Latest news with #AwaabIshak
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The five things about to change if you are renting a home
Awaab's Law is set to come into force later this year - and it will change renters' lives. The legislation, which sets strict timeframes for landlords of social housing to fix and repair hazards, was voted through two years ago, but the full details have only just been published. It comes more than four years after the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale. In late 2022, a coroner concluded that the two-year-old died due to 'prolonged exposure' to mould in his home at the Freehold estate. READ MORE: Friends left stunned at Manchester Airport after landing £24,000 in terminal READ MORE: 'People are moving here from places like Chorlton and Didsbury - and it's for a good reason' His family repeatedly reported the issue to their housing provider, but the problem persisted, ultimately leading to Awaab's death. The Manchester Evening News has been campaigning for Awaab's Law alongside the toddler's family for the last two and a half years. The legislation was passed in Parliament under the Tories in 2023 with Labour promising to eventually extend it to private renters too. This week, the government confirmed exactly what measures will come into force over three phases, starting from October this year. Awaab's family have welcomed the move. Responding to the news announced on Wednesday (June 27), the family's legal team, Kelly Darlington of Farleys and Christian Weaver of Garden Court North, said: 'On behalf of Awaab's parents, we are pleased that the regulations for Awaab's law have now been laid in by Parliament. This is a necessary and welcome step towards safer homes." So what difference will Awaab's Law make for renters? The law, which currently only applies to social housing, establishes strict and legally binding timeframes for landlords to act once they become aware of a potential hazard. From October 27 of this year, they will have act within 24 hours after any emergency hazards, such as gas leaks, broken boilers and total loss of water supply, as well as damp and mould, are reported. From 2026, hazards which caused a 'significant risk of harm', such as excess cold or heat, structural collapse or some electrical hazards, must be fully investigated within 10 working days. Any work required to fix these hazards must then start within five working days. And from 2027, all remaining hazards listed under the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS), apart from overcrowding, will also be covered by the regulations too. If there's a material change relating to the hazard, for example if the tenant reports new or worsening symptoms, a new investigation is required and the timeframes reset. If the required repairs cannot be completed within the specific timeframes, landlords must secure suitable alternative accommodation at their expense until the work is done. Landlords must consider the suitability of this alternative accommodation, including whether it has adequate space, is close enough to the tenant's workplace or school and is accessible for those with disabilities. Renters can choose to decline offer of alternative accommodation, but if they choose to stay in their home, the landlord must provide information on actions they have taken to mitigate the risk. Following an investigation into a hazard, landlords must provide a written summary of findings to the named tenant within three working days of its conclusion, specifying if a hazard was identified, the required action and a target timeframe for the repairs. An exception applies if all required works are completed before the three-working-day period ends. Landlords must also keep the named tenant updated throughout the process regarding the timing and progress of the required work until the work is complete. Standard investigations can be carried out remotely. For example, if evidence such as photos or videos sufficiently establishes whether there is a significant or emergency hazard, it may be possible to complete the investigation without anyone visiting the property. However, under the regulations, tenants can specifically request an in-person investigation which the landlord must then carry out. Tenants are expected to cooperate with landlords to arrange suitable times for access, according to the government's guidance, but landlords should take 'all reasonable steps' to gain access, including multiple contact attempts and considering tenant needs. Awaab's Law sets out clear avenues for social housing tenants to take legal action if their landlord is not complying with the rules. Tenants are encouraged to complain to the landlord first before contacting the Housing Ombudsman or the Social Housing Regulator. If a case does reach the court and the landlord is found to be in breach of the regulations, the court can order them to do the repairs. The court could also order the landlord to pay compensation to the tenant and/or pay some or all of the tenant's legal costs. Awaab's Law does not provide for fines to be imposed on landlords, but the court can award the tenant damages as compensation for loss suffered. According to the guidance, court action should be a last resort and the court may ask for evidence that alternative means of resolving the dispute have been considered. As well as giving tenants grounds to take a social landlord to court, Awaab's Law also sets out other expectations on both parties. The guidance states that it is 'unacceptable' for social landlords to assume the cause of a hazard is due to the tenant's 'lifestyle'. It comes after the inquest into Awaab's death revealed that his housing association had made such assumptions about his family. Landlords should not make assumptions and fail to take action or investigate a hazard on this basis, according to the guidance which states that it is 'unavoidable' that everyday tasks such as cooking, washing and drying laundry will contribute to indoor moisture. The guidance also stipulates that landlords must consider the individual circumstances and vulnerabilities of the tenant, such as their age, health conditions or disabilities, when assessing the risk of harm from a hazard. However, tenants will still have certain responsibilities, with any damage caused by a breach of contract by the tenant not falling within the scope of Awaab's Law.
