Awaab’s Law is a welcome development for tenants, but it presents significant challenges for social housing providers. As the law mandates that providers respond to hazardous conditions like damp and mould within a strict 14-day window, the social housing industry faces a race against time to ensure compliance.
What Does Awaab’s Law Require from Housing Providers?
Under Awaab’s Law, once a tenant reports a hazardous condition, the housing provider must assess the situation and present a plan of action within 14 days. This must be followed by a period of repair or remediation, which is required to be completed within a reasonable timeframe.
This requirement puts pressure on housing providers to act quickly and efficiently. However, the social housing sector is already under strain, facing challenges such as workforce shortages, tight budgets, and a backlog of existing repair work.
Can the Industry Meet the Demand?
Meeting the demand for faster repairs under Awaab’s Law is achievable, but it requires significant preparation. Social housing providers will need to invest in additional staff, particularly skilled repair workers, and streamline their processes for addressing complaints. Many organisations may need to overhaul their entire approach to housing maintenance, ensuring they can assess, prioritise, and resolve issues far more quickly than they do now.
Planning is key. Housing providers must start preparing now, well before Awaab’s Law comes into effect in late 2024 or early 2025. Without proactive measures, providers risk missing the deadlines, which could not only harm tenants but also result in legal and reputational consequences.
What Happens If Providers Can’t Keep Up?
While Awaab’s Law is a positive step forward, some housing providers may initially struggle to meet the 14-day deadline when it is first implemented. This is why forward planning and addressing existing shortcomings are crucial. Providers that fall behind risk failing their tenants and could face severe consequences, including penalties, increased regulatory oversight, and loss of tenant trust.
How PM+ Can Help You Prepare for Awaab’s Law
With the stringent requirements of Awaab’s Law approaching, it’s essential that housing providers take immediate action. PM+ offers professional damp and mould surveys, enabling you to identify and resolve potential hazards before the new regulations take effect. Our expert services will ensure that your properties comply with the new legal standards, helping you to meet repair deadlines and protect tenant health.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact PM+ today to schedule an inspection and get ahead of the new legislation. We can help you put plans in place, address potential issues, and ensure your housing portfolio is fully prepared for Awaab’s Law.
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