24-hour repair of emergency hazards proposed under Awaab’s law

On 9 January 2024, the Housing Secretary launched a consultation on the proposed Awaab’s Law.

Here, Partner and Joint Head of Housing and Regeneration Josephine Morton and Trainee Solicitor Clara Moir explore the potential legal requirements for social landlords that are in consultation.  

What legal requirements are proposed under Awaab’s Law?

The new law would require social landlords in the UK to swiftly address hazards such as damp and mould in order to safeguard tenant health.

Following the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, the new law proposes that landlords:

• investigate hazards within 14 days
• start fixing within a further seven days
• make emergency repairs within 24 hours.

The consultation document defines emergency repairs as those that present a “significant and imminent risk of harm” and include damp, mould, gas leaks, broken boilers and electrical hazards.

What would these requirements mean for social landlords?

Landlords will be expected to keep clear records to demonstrate compliance with the new timescales and keep tenants updated regarding repair timescales. Those who fail to do so can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation to tenants.

If implemented, this will be the first time that landlords and tenants have seen statutory time limits for completing repairs.

While the additional proposed legal requirements will not be a deviation from the standards and services that many Registered Providers offer to their clients, the potential consequences of not complying with the legislation are likely to place additional pressure on landlords and contractors with limited resources.  

 

Landlords are encouraged to participate in the consultation process

The consultation on the proposed timescales will be open for eight weeks before closing at 11:59pm on 5 March 2024. 

The purpose of the consultation is to set the timeframes in which landlords are to investigate and fix reported health hazards.

We would encourage all landlords to participate in the consultation process. Details of how to respond to the consultation can be found at Awaab’s Law: Consultation on timescales for repairs in the social rented sector - GOV.UK.

Talk to us

If you are a social housing landlord or Registered Provider, talk to our housing and regeneration team.