Decent Homes Standards and Awaab’s Law: Raising the Bar for Rented Homes
At Mannleys Sales & Lettings, we are committed to ensuring every tenant enjoys a safe, healthy, and well-maintained home. The upcoming reforms in the Renters’ Rights Bill – Awaab’s Law and the updated Decent Homes Standard – will be transformative for the private rented sector, and for letting agents and landlords alike.
How Things Work Today
Currently, housing quality in the private rented sector is enforced through a mix of reactive measures:
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System guidance
- Local authority inspections
- General repair obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
While these mechanisms exist, they rely heavily on tenants reporting hazards. There are no statutory deadlines for inspections or repairs, leaving some tenants at risk of prolonged exposure to dangerous conditions.
The tragic Grenfell fire, followed by the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged damp and mould exposure, highlighted the devastating consequences of poor housing conditions. In his memory, Awaab’s Law is designed to set clear legal expectations for landlords, ensuring hazards are addressed swiftly.
What Awaab’s Law Will Change
Initially applying to social housing from 27 October, Awaab’s Law will extend to the private rented sector, introducing strict response times for hazards:
- Investigate emergency hazards within 24 hours
- Remove serious damp or mould within 10 working days
- Provide written findings within three working days of inspection
- Start repairs within five working days (or as soon as possible, no later than 12 weeks)
For tenants, this means faster action and greater protection. For landlords and agents, it marks a shift from reactive to proactive property management.
Decent Homes Standards: Setting a Universal Benchmark
Alongside Awaab’s Law, the Decent Homes Standard is being modernised and extended to the private rented sector for the first time. These standards focus on property condition at the point of letting, ensuring homes meet minimum criteria for repair, facilities, thermal comfort, and are free from serious hazards like damp and mould.
Implications for Mannleys Sales & Lettings
At Mannleys, we are embracing these reforms as an opportunity to strengthen the quality of the homes we manage. This means:
- Ensuring repairs are handled efficiently and within required timescales
- Maintaining clear records of tenant communications and actions taken
- Collaborating with trusted contractors who can meet the new response expectations
- Proactively inspecting properties to prevent hazards before they escalate
The direction of travel is clear: higher standards, faster responses, and greater accountability. Landlords who fail to comply may face enforcement action, compensation claims, and reputational damage. Mannleys are ready to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring every property we manage is safe, comfortable, and compliant.
In short: With Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard, the focus is no longer just on responding to issues, but on preventing them. At Mannleys Sales & Lettings, we are committed to leading the way in delivering safe, well-maintained homes for every tenant.
