UK Government Enhances Social Housing Standards with 'Awaab's Law'
The UK government is set to enhance housing standards for social tenants. Secretary of State Michael Gove announced that the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will be amended to include stricter rules for landlords and managers. This follows the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who succumbed to dangerous housing conditions in 2020.
The new regulations, dubbed Awaab's Law, will mandate social landlords to address damp and mould issues within specified timeframes. This follows concerns that poor performing landlords have previously failed their tenants. The law aims to bring social housing up to par with other sectors like social work and healthcare services, which already require professional qualifications for their practitioners.
Under the new rules, social housing managers will be required to obtain professional qualifications equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing. Landlords who fail to meet these requirements may face unlimited fines. Regulators will also have the power to enter properties with just 48 hours' notice to make emergency repairs at the landlord's expense. The changes are expected to encourage a culture shift, targeting managers who have not treated tenants adequately in the past.
The amendment to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill is a significant step towards improving housing standards for social tenants. Named after Awaab Ishak, the law aims to prevent future tragedies by ensuring landlords meet strict requirements and maintain their properties to a safe standard.
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