How Awaab's Law will change lives of those who rent

Full details of legislation due to become law later this year

- BY JOSEPH TIMAN

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.

His family repeatedly reported the issue to their housing provider, but the problem persisted, ultimately leading to Awaab’s death.

The Observer and our sister paper 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.