Scotsman
05-06-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week to return for second year
The UK's first ever Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week is returning for a second year - promising even more resources, expert insights, and practical solutions to combat one of the most pressing housing and health crises. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural year, it will return from October 20-26, continuing its mission to tackle the widespread issue of damp and mould in homes across the UK. This year's campaign comes at a crucial time, as landmark reforms are set to compel landlords to fix dangerous homes or face the full consequences of the law. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Awaab's Law, coming into effect from October, will require social landlords to investigate and remedy damp and mould issues within strict timeframes. Landlords who fail to comply will be held accountable in court, ensuring social tenants have the legal power to demand safe and healthy living conditions. Tony Boyle, Regional Director at Aico The law, a legacy of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died after being exposed to mould in his Rochdale home, is a vital step toward transforming the safety and quality of social housing in the UK. Social housing residents in Scotland will also be given greater protection against damp and mould in their homes through the introduction of Awaab's Law. The Scottish Government intends to introduce amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that will broaden Ministers' powers to impose timeframes on social landlords to investigate disrepair and start repairs, through regulation, following engagement with the sector. Launched by home life safety specialists Aico, the first-ever Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week was dedicated to ending the scourge of damp and mould, and received widespread backing from MPs, landlords, housing professionals, and lobbying groups - earning recognition at the highest levels, including a commendation from the King. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With an estimated seven million UK households affected by damp and mould, and the issue costing the NHS over £2.5 billion every year, the campaign has become a vital platform for raising awareness and driving action. Last year's campaign saw over 600 participants join expert-led webinars, with media coverage reaching more than three million people across press, radio and TV. It also received the backing of renowned architectural expert Professor Timothy Sharpe from the University of Strathclyde, a member of the government's SAGE advisory group during the COVID-19 pandemic, who specialises in indoor ventilation and transmission, as well as lobbying groups like Healthy Homes Hub and housing groups. As the campaign gears up for its second year, organisers are determined to build on its momentum, with an even greater focus on practical solutions, industry collaboration, and empowering residents with knowledge and resources. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tony Boyle, Regional Director at Aico, said: 'The response to the first Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week was fantastic, with huge engagement from housing associations, tenants and policymakers. 'But that was just the beginning. This year, we're aiming to reach even more people, spark more action, and continue making progress towards healthier homes for all. 'With the introduction of Awaab's Law, there will now be a legal mandate to tackle damp and mould with urgency. We want to ensure landlords, tenants and housing professionals have the resources they need to understand their responsibilities and take meaningful action.' Damp and mould produce allergens, irritants, mould spores, and other toxins that are harmful to health. The NHS spends an estimated £1.4 billion a year on treating illnesses associated with living in cold or damp housing. When wider societal costs such as ongoing healthcare are taken into consideration, the figure leaps to £15.4 billion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The scale of this issue is enormous, but by working together, we can make a real impact. 'We want to see policy changes, investment in housing standards, and a shift in how damp and mould are tackled at every level,' Tony added. For more information and updates, visit
South Wales Argus
30-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
TPAS Cymru: Tenants demand faster action on housing hazards
A new Tenant Pulse report from TPAS Cymru highlights growing concern among tenants in Wales about issues such as damp, mould, faulty electrics, and poor ventilation. The findings come following the death of Awaab Ishak and the introduction of Awaab's Law in England. David Wilton, chief executive of TPAS Cymru, said: "This report shows that tenants expect clear action and consistent standards when it comes to housing safety. "The message is clear: listen to tenants, act quickly, and communicate clearly." The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on proposed changes to housing standards. In response, TPAS Cymru gathered tenant views on updates to the Welsh Housing Quality Standards. The report reveals that 71 per cent of social housing tenants want all hazards addressed, not just high-risk ones. 83 per cent want consistent rules for all landlords in Wales and believe hazards should be investigated within three days.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The area of the UK where you're likely to be living with 'silent killer' that slowly destroys the lungs
