Landlords that manage social housing must investigate hazards within 14 days and make fixes in seven, under measures under consultation dubbed ‘Awaab’s Law’.
They will also be required to make emergency repairs within 24 hours, in the most serious cases.
Awaab Ishak was a two-year old boy who died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould exposure at his housing association flat, managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.
Michael Gove, housing secretary said: “Today is about stronger and more robust action against social landlords who have refused to take their basic responsibilities seriously for far too long.
“We will force them to fix their homes within strict new time limits and take immediate action to tackle dangerous damp and mould to help prevent future tragedies.”
Under the proposals, if landlords fail to fulfill their responsibilities they can be taken to court and forced to pay their tenants compensation.
Since the sad death of Awaab Ishak Gove has named and shamed housing associations that haven’t made the grade, ordering interventions.
In September the government consulted on how they can help tenants understand their rights and challenge social housing landlords when they aren’t up to scratch.
Faisal Abdullah, Awaab’s Father said: “We hope that Awaab’s Law will stop any other family going through the pain that we went through. Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants and we support these proposals.”