The government has initiated a consultation to gather views on extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector (PRS). This includes discussions on the implementation of the rules and their effective date. Private renters, landlords, and charities are invited to contribute their perspectives to help shape these new requirements.
Awaab’s Law currently mandates social housing landlords to address damp and mould within specific timeframes. The government states that the consultation will explore how the law should be introduced for private renters, and what other types of accommodation, such as temporary housing for homeless individuals and families, and accommodation for young people leaving care, could benefit from these protections.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook stated that all renters have a right to a safe home and timely responses to complaints, regardless of tenure. He added that extending Awaab's Law to private landlords would provide England's 11 million private renters with the same protections as those in social housing.
The government claims that extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector would benefit over five million households by compelling landlords to promptly address dangers like severe damp and mould. The consultation is set to conclude on 18 December, with an options assessment on the potential impacts to be published alongside it.