Based in North London, Advantage Solicitors has been honoured with...
Read MoreFor years, housing disrepair has affected thousands across England. One case changed the national conversation. Two-year-old Awaab Ishak lived with his family in Greater Manchester when mould spread across their rented home. Despite repeated reports, the landlord merely painted over the problem. The mould worsened — contaminating walls, plug sockets and belongings. Prolonged exposure led to a severe respiratory condition and Awaab tragically died in 2020. His death exposed deep failures in housing management and became a catalyst for legislative change.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Following intense public scrutiny and the family’s campaign, the government introduced Awaab’s Law, passed in 2023 and in force from 27 October 2025. The law imposes strict duties on social housing landlords to act quickly on damp, mould and other hazards.
Awaab's Law Key provisions
• Inspection of reported damp, mould or similar hazards within 10 working days.
• Making identified risks safe within 5 working days after inspection.
• Responding to emergencies (for example gas leaks, broken boilers or severe mould affecting health) within 24 hours.
• Providing suitable temporary accommodation if a home cannot be made safe within the required timeframes.
• Tenants may take legal action for breach of contract — including seeking compensation — where landlords fail to comply.
Who does the law protect?
At this stage the law applies to the social housing sector (councils and housing associations). The government has announced its intention to extend these protections to the private rented sector, so that millions of private tenants also benefit from stronger legal safeguards.
Housing Disrepair Claims: protection for private tenants
While Awaab’s Law currently covers social housing, private tenants already have legal options. If your home suffers from mould, damp, leaks, heating or electrical faults, or structural disrepair — and your landlord fails to act — you may be eligible to bring a Housing Disrepair Claim. Such claims can:
• Compel landlords to complete necessary repairs.
• Recover compensation for health problems, damaged belongings and loss of amenity.
• Ensure the property is restored to a safe, habitable standard.
At Advantage Solicitors, we act for tenants across the UK to enforce landlords’ legal obligations and secure both repairs and fair compensation.
No Win, No Fee – risk-free representation
We operate on a No Win, No Fee basis — you pay nothing unless we succeed. If your home has mould, damp, water leaks, heating or electrical faults, structural disrepair, or any health-threatening condition that your landlord is ignoring, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team can start your claim without upfront costs.
Conclusion
Awaab Ishak’s story is a stark reminder that safe housing is a basic right. With Awaab’s Law, the UK has taken a vital step towards better housing standards and accountability. Awareness remains crucial while many private tenants continue to live in unsafe homes. Advantage Solicitors is committed to protecting tenants’ rights and ensuring every individual can live in a safe, secure and healthy environment.
Contact
Telephone: 0208 807 1676
Fidan Osoy
Director Solicitor
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