England Enacts Awaab's Law Mandating Landlord Mold Repairs Within 24 Hours

New social housing regulations known as 'Awaab's Law,' named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died from mould exposure in Rochdale, have come into effect across England. These rules require social landlords to fix emergency health and safety hazards within 24 hours and investigate serious damp and mould issues within 10 working days, with properties to be made safe within five working days. Landlords must also provide written findings to tenants within three days of inspection and offer alternative accommodation if homes cannot be made safe in time, particularly protecting vulnerable tenants including children and those with disabilities or health conditions. The law empowers tenants to take landlords to court for non-compliance, with penalties including compensation orders, legal costs, and rent loss. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the law as a legacy to Awaab Ishak and a measure to ensure no such tragedies are repeated, while a £1 million fund has been introduced to help tenants better engage with landlords. Despite praise, some housing charities have criticized the phased rollout for potential delays in addressing other hazards beyond mould and damp.