The introduction of Awaab’s Law marks a significant shift in how housing associations and councils are expected to respond to dangerous living conditions in social housing. The law follows the death of two year old Awaab Ishak, whose prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s home led to fatal respiratory illness. His case exposed systemic failures in how housing disrepair complaints were handled and highlighted the real human cost of delay and inaction.
For tenants in London, where social housing is under intense pressure and disrepair complaints are widespread, Awaab’s Law provides a clearer legal framework for holding landlords to account when serious hazards such as damp and mould are reported.
The Purpose and Scope of Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law is designed to address a long standing imbalance between tenants and social landlords. Historically, tenants often faced prolonged delays when reporting serious defects, with little clarity over how long a landlord could reasonably take to act. Awaab’s Law seeks to remove that uncertainty.
The law introduces mandatory response times for social landlords dealing with health and safety hazards. Emergency issues must be addressed urgently, while other serious hazards must be investigated and repaired within defined statutory timeframes. These obligations are implied into tenancy agreements, meaning landlords cannot rely on internal policies or resource pressures as justification for delay.
The focus of the legislation is firmly on tenant health, particularly where children, elderly residents or those with existing medical conditions are affected.
How to Make a Claim for Compensation for Housing Disrepair?
Please contact the London housing disrepair solicitors here: Contact Us Now To Claim
Housing Disrepair in London’s Social Housing Sector
Housing disrepair remains a persistent issue across many London boroughs. High population density, ageing housing stock and long waiting lists for repairs mean that problems such as damp, mould, leaks and structural defects are common.
Social housing tenants often report repeated complaints being raised with housing associations or councils without effective resolution. In some cases, repairs are attempted but fail to address the underlying cause, leading to recurring problems. In others, complaints are dismissed or attributed to tenant behaviour without proper investigation.
Awaab’s Law is intended to change this culture by requiring landlords to take complaints seriously from the outset and to act within clear legal deadlines.
Damp and Mould as a Serious Health Hazard
Damp and mould are now widely recognised as serious risks to health rather than minor inconveniences. Exposure to mould spores can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, increase the risk of infection and contribute to long term health problems. Children are particularly vulnerable, as their lungs and immune systems are still developing.
In addition to physical health effects, prolonged exposure to poor housing conditions can have a significant impact on mental health. Anxiety, stress and depression are common among tenants living in damp or mould affected homes, particularly where complaints have gone unanswered for long periods.
Awaab’s Law reinforces that landlords must treat mould and damp as priority hazards requiring prompt action.
The Role of Housing Associations and Councils
Housing associations and councils are under a legal duty to provide safe and habitable homes. However, systemic issues within large organisations can lead to failures in practice. Common contributing factors include fragmented repair systems, poor communication between departments and a lack of effective oversight.
Awaab’s Law introduces greater accountability by linking failure to act with potential legal consequences. Where landlords miss statutory deadlines, tenants may have stronger grounds to pursue housing disrepair claims and seek redress for the impact on their health and quality of life.
What Awaab’s Law Means for London Tenants
For London tenants, Awaab’s Law provides clearer expectations and stronger protection. Tenants are entitled to timely investigations, written confirmation of findings and prompt repairs where serious hazards are identified. Where landlords fail to comply, this may support claims for breach of tenancy and compensation under housing disrepair law.
While the law does not create a standalone compensation scheme, non compliance can be powerful evidence in legal proceedings.
Taking Action on Housing Disrepair
Tenants experiencing ongoing disrepair should continue to report issues in writing and keep records of all correspondence, photographs and any impact on health. Where landlords fail to act within statutory timeframes, legal advice may be appropriate to assess whether a housing disrepair claim can be brought.
Awaab’s Law represents progress, but its effectiveness depends on enforcement. Tenants who understand their rights are better placed to ensure that the law delivers meaningful change rather than remaining a statement of intent.
Further Guidance on Housing Disrepair
The following Hutcheon Law resources provide further information on housing disrepair and related claims:
Claiming Compensation for Damp and Mould Due to Housing Disrepair
- Housing Disrepair and Asthma Claims
How to Complain to your landlord in London for Housing Disrepair
London Borough Councils and Social Housing to contact for compensation claims Housing Disrepair due to Damp and Mould
- Find your local London borough council — use the official UK government search tool to locate your local council’s website, including housing, repairs and social housing contact details: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council (GOV.UK)
- London Councils Directory — comprehensive listings for all 32 London boroughs and the City of London, useful for housing enquiries and reporting issues: https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/london-directory (London Councils)
- Council and Social Housing in London — overview of council and social housing schemes across London, including eligibility and ways to find housing support: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/housing-and-land/council-and-social-housing (London City Hall)
These resources can help tenants find their local housing teams, report repairs, join housing waiting lists and understand housing options across London.
London Borough Councils and Social Housing to contact for compensation claims Housing Disrepair due to Damp and Mould
- Find your local London borough council — use the official UK government search tool to locate your local council’s website, including housing, repairs and social housing contact details: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council (GOV.UK)
- London Councils Directory — comprehensive listings for all 32 London boroughs and the City of London, useful for housing enquiries and reporting issues: https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/london-directory (London Councils)
- Council and Social Housing in London — overview of council and social housing schemes across London, including eligibility and ways to find housing support: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/housing-and-land/council-and-social-housing (London City Hall)
These resources can help London tenants find their local housing teams, report repairs, join housing waiting lists and understand housing options across London.
