Awaab’s Law, introduced in the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, was named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died in December 2020 due to mould exposure in his family’s social housing. His parents had raised concerns about their living conditions, but the landlord failed to act and blamed the family. The law requires landlords to investigate and resolve health hazards within 14 days, providing tenants with a written summary of findings, a timeline, and a repair schedule within 48 hours. If a hazard poses significant health risks, repairs must begin within 7 days and be completed as soon as possible, with emergency repairs within 24 hours. If the issue can’t be resolved within these timeframes, alternative accommodation must be arranged for the tenant. The timeline should reflect the severity of the problem and tenant needs, such as prioritizing heating repairs during colder weather. Landlords must keep detailed records of efforts and communication related to compliance.
To address damp and mould, landlords should conduct property inspections and maintain regular communication with tenants, educating them on actions that can affect these issues. Transparency is vital if the problem is structural, and landlords must take responsibility. Remote monitoring systems can help detect issues early and facilitate prompt action.
Aico’s solutions, such as the Ei1000G Gateway, support compliance by enabling real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and air quality through the HomeLINK Connected Home Solution. This system helps identify potential damp and mould issues, along with tracking fire and carbon monoxide alarms. The HomeLINK Portal allows landlords to access critical data for early intervention, saving time and reducing costs. The HomeLINK App provides tenants with testing reminders and tips for improving home conditions.
