09 February 2023 , 17:52
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A crackdown on inhumane social housing conditions will be named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died after living in a mould-infested flat.
Awaab’s Law will force landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould problems within strict new time limits.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove met Awaab’s family today before announcing the legislation would be introduced as part of the Social Housing Regulation Bill.
The toddler’s parents have been campaigning to change the law following the inquest into their son’s death.
Awaab died in December 2020 after living in a damp and mould-covered flat owned by housing association Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH).
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In November, a coroner concluded he died of a respiratory condition caused by mould.
Michael Gove meeting with Awaab's mother Aisha Amin (left) and father Faisal Abdullah, along with their legal teamAwaab’s father complained to RBH for three years but they did nothing to fix the issue.
The former boss of the housing provider was removed from the role after the findings were published.
The Government continues to block funding to RBH to build new homes until it can prove it is a responsible landlord.
The Housing Secretary met the new chief executive of RBH, along with Awaab’s family, on a visit to Rochdale today.
His department said a consultation on Awaab’s Law will be launched later this year to set a time limit on how long landlords have to investigate hazards and make repairs.
The new rules will form part of the tenancy agreement so tenants can hold landlords to account by law if they fail to provide a decent home.
Housing activist Kwajo Tweneboa said social housing is getting worse (Phil Harris)It comes after activist Kwajo Tweneboa warned that social housing is getting "worse and worse".
He told the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee he receives messages “every day” and “every night” of “countless situations” where people are living in appalling conditions.
The housing campaigner said he sees everything from cockroach and mice infestations to collapsing ceilings and homes flooded with sewage.
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The Mirror is campaigning for urgent action to end the housing hell experienced by millions of people.
Awaab’s father Faisal Abdullah said: “We would like to express our thanks to Michael Gove and his team for listening to us and doing the right thing.
"My wife and I still struggle to deal with the loss of our son, but we are finally starting to feel like we are being treated fairly.
"We hope that Awaab’s Law will help stop any other family going through the pain we have gone through. We would not wish this pain on anybody.”
He thanked the family's supporters and told the public: "Your support has stopped us feeling alone during this hard time."
The Awaab family's legal team, Kelly Darlington, of Farleys Solicitors and Christian Weaver of Garden Court North Chambers, said: “We are delighted to see that following the tragic and preventable death of Awaab Ishak, significant and overdue changes will be made in the social housing sector, giving tenants stronger rights to challenge their landlords over health threatening hazards in their home – including damp and mould.
"The passing of Awaab’s Law will set time limits for when landlords must act, ensuring that tenants are no longer ignored and enabling tenants to hold landlords to account.
"While these changes will not bring Awaab back, we are warmed to know that his tragic death has not been in vain.”
Housing Secretary Michael Gove announced Awaab's law (AFP via Getty Images)Mr Tweneboa said: "It should never have taken the death of an innocent young boy to prove mould is dangerous to live with, but I hope by this, social landlords will stop blaming tenants and start taking accountability in tackling this issue which has wreaked havoc in homes for many decades.
"I also hope the family of Awaab Ishak feel one step closer to justice for their young boy. Through his story they have now been able to help so many more."
Mr Gove said: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened.
"He was inexcusably let down and his family repeatedly ignored. I want to pay tribute to Awaab’s family for their tireless fight for justice over the last two years.
“Today we have announced tough new laws to force social landlords to fix their homes within strict new time limits.
“Those landlords who continue to drag their feet over dangerous damp and mould will face the full force of the law."
The government has already committed to a rapid review of existing guidance on the health impacts of damp and mould.
New guidance tailored to the housing sector will be published by this summer.
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