Q. I have been told that the Renters Rights Bill (when published) will seek to extend ‘Awaabs law’ to the private sector. What is Awaabs law?

A. Awaab Ishak was a toddler who sadly died in December 2020 as a direct result of exposure to mould in the social home his family rented. The family had complained about the mould repeatedly, but the landlord failed to act, blaming the tenants for causing the mould.

There was widespread shock at the Coroner’s finding of the cause of death. As a result of this, new rules were introduced into the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, which will (when it comes into force) require social landlords to investigate and fix reported health hazards within specified timeframes.

It is these rules which are known as ‘Awaabs law’. The Labour Party manifesto included a commitment to extend it to the private sector.

Q. My tenants are constantly moaning about the condensation and damp in their property. However, they don’t listen to me when I tell them that this is caused by their lifestyle.

For example, they don’t put the heating on, saying that they can’t afford it, and persistently dry their clothes indoors. Their continual complaints are causing me stress. How can I deal with this?