The Renters' Rights Bill: Awaab's Law
The Renters' Rights Bill is set to improve housing standards in the private rental sector.
Under Awaab’s Law, landlords will now be legally required to address health hazards quickly, such as damp and mould.
What is Awaab's law?
Following the heartbreaking and avoidable death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, who was exposed to mould in his social housing, the Manchester Evening News, Shelter, and the Ishak family launched a campaign that led to the introduction of ‘Awaab’s Law’ as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, to improve safety in social housing.
What does the Renters' Rights Bill say?
The Renters’ Rights Bill will empower tenants to take action against dangerous conditions.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Awaab’s Law is being extended to the private rented sector.
- Landlords must address health hazards like damp and mould within a specific timeframe.
- If landlords fail to act, tenants can take enforcement action through the courts.
With all these changes coming into place, it's better to tackle these issues early to avoid bigger problems later down the line.
How to prevent damp and mould in rental properties:
Mould is often caused by excess moisture, poor insulation, or inadequate ventilation. Here’s how to tackle it:
1. Empower your tenants
No one wants to live with mould and dampness. While it's the landlord's responsibility to solve, tenants can help prevent moisture build-up through simple day-to-day habits. Sharing clear advice in a welcome pack or tenancy handbook can make a real difference.
Here's some tips you can share:
- Encourage tenants to open windows regularly and use extractor fans when cooking or showering to reduce humidity.
- Providing a tumble dryer (where possible) can discourage tenants from drying clothes indoors, which is a major source of moisture.
- Suggest using a cloth or squeegee to wipe condensation from windowsills and glass surfaces daily.
- Supplying a dehumidifier can help reduce excess moisture.
- Remind your tenants to contact you or the agent as soon as you notice any signs of damp or mould.
Sharing these daily habits supports a healthier home environment and helps prevent small issues from becoming serious problems.
2. Improve ventilation
- Install or upgrade extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- If your windows have 'trickle vents' (which allow extra ventilation) ensure these are open or remind tenants to open these.
- Leave a small gap between furniture to allow airflow.
3. Upgrade insulation and heating
- Check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A low rating can cause condensation.
- Improving roof, floor, and wall insulation can significantly increase your property’s energy efficiency.
- Consider upgrading to a more efficient heating system or a one that's easy for tenants to control.
- Seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows to prevent heat loss.
Read more advice on EPC here.
4. Fix any leaks or structural issues
- Check for leaking gutters, roof damage, or plumbing leaks - all of which create moisture problems. By staying on top of these, you also protect the long-term value of your property and avoid costly repairs later.
5. Respond quickly to complaints
- Set up a clear process for logging and tracking maintenance issues.
- Act on any reports of damp or mould within 24-48 hours to show due diligence.
6. Conduct inspections
- Include damp/mould checks in your regular inspection schedule.
- Look out for signs such as condensation on windows, discoloured patches on walls or ceilings, peeling paint or musty odours.
- Keep a record of inspection findings and any steps taken to address concerns.
Early detection allows for quicker action and maintains a safe, healthy living environment for tenants.