DLUHC: Have your say – timescales for repairs
Chapters in this video (11 mins)
On 9th January the government released the Awaab’s Law consultation. This proposes introducing new strict time limits for social housing providers to force them to take swift action in addressing dangerous hazards such as damp and mould.
It proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing them within a further 7 days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Landlords who fail can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.
Landlords will be expected to keep clear records to improve transparency for tenants – showing every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales so they can no longer delay to rectify people’s homes.
Sarah Dicker, Head of Decency Standards at the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities gave an overview of the consultation and the government context. Residents are asked to submit a response to the consultation. Closing date is 5 March 2024.
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