She describes the ongoing stress as unbearable, saying it has taken a lasting
Sarah Killick, a social housing tenant in England, has endured months of mould and damp in her home, leading to severe anxiety and permanent dental damage from stress-induced teeth grinding. She had hoped that Awaab’s Law, new legislation requiring landlords to fix serious hazards within strict timeframes, would finally bring relief, but says the situation remains unchanged despite repeated complaints. The law, introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from mould exposure, mandates that social housing providers address category one hazards like damp and mould within 24 hours for emergency repairs and within a reasonable time for others. However, tenants like Killick report that landlords continue to delay or ignore repair requests, leaving families in unsafe living conditions.
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They encourage tenants to report unresolved hazards through official channels, including the Housing Ombudsman.
However, critics argue that enforcement remains reactive rather than preventive
However, critics argue that enforcement remains reactive rather than preventive, and that tenants should not have to suffer health harm before action is taken. The government maintains it is monitoring compliance closely and will take action against landlords who breach the rules. Frequently Asked Questions What does Awaab’s Law require landlords to do? It requires social housing landlords in England to fix serious health and safety hazards, such as mould and damp, within set timeframes—24 hours for emergency repairs and a reasonable period for others—based on the severity of the risk. Why do tenants say the law isn’t being enforced? Tenants report that despite repeated complaints, repairs are delayed, incomplete, or not done at all, with problems returning quickly, suggesting a lack of consistent enforcement and accountability. What can tenants do if their landlord ignores repair requests?
They can escalate complaints to their landlord’s formal complaints procedure, contact the Housing Ombudsman, or report the issue to the Regulator of Social Housing for investigation.