The Awaab’s Law Mirage: How “Reforms” Leave Tenants Stuck in Toxic Homes

The passage of Awaab’s law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died from exposure to black mould in his social housing flat, was hailed as a landmark victory for tenants. However, nearly a year since its implementation, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture.

For Sarah Killick, battling problems in her Clarion Housing Association flat has been an ongoing nightmare. Despite the introduction of Awaab’s law, she has seen no meaningful improvement in her situation. Her landlord’s attempts at addressing the issue – sending contractors for quick mould washes without tackling the root causes of dampness – highlight the legislation’s shortcomings.

Social Housing Action Campaign co-founder Suzanne Muna points out that while Awaab’s law introduced timelines for hazards to be fixed, it did little to address the enforcement gap. Tenants struggle to navigate the complexities of court action against landlords with deep pockets and teams of solicitors. In Killick’s case, despite an ombudsman ruling in her favour, Clarion was only ordered to pay £1,175 in compensation – a paltry sum considering the severity of the issues plaguing her home.

The data is clear: over 400 cases have been reported to the ombudsman where Awaab’s law was relevant. Maladministration was found in 97% of completed cases, with common failings including not recognizing the law’s application and inadequate record-keeping. These findings should serve as a warning to policymakers that tinkering with legislation while ignoring systemic issues only perpetuates the status quo.

Critics argue that Awaab’s law has created a culture of “tick-box” compliance, where landlords focus on meeting deadlines rather than genuinely addressing problems. This is exemplified by Khayriya’s case – a single mother struggling to get her council home in Sheffield repaired. After months of waiting, repair work was eventually done, but she suspects that mould had simply been painted over.

The lack of teeth in Awaab’s law is a symptom of broader structural issues within the housing system. Landlords continue to wield significant power and resources, leaving tenants vulnerable to exploitation. Until this imbalance is addressed, reforms like Awaab’s law will remain little more than window dressing.

The ombudsman’s efforts to tackle the backlog of complaints are commendable, but they merely treat symptoms rather than tackling the root cause: a system that prioritizes landlord interests over tenant well-being. As long as this remains the case, legislation like Awaab’s law will continue to fall short of its promise.

It’s time for policymakers to take a harder look at the systemic failures that enable landlords to flout regulations with impunity. Until they do, tenants like Sarah Killick and Khayriya will remain stuck in homes that are anything but safe or habitable – a stark reminder that Awaab’s law has become little more than a mirage for those struggling to make ends meet in the UK’s social housing sector.