Dealing with Damp, Mould and Condensation
Understanding Awaab’s Law and Our Commitment to Tackling Damp and Mould
In December 2022, the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home shocked the nation. In response, the UK government introduced Awaab’s Law, which enshrines stronger obligations for social landlords to respond promptly to issues of damp and mould in tenants’ homes.
At Mansfield District Council, we take this responsibility seriously. We are fully committed to complying with Awaab’s Law and ensuring that no one has to live in unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law is a legal reform introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It requires social landlords to:
-
Investigate hazards such as damp and mould within a specified timeframe once a complaint is made.
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Begin repairs within a clearly defined period.
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Complete the work within a reasonable and enforceable timescale.
This law aims to ensure that tenants’ complaints about hazardous conditions—especially those affecting health—are not ignored or delayed.
How We Monitor Our Performance
To meet and exceed the standards set out in Awaab’s Law, we have implemented a robust damp and mould response policy and procedure. Here’s how we monitor and improve our performance:
|
Cat
|
Indicator
|
Target | Time period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Case Volume |
|||
|
KPI |
Number of damp and mould cases reported |
No Target | 183 | |
|
KPI |
Percentage of damp and mould cases reported per 1000 properties |
No Target | 29.28 | |
|
KPI |
Number of emergency damp and mould cases reported |
No Target | 47 | |
|
KPI |
Number of potentially significant damp and mould cases reported | No Target | 136 | |
|
KPI |
% of emergency damp and mould cases investigated within 24 hours | 100% | 78.57% | |
|
KPI |
% of potential significant damp and mould cases investigated within 10 working days |
100% | 88.98% | |
|
KPI |
% of emergency make safe works completed within 24 hours |
100% | 90% | |
|
KPI |
% of potentially significant make safe works completed within 5 working days | 100% | 62% | |
| KPI | % of remedial works started within 5 working days | 100% | 100% | |
|
KPI |
% of remedial works (where works cannot begin within 5 working days) started within 12 weeks |
100% | 100% | |
|
KPI |
% of written summaries provided to tenants within 3 working days of the investigation | 100% | 78.6% | |
|
KPI |
% of post inspections carried out within 6 weeks of repairs being completed | 100% | 3.6% | |
|
KPI |
% of hazards categorised correctly when first reported |
95% | 100% | |
|
KPI |
% of tenants satisfied with the handling of their damp and mould case |
90% | 85.72% | |
| KPI | % of post inspections completed within 6 weeks of repair being completed | 95% | 3.6% |