An alarming new study has revealed the parts of the UK with the highest numbers of residents affected by deadly house mould. Topping the list were homes in the North West, with nearly four times the incidences of severe mould and damp, compared to the least affected area—the East Midlands. London was a close second, with more than 6,000 complaints of severe mould and damp made by both private and social housing residents in 2024. The research, which analysed freedom of information requests made to local councils, also revealed a staggering rise in recurring mould and damp over the last year across the UK. Between 2023 and 2024, reported cases of unresolved problems more than doubled to 13,781. In total, local councils in Britain received 25,134 complaints about mould and damp in 2024, marking a 35.06 per cent increase from the previous year. In response to the lack of progress in tackling Britain's 'mould epidemic', experts have called for the health impacts to be taken more seriously. Inhaling mould spores can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, respiratory infections that cause lung disease and, in severe cases, death. Those most at risk of the health impacts of mould are those most at risk in society: babies, children, and older people. In December 2020, two year-old Awaab Ishak died after prolonged exposure to mould in his Rochdale home. He lived in a one-bedroom flat with his father and stepmother. The family reported the mould problem to the housing association that provided the flat—Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH)—three years before the little boy's death, but was advised to 'paint over it'. In June 2020, Awaab's father hit the landlords with a legal claim over the recurring mould, but repairs had to wait until the case was settled. Awaab was taken to Rochdale Urgent Care Centre on 19 December that year with shortness of breath, and died a few days later. Speaking of the new findings, Dr Alexis Missick, a GP working with online prescription service UK Meds, which collected the data, said: 'Mould is more than just an eyesore, it can be extremely harmful, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions like asthma. 'Prolonged exposure to damp and mould can lead to persistent coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. In more severe cases, it can cause long-term damage to lung health. 'With complaints rising so sharply, it's clear that action is needed at both local and national levels. 'We urge councils, landlords, and tenants to prioritise early prevention, proper ventilation, and swift intervention where mould is discovered.' The study analysed data from freedom of information requests to councils about mould and damp complaints in both private and social housing. The researchers found a stark difference between regions regarding the number of complaints, as well as the number of unresolved cases. The culprit behind mould is too much moisture and in buildings this can be caused by several factors. This includes leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames, and condensation. Mould and damp are commonly found in old buildings, but a newly built home may be damp if the water used in the plaster on the walls is still drying out. This latest study follows several high profile cases in which mould resulted in life-threatening complications. Matthew Langsworth, 32, has developed a potentially deadly infection after inhaling mould spores that were 'hidden' in his home In January this year, reports surfaced of a 32 year-old man who developed a life-threatening blood infection caused by mould, after living in a fungus-infected property where spores were 'covered up' with paint. Matthew Langsworth, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire became so breathless 'he could barely walk'. The condition called invasive aspergillosis can be caused by inhaling fungal spores which consequently spread from the lungs to the blood and other areas of the body. Last year, it triggered a collapsed lung which resulted in potentially-deadly sepsis. He said he spent a decade flagging black mould in the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom to his landlord, which he claims was 'redecorated over'. Mr Langsworth claimed that doctors suspect mould exposure is behind his health issues. He said he's faced with the choice of 'dying or being homeless'—as the flat, which is subsidised by the local council, is deemed 'fit for living' by officials. The social housing provider in his case, Stonewater, claimed they replaced the 'entirety of his bathroom and kitchen' following a leak in 2023 and more recently installed new flooring. They said a survey done in January this year, found mould on the shower curtain, the bathroom sink waste overflow and in the washing machine powder drawer They also discovered that the extractor fan in the bathroom wasn't working, but claim that had not been reported to them previously.
The Herald Scotland
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Council warned of law breach over failure to help toddler
She says she had already been forced out of the flat for over a week after he was found vomiting in his sleep and in danger of choking as a result of the damp and mould-ridden conditions in the flat at the end of January. Now she says she was forced out again to stay are her mother's after her son was again vomiting in his sleep. And a damning expert study has now condemned the council's failure to act to remove the mother and child accusing it of "unacceptable and unethical blaming of tenants" and warning that it face legal issues by not acting. It said: "The continued blaming of the tenants, rather than addressing the fundamental property defects and severe Indoor Air Quality issues, is unacceptable [and] unethical" while breaching the law on Scottish housing standards. The mother has told South Lanarkshire Council that she feared that her son, who needed urgent medical treatment, would suffer the same fate as Awaab Ishak the two-year-old who died over four years ago as a result of damp and mould in his home, which was managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH). Evidence provided to South Lanarkshire Council in the expert report (Image: NQ) Ms Ure's case has been credited with helping to force the Scottish Government to propose the introduction of new rules over housing standards which is being dubbed by some as Leighton's Law after her son. READ MORE: But the 28-year-old mother who has had the written support of her doctor for a move out of the flat saying that the toddler has "frequent attendances with respiratory tract infections" was told that the council that he is not a health priority for a move. But Ms Ure, who moved into the flat while pregnant three years ago says conditions are exacerbating her own asthma, and is upset that desperate appeals have fallen on deaf ears. Now a new expert study of conditions at the flat carried out at the end of April by Berwick-upon-Tweed-based indoor environmental group Healthy Homes and Beyond has warned that the council that the flat remains "unfit for human habitation" and that the family should be moved out. The study, supported by a mould and air quality analysis by Sporcyte and carried out by the group's director and founder Kristine Reilly-Blake makes what it described as an "urgent and immediate recommendation " stating: "South Lanarkshire Council must immediately remove the Ure family and place them in