Awaab’s law is not working, say social housing tenants stuck in mouldy homes

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Published: 2026-09-21T15:10:37.255Z • Permanent link

Sarah Killick's story is far from unique. The 35-year-old social housing tenant in England has been battling mould and damp in her home for months, with anxiety levels soaring to unbearable heights. Killick's plight is a symptom of a broader issue that has left many social housing residents feeling let down by the government's latest attempt to address the problem. The new legislation, dubbed Awaab's law, was introduced in 2021 in response to a scandal involving the Awaab Housing Group, which was found to have knowingly allowed mouldy homes to remain uninhabitable.

The law, which requires landlords to fix "serious hazards" in their properties, has been criticized for its lack of teeth. Despite the introduction of the law, many residents, including Killick, continue to report problems with their homes. Data from the UK's Office for National Statistics shows that over 60,000 social housing properties remain in "serious" condition, with many more in "less serious" states. This is a stark reminder that Awaab's law is not working as intended, and that more needs to be done to address the crisis.

The government's inaction on the issue has been met with frustration from residents, who are being left to suffer in homes that are not safe to live in. Killick's case is a prime example of the problem. Despite reporting her issues to her landlord and local authorities, she has yet to see any meaningful action taken. Her situation is a microcosm of the crisis that is unfolding across the country, and it is clear that more needs to be done to address the issue.

The crisis in social housing is not just a matter of individual residents like Killick, but has far-reaching implications for the entire sector. Awaab's law was introduced with the aim of improving the lives of thousands of social housing residents, but its failure to deliver has significant consequences for the industry as a whole. The UK's social housing sector is facing a funding crisis, with many local authorities struggling to maintain their stock of homes. The Awaab scandal highlighted the need for greater regulation and oversight, but the government's inaction on the issue has left many feeling that the sector is still not being held to account.

The failure of Awaab's law to deliver has also had a significant impact on the research community. Studies have shown that social housing residents are disproportionately affected by poor living conditions, with many experiencing mental health problems and other negative outcomes. The lack of progress on the issue has left researchers feeling frustrated and concerned that the sector is not taking the issue seriously enough. The UK's social housing sector is a major player in the global market, with thousands of homes across the country. The failure of Awaab's law to deliver has significant implications for the sector's reputation and its ability to attract investment.

The crisis in social housing is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern of neglect and underfunding. The UK's social housing sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a funding crisis and a shortage of homes. The government's response to the issue has been slow and inadequate, with many feeling that the sector is not being given the support it needs. The Awaab scandal highlighted the need for greater regulation and oversight, but the government's inaction on the issue has left many feeling that the sector is still not being held to account.