Millions of private renters across England are set to gain significant new protections as the government moves to extend “Awaab’s Law” into the private rental sector. The landmark legislation, which enforces strict legal deadlines for landlords to repair dangerous health and safety hazards, aims to mirror the standards already established for social housing.
Awaab’s Law was introduced last year in response to the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died due to prolonged exposure to severe mould in his family’s social housing flat. Following its success in driving up standards for social tenants, the government has now launched a formal consultation to determine how these regulations can be adapted for the 11 million people currently renting privately.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized that safety should not be dependent on a tenant’s housing status. “Irrespective of tenure, all renters have the right to live in a safe and decent home and have complaints responded to in a timely manner,” Pennycook said. “Awaab’s Law is already helping to drive up standards in the social housing sector. We’re now moving to extend it to private landlords so that England’s 11 million private renters can enjoy the same protections.”
The move comes at a critical time for the rental market. Government data estimates that approximately one in ten private rented homes currently harbors a “category 1” hazard—the most severe classification of housing danger. While the recently introduced Renters Rights Act already allows for fines of up to £7,000 for such hazards, proponents argue that Awaab’s Law is necessary to mandate specific, rapid timelines for repairs that prevent these issues from festering.
The proposal has received qualified support from industry bodies. Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, described the extension as an “important step” but cautioned that the practical application of the law must be robust. “Early identification, clear reporting routes and timely access to competent contractors will be vital,” Douglas said. He further emphasized the need to address the root causes of property defects, such as persistent damp and mould, rather than relying on “short-term fixes.”
Currently, Awaab’s Law functions by imposing binding statutory deadlines on social landlords to investigate and rectify emergency hazards. Failure to meet these deadlines allows tenants to seek legal recourse through the county courts. The government’s consultation, which runs until December 18, will help define how these strict timelines will be enforced for private landlords and identify whether other types of accommodation should fall under the new protections.
As the consultation period begins, the focus shifts to ensuring that the legislation is both clear and workable. By closing the gap between social and private rental standards, the government hopes to ensure that no tenant is forced to live in a home that poses a direct threat to their health or safety.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
