Sheffield landlords could be forced to quickly fix damp as Government introduces new protections for renters
“All renters have the right to live in a safe and decent home and have complaints responded to in a timely manner”
The Government is set to host a consultation that could see protections for those living in social housing extended to private renters.
Awaab’s Law was introduced in 2024 in honour of two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020, after prolonged exposure to dangerous damp and mould.
The legislation sets legal deadlines for social housing landlords to repair dangers in the home.
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However, now the Government is hosting a consultation on expanding those protections for private renters, temporary accommodation and supported housing where elderly, disabled or other vulnerable people may live.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “Irrespective of tenure, all renters have the right to live in a safe and decent home and have complaints responded to in a timely manner.
“Awaab’s Law is already helping to drive up standards in the social housing sector. We’re now moving to extend it to private landlords so that England’s 11 million private renters can enjoy the same protections.”
The consultation closing on December 18, 2026, will help inform how Awaab’s Law is implemented in the private rented sector, including the timescale for these new protections to come into force.
Significant changes brought in by the Renters’ Rights Act this year already empower private tenants to raise issues without fearing repercussions, like eviction for no reason which is now illegal or above-market rent increases which can now be challenged in court.
The proposals have already received support from national homelessness charity Crisis, who have said it is “crucial that tenants have a safe place to call home”.
Francesca Albanese, director of policy and social change at Crisis, added: “With millions of people renting privately across England, it’s crucial that tenants have a safe place to call home and that hazards like damp and mould are dealt with quickly.
“We support the UK Government moving forward with stricter laws to clamp down on poor conditions in the private rented sector, and that ministers are considering applying stricter standards to other forms of accommodation.
“At Crisis, we directly support people who are homeless and are being forced to live in unsuitable temporary accommodation, like hostels and B and Bs, which can often be damp, mouldy and harmful to their health.
“We therefore welcome action to improve housing standards for everyone, including those having to live in temporary accommodation while they wait for a more settled home.”