The government has launched a consultation looking at how Awaab's Law could benefit private renters.

Awaab's Law was introduced to social housing last year, setting legal deadlines for landlords to fix damp and mould.

A government consultation will now look at how it is introduced for private renters and what types of other accommodation should benefit in future. These could include temporary accommodation for homeless people and families; accommodation for young people leaving care; and supported housing where many elderly, disabled and other vulnerable people live. 
 

Extending the Law to other types of housing could more than double the number of households that are protected.

Around one in 10 private rented homes have a hazard at the most serious level (category 1), which already requires landlords to act. Landlords renting out homes with the worst conditions already risk enforcement action and the Renters’ Rights Act recently introduced fines of up to £7,000 if these serious dangers are found. Awaab's Law will mandate quick action on them.
 

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."

Holly Williamson, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, said: "Homes are the foundations of our lives. But too many renters live in homes that are harmful to our health and often wait months for landlords to act on issues. We’re pleased to see the government moving forward with bringing in Awaab’s Law. It must be put in action as soon as possible to make sure every renter can live in a good quality home."