Putney MP Succeeds in Extending Awaab's Law to All Renters
New law ensures protection from mould and ends 'no fault' evictions
Fleur Anderson (third from left) campaigning for mould free homes
September 13, 2024
Two changes to the law on private property rental that Putney MP Fleur Anderson has been campaigning for are set to be made.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced this week a raft of new measures to improve housing across the country, including an end to Section 21 evictions, often described as ‘no fault’ evictions, and mould in privately rented homes
Fleur Anderson, MP for Putney, has successfully advocated for a change in legislation to protect renters from the dangers of mould, in partnership with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Council and Housing Association tenants were already protected by Awaab’s Law but, going forward, everyone renting will come under the same rules. Awaab’s Law was first introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his home.
Ms Anderson said, “I am over the moon that that my Private Members Bill was agreed to by the Government and to have won this important change for renters. The extension of Awaab’s Law will mean that children living in private rented homes should be legally protected from the dangers of hazardous mould. Landlords will be legally compelled to act promptly to remove mould from homes.
“I am also delighted that the Labour Government has put an end to Section 21 evictions. Last year alone, nearly 26,000 households faced homelessness as a result of a Section 21 evictions and had to go to their council for support. This legislation will give renters peace of mind, so they can build their lives in our community with stable, secure and safe housing.
“In Putney, 34% of households, around 14,260 homes, are private renters, well above the national average. This change in the law – which I campaigned for the previous Government to bring in – will mean that renters no longer pay the price of unsafe housing in ill-health, inflated heating bills and damage caused by mould.
“I also welcome the Labour Government’s decision to extend the Decent Home Standard to privately rented homes. It is important to note that there are many good, responsible landlords who provide safe homes – these changes in the law will eliminate rogue landlords from renting out substandard properties to tenants."
Angela Rayner added, “Most landlords act in a responsible way but a small number of unscrupulous ones are tarnishing the reputation of the whole sector by making the most of the housing crisis and forcing tenants into bidding wars.
“There can be no more dither and delay. We must overhaul renting and rebalance the relationship between tenant and landlord. This Bill will do just that and tenants can be reassured this Government will protect them.”
A report by Demos suggested that tackling damp and mould across the UK could save the NHS over £1 billion. The Renters’ Rights Bill, which includes the extension of Awaab’s Law, is set to be debated in Parliament this month.
If passed, it will ensure that landlords, regardless of whether they rent to private or social tenants, are held responsible for addressing mould and damp issues swiftly, providing safer, healthier homes for millions of renters across England.
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