Antonia Jennings, CEO at Centre for London, comments on the government’s announcement on Awaab’s Law

1 in 3 Londoners experience mould

“According to our polling with Savanta, 1 in 3 London renters experienced mould in their homes within the last 12 months.”

Awaab’s law is welcome, but funds are needed to cover repair costs

“We see Awaab’s law as a vital piece of legislation, plugging a gap in the Decent Homes Standard by mandating repair times. Pushing through this law to eradicate the health effects of damp and mould in social homes is welcome.

And yet, repairing homes with damp and mould can be costly. Social housing providers – especially councils – are incredibly strapped for cash. If the government want to enforce legislation on repair times, they’ll need to shore up this new change in law with an injection of funds.”

Private renters are left exposed to damp and mould by not being covered by Awaab’s Law

“At this stage, Awaab’s law purely pertains to the social rented sector. This will be vastly disappointing to the millions of Londoners currently living in private accommodation.

1 in 6 privately rented London homes fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard – meaning Londoners are forking out huge sums for sub-par housing. Legislation has failed to keep up with the private rental sector.”

“There are clear, necessary next steps. We call for the government to extend Awaab’s law to the private rental sector, alongside releasing money through a fund which can be used for repairs such as damp and mould, building safety work, and ensuring our homes are net-zero. All Londoners deserve to live in a home free from damp and mould.”