Introduction:

In the realm of social housing, the introduction of Awaab's Law under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 marks a significant milestone in addressing the pressing issue of health and safety hazards in residential properties. As specialist housing conditions expert witness surveyors, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of this new law and its implications for social housing landlords. In this article, we will delve into the details of Awaab's Law, highlight key statistics, and provide insights on how expert surveys can help landlords comply with the law while ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents.

Context and Background:

One of the most alarming aspects of the social housing sector is the prevalence of hazards such as damp, mould, and condensation. According to the latest data from the English Housing Survey, around 935,000 homes in England had damp problems in 2021, with a notable percentage present in the social rented sector. These issues not only affect the structural integrity of the properties but also pose significant risks to the health and safety of residents, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children, older adults, and those with weaker immune systems.

Impact of Hazards:

Damp and mould growth are not just aesthetic concerns but can have serious health implications for residents. Respiratory infections, asthma exacerbation, cardiovascular effects, and mental health issues are among the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to these hazards. The Building Research Establishment estimates that unmitigated hazards in social rented homes cost the NHS approximately £65 million annually, underscoring the urgent need for action to address these issues.

Awaab's Law Overview:

Awaab's Law, named in memory of a young child whose tragic death was linked to exposure to mould in his social housing, sets out stringent requirements for landlords to investigate and repair reported health hazards within specified timeframes. The primary purpose of this law is to ensure that residents of social housing have access to safe, decent, and healthy living conditions.

Enforcement Mechanisms:

Under Awaab's Law, social housing landlords are obligated to comply with new repair requirements, which will be set out in regulations. Failure to address identified hazards in a timely manner can result in legal action by residents, holding the landlords accountable for breaches of contract. The law empowers residents to seek redress through courts or escalate complaints to the Housing Ombudsman, ensuring that landlords are held to the highest standards of health and safety in their properties.

Role of Expert Surveys:

As housing conditions expert witness surveyors, our firm plays a crucial role in assisting social housing landlords in meeting their obligations under Awaab's Law. By conducting comprehensive surveys for damp, mould, and condensation, we can provide landlords with detailed reports on the presence and severity of these hazards, along with recommendations for remediation. Our surveys are designed to protect landlords against legal challenges, improve property conditions, and safeguard the well-being of residents.

Shocking Statistics:

The latest English Housing Survey data revealed that around 177,000 social rented homes are affected by damp and mould, highlighting the scale of the problem.

BRE estimates that approximately 217,000 social rented homes are plagued by dangerous health and safety hazards, leading to significant costs for the NHS.

The Housing Ombudsman saw a 77% increase in complaints related to damp, mould, and leaks between 2020 and 2021, indicating a growing concern among social housing residents.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Awaab's Law is a vital step towards ensuring that social housing landlords take proactive measures to address health and safety hazards in their properties. By leveraging the expertise of specialist housing conditions expert witness surveyors, landlords can mitigate risks, improve property conditions, and protect themselves against legal challenges. As dedicated professionals in the field, we are committed to supporting landlords in their efforts to provide safe, healthy, and decent homes for all residents.

This article provides an in-depth exploration of Awaab's Law, its implications for social housing landlords, and the crucial role of expert surveys in achieving compliance and enhancing property standards.