Landlords must address excess heat issues under new rules after boy’s death

Landlords must respond more quickly to serious dangers in social housing, including extreme heat and cold, under the law, which was introduced after the death of a two-year-old child.

Under new rules from 30 November introduced under the Awaab Law, social housing tenants will have strengthened rights to have serious problems resolved more quickly.

The Awaab Bill was passed following the death of Awaab Ishak in December 2020 from a respiratory illness caused by long-term exposure to mold at his family’s housing association flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The law requires landlords to more quickly address reported hazards in social housing and, if necessary, relocate tenants to safe accommodation.

While some of the legislation comes into force in October 2025 to address damp and mold issues, the Government announced on Monday that from later this year extreme cold and extreme heat, falls, structural collapse and fall elements, fire and explosions, electrical safety and hygiene will be included as “significant hazards” that homeowners must address quickly.

Government guidance defines extreme heat to include “threats to health arising from excessively high indoor air temperatures” and said it could also include situations where a resident is “unable to cool the home or seek help due to a defect in the property.”

However, it is stated that Awaab’s Law “does not apply only to overheating caused by a particularly high outdoor temperature”; This means that work such as installing new insulation or installing shutters throughout an entire building or block of flats will not be covered by the law.

The guidance states that the Awaab Law “may apply” if there is “also a defect in the house that increases the effects of particularly high outside temperatures, such as a broken window.”

The UK is currently enduring its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures soaring into the upper 30s in some areas.

The independent advisory Committee on Climate Change has warned that Britain is unprepared for extreme heat that could cause 92 per cent of homes to become overheated by mid-century.

In a written statement to Parliament, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said: “The Awaab Act is vital legislation that enables social tenants to hold landlords to account with the full force of the law if they fail to investigate and remediate hazards in their homes within set timeframes. “It also allows tenants to access the Housing Ombudsman if landlords fail to meet strict timescales for action.

“While progress will also depend on a more fundamental shift in the culture and values ​​of social housing providers, the Awaab Code will play an integral role in ensuring that all social landlords take complaints about hazards seriously, respond to them in a timely and professional manner, and treat tenants with empathy, dignity and respect.

“We also have the sincere hope that the government will, over time, build trust between landlords and tenants.”

The law obliges homeowners to respond to any emergency danger within 24 hours.

If the problems are considered serious but not immediately dangerous, landlords must investigate within 10 business days, inform tenants via a written summary within three business days of what is wrong and what needs to be done to fix the problem, and carry out emergency safety work within five business days.

This means a home will be made safe in 15 days or less, and long-term repairs will begin within 12 weeks.

Housing Minister Steve Reed said: “The Awaab Bill sends a clear message that the health and safety of tenants can never be compromised.

“This action will mean that dangers must be swiftly addressed by law, protecting tenants’ rights to a safe and decent home.”

Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), said: “Extending the Awaab Act to cover these hazards is an important step towards safer, healthier homes and we welcome the collaborative approach the government has taken.

“This is more than compliance; it is a culture of listening to residents and acting on their concerns, and that is the change we want to help the industry deliver. CIH will support our members in delivering on these roles and continuing feedback throughout the test and learn phase.”