landmark changes
- Landlords now must also consider the circumstances of tenants which could put them at risk – including young children and those with disabilities or health conditions.
Alternative accommodation must also be offered if homes cannot be made safe within the required timeframes.
Responding to the law being enacted, city MP Stephen Morgan said:
“With Awaab’s Law, this government is sending a clear message: no tenant should have to live with dangerous damp, mould, or other hazards.
At the election I promised the people of Portsmouth a Labour Government would make housing safe and decent for everyone. That is exactly what we are doing.
I know from my own postbag how important this issue is to so many local people. This is another example of a promise made, promise delivered”.
This law is a step forward in how we protect tenants in social housing and reset the relationship between tenant and landlord.
Tenant safety is just as vital in the private rented sector and this Labour Government is committed to extending Awaab’s Law through the Renters’ Rights Bill.
