Awaab’s Law: guidance for tenants in Scotland

Background

Awaab’s Law is named after Awaab Ishak, a 2-year-old who tragically died in 2020 from a lung condition caused by mould in his home. His parents told their landlord about the mould many times over 3 years, but nothing was done to fix the problem. Awaab’s Law aims to make sure no one else has the same experience, and to make sure landlords fix serious problems quickly.

What is this guidance for?

This guidance aims to help you to understand what Awaab’s Law means for you. It explains what landlords must do and what steps you can take if your landlord doesn’t meet their responsibilities.

Homes that are safe are essential for good health, so it is important to report hazards – particularly if they are having an impact on your health, or make you feel at risk. Your landlord cannot treat you unfairly for making a complaint. They should make clear how you can raise an issue.

A brief summary of Awaab’s Law can be found on here: https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/make-things-right/new-law/

There is also guidance for Scottish Social Housing Tenants on implementing Awaab’s Law here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/awaabs-law-guidance-tenants-scotland/pages/2/

Importance of Reporting Dam & Mould

We are extremely grateful to tenants that have already come forward to report instances of damp and mould in their homes. Aside from annual tenancy visits and gas inspections it we often don’t see inside your homes for extended periods. It is therefore crucially important that you report any instances of damp and mould to us as soon as you can. If you do, please call 0141 357 377 Option 1.

Quick guide to Awaab’s Law

Emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards must be dealt with by your landlord within set timescales. You need to provide as much information as you can on the hazard and who lives in your home to your landlord, so they can make an accurate decision.

Summary of Awaab’s Law:

• emergency repairs must be done within 24 hours
• significant damp and mould hazards must be investigated within 10 working days and made safe within 5 working days
• if your home can’t be made safe in time, your landlord must offer you somewhere else suitable to stay until it is.
• your landlord needs to tell you what is happening once you have reported an issue and if action they take is covered by Awaab’s Law. They must give you a written summary within 3 working days of an investigation finishing.