Awaab’s Law Comes Into Force

On 27th October Awaab’s Law, part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 came into effect. Initially covering damp and mould all hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (except for overcrowding) will be covered.

The Government has updated its guidance for both landlords and tenants, and The Housing Ombudsman Service has issued its latest Learning from Severe Maladministration report where it is extremely disappointing to note that they have had to address complaints concerning mushrooms growing from a wall and a constant stream of water running down a child’s bedroom wall. Whilst we don’t believe that such conditions would exist in a tenant managed home, we must ensure that TMOs are clear on their responsibilities under the management agreement and that they is a clear referral process where it is for the landlord to deal with.

TMOs should also ensure that tenants are kept informed at all stages of the repair – even where it is a landlord responsibility to carry out the repair.

A guide to the key areas of the legislation can be found here.