The government has confirmed that the first legal deadlines for social landlords to address damp, mould, and emergency hazards in social housing will come into force later this year. Awaab’s Law, named in memory of the two-year-old who died after prolonged exposure to mould in his home, is a vital step towards ensuring families are protected from the conditions that led to his tragic death. Under the new law, landlords will be required to address the most serious hazards within 24 hours, with further measures introduced in the years ahead.

While this announcement marks an important step forward, Awaab’s parents remain concerned about delays to key protections. When the government first committed to Awaab’s Law, it assured the public that it would be ready for use by Autumn 2024. However, some of the most critical measures – including protections relating to fire and electrical safety – have now been postponed until 2026 and 2027. Given the urgency of the issue, Awaab’s family are calling for these delays to be addressed.

Statement from the Legal Team, Kelly Darlington, Partner at Farleys Solicitors, and Christian Weaver of Garden Court North Chambers:

“Awaab’s parents feel that the government has broken a promise – delaying the full implementation of Awaab’s Law despite committing to its introduction in the social housing sector by Autumn last year. While emergency repairs and protections from damp and mould are set to take effect in October, crucial measures to address other serious hazards – including fire and electrical safety – have now been pushed back to 2026 and 2027.

Given the delays that have already taken place, Awaab’s parents have little faith that these deadlines will be met – and nothing prevents further slippage. To them, this is not in keeping with the urgency of the issue.

Awaab’s parents have approached this process in extremely good faith, recognising the complexity of legislative change and allowing the government time to introduce a robust, fair, and workable Awaab’s Law. Out of respect for the process, they chose not to apply pressure, even after the Autumn deadline was missed. They trusted that progress was being made. Never did they imagine such significant delays would follow. Until the day of the government’s announcement, they had received no prior indication of this.

Their frustration is not for themselves, but for the thousands of families still trapped in unsafe homes – families they speak to every day. These families cannot afford to wait indefinitely for protections that should already be in place.

They also remain deeply concerned that the government is yet to set out clear timeframes within which landlords must carry out repairs under Awaab’s Law – especially given its initial commitment to having the law ready by Autumn last year.

Awaab’s parents are clear: these delays will cost lives.

They urge the public to continue supporting the implementation of Awaab’s Law to ensure it becomes a reality without further delay.”