safe, accommodation. "The property is currently unfit for human habitation and poses an imminent and unacceptable risk to their health and well-being. " Evidence provided to South Lanarkshire Council in the expert report (Image: NQ) Ms Reilly-Blake, who began investigations as an independent damp and mould surveyor in the north east of England and Scotland after her eldest daughter had such a severe exacerbation of asthma it left her fighting for her life, added: "Continued exposure to these conditions is likely to result in further deterioration of Michelle's health and poses a significant and potentially irreversible risk of long-term respiratory damage to Leighton. Your failure to act decisively in light of this medical evidence would be a grave dereliction of your duty of care. "The cumulative and irrefutable evidence from my investigations, coupled with the documented medical evidence linking Leighton's illness directly to the property conditions, demonstrates a severe, ongoing, and deteriorating dampness and mould problem stemming from fundamental structural deficiencies and inadequate ventilation. "These conditions, which I have thoroughly documented, present a substantial, immediate, and unacceptable risk to the health and well-being of the occupants, particularly the young child, Leighton, and Michelle..." The study said that in addition to the "direct and acute health and safety concerns substantiated by Leighton's medical records" the conditions also raised "significant and actionable legal and regulatory issues". It says their examination shows "strongly and unequivocally" that the flat fails to meet the 'tolerable standard' test under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 in order to be fit for human habitation and requires that houses are free from dampness that is prejudicial to health. "This failure is particularly egregious given the documented and severe impact on Michelle's asthma and the direct link between the property conditions and Leighton's documented medical issues," the study said. Evidence provided to South Lanarkshire Council in the expert report (Image: NQ) It said the council should carry out a comprehensive indoor air quality investigation and remediation plan, carry out urgent comprehensive structural repairs and carry out professional and comprehensive mould remediation. And it states that there should be "accurate, transparent and ethical communication, adding that the council should "cease blaming of the tenants". The mother received an email from a council investigator at the end of January insisting there were no problems with the flat. South Lanarkshire Council had said it has been working hard to carry out alleviate any dampness issues and say the property has been "confirmed to be habitable". The mother denies this. The report has come as South Lanarkshire HomeFinder, a housing allocation system, run by South Lanarkshire Council told Ms Ure she could not be rehoused as a health priority adding that there was "insufficient need shown to demonstrate that your current home is medically unsuitable" and that issues over damp and mould would have to be address by a repairs team. Scottish Labour's housing spokesman Mark Griffin, who has been taking the case up with the council is sue to meet the mother and child today [Wednesday]. Sean Clerkin, campaign co-ordinator of the Scottish Tenants Organisation who has been supporting Ms Ure and has urged the council to act on the report. He told Stephen Gibson, the council's executive director of housing in a message: "In all my years of advocating for tenants and their issues this is the one that has affected me more than any other. Evidence provided to South Lanarkshire Council in the expert report (Image: NQ) "The two-year-old Leighton will die in this property due to the silent violence of your department against him and his family. "The boy will succumb and you will be responsible for his death unless you act now and remove this family to a new safe and secure home free from damp and mould. "You have been given fair warning time and again. South Lanarkshire Council are derelict in their duty of care towards this family in that you insist this family live in such intolerable conditions to the detriment of their health." Leighton's Law emerged after the Herald revealed more than 700,000 Scottish homes have been classed as not fit for habitation jn a new housing emergency - with 600,000 more properties registered as below a legal tolerable standard since the pandemic. Campaigners say that initial proposals are 'flawed' as they focus only on the social rented sector which comprises properties owned by councils and housing associations such as Wheatley. Official surveys carried out for the Scottish Government show that in 2023, the number of Scots properties falling below the 'tolerable standard' in order to be fit for habitation has shot up from an estimated 54,000 (2%) in 2018 to 729,000 (27%) in 2023. It is classed as a "condemnatory" standard which means that it is not reasonable to expect people to continue to live in a house that falls below it. Campaigners including the Scottish Tenants' Organisation and Living Rent have described the issue over housing standards and damp and mould in Scotland as a "public health crisis". A council spokesman said: 'This house has now been visited on numerous occasions by our own staff and by independent contractors, including a range of professionals who are highly qualified in property matters and environmental health. At no time has any of these experts found the property to be anything other than habitable. 'We have undertaken a range of actions to investigate the issues reported by Ms Ure, including dampness surveys carried out by a specialist contractor that identified no major issues. 'While some actions have been taken, including the fitting of thermal insulation to external walls and the upgrading of fans in the bathroom and kitchen, Ms Ure has refused to allow us to install a new ventilation system that would further improve air quality. 'Ms Ure has also been repeatedly provided with advice on how to prevent condensation and dampness in the home. 'While Ms Ure's request for a housing transfer has been based in part on the suggestion that her son's health is being impacted by conditions in the flat, we have been presented with no evidence that this is the case. There appears to be no such evidence in the reports commissioned by Ms Ure either. 'However, a further inspection of the property has been arranged that will take place in the next few days.'
