As a recruitment consultant in the social housing sector, I often engage in discussions about the challenges we face in creating safe and healthy homes for all. Many feel the urgency of this issue, as it impacts communities and individuals across the globe. The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged exposure to damp and mould in a housing association flat is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of failing to address hazards in social housing. His family’s tireless fight for justice led to the creation of Awaab’s Law, which will soon become a key legal requirement for social housing providers. As we approach the law’s implementation in October 2025, it’s impossible to ignore the profound impact this tragedy continues to have on both the sector and the vulnerable individuals it serves.
Awaab’s Law is a significant step forward, but it also underscores the reality of the struggles faced by social housing providers, especially within property services departments. Many of these departments are under immense pressure, facing unprecedented demand and limited resources. The government’s phased approach to introducing the law, from focusing on damp and mould to expanding to other hazards like fire safety and structural risks, reflects the complexity and enormity of the task at hand. While this law aims to ensure landlords act quickly to address hazards, the social housing sector still grapples with a growing demand for repairs, tight budgets, and long waiting lists.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), has faced intense scrutiny since the incident. In response, RBH has taken significant steps to improve its housing standards. The organisation has committed to overhauling its approach to damp and mould management, investing in improved detection systems, and dedicating additional resources to repair and maintenance. Since the tragedy, RBH has introduced new policies and procedures to better identify and address hazards in homes more quickly. This includes mandatory reporting of damp and mould issues, with a clear timeline for action, and improved communication with tenants to ensure that they feel supported in raising concerns. It is crucial to recognise that damp and mould have been persistent issues in the sector for years, and their impact on tenants continues to be widespread. The tragedy of Awaab Ishak’s death could have been prevented, but this is not a problem limited to one housing association. Many social landlords, not just Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), are struggling with backlogs, rising demand, and increasing pressures on property services. This is a challenge that could affect any housing association operating under similar conditions, where resources are stretched thin, and the need for repairs far outweighs the ability to meet demand.
While these efforts are commendable, it is crucial to acknowledge that the wider sector must continue to evolve. Damp and mould continue to be one of the leading complaints in social housing, with the Housing Ombudsman reporting that over 6,000 complaints were made in the past year alone. In 2023, 28% of all complaints to the Ombudsman related to damp, mould, and disrepair, highlighting the ongoing scale of the problem. With over 4 million households in the UK living in social housing, these issues are widespread, and the need for systemic change is clear.
It’s vital to recognise the work that many housing providers are already doing to improve conditions. Many are investing in repairs and using new technologies to improve housing management. However, the struggle remains real, with significant gaps in service still affecting far too many vulnerable tenants. The casework from the Housing Ombudsman paints a bleak picture, with damp and mould still dominating complaints. While the law will force change, landlords must step up and take more responsibility now to avoid preventable failings. This isn't just about compliance, it's about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tenants, particularly children, who deserve so much more.
The burden of this change is felt not only by tenants and landlords but also by those of us who work closely with the sector. As a recruitment consultant, I know firsthand the level of commitment, passion, and expertise needed within property services teams to tackle these challenges. At the same time, I deeply empathise with the human side of the story, the lives affected by conditions that simply should not exist in any home. Every day that a child or family is exposed to hazardous living conditions is a day too long.
As we move towards the implementation of Awaab’s Law, I hope it acts as a catalyst for broader transformation. Social housing departments need to be adequately supported and resourced so they can meet the growing demands for safe, quality homes. It’s not just about legal compliance - it's about building a sector where tenants feel heard, supported, and most importantly, safe. We must all work together, whether through better training, more investment in property services, or stronger collaboration between landlords and local authorities, to ensure no family ever faces the tragedy of Awaab Ishak again.
To those on the front lines of this challenge, I see the daily struggles and the immense pressure to meet demand. But as the social housing sector works toward these vital changes, let’s not forget that every step we take, every investment we make, is one step closer to protecting vulnerable individuals and families. We owe it to people like Awaab, and to the countless others who continue to face unsafe living conditions, to make sure their voices are heard and their lives are valued.
It’s time for real, lasting change in the sector, and we must all be part of the solution.
Spotlight: Social Housing
Spotlight is a centralised hub created via LinkedIn to share insights, raise awareness, and deepen understanding of the sector.
We aim to deliver insights, commentary and updates on the latest trends and legislative changes in Social Housing, providing valuable perspectives on the issues that matter most.
Please click here to view and subscribe on LinkedIn.
Contact Us
If you or your team ever need our support or expertise, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.
Kim Parsons
Phone: 0121 798 0498
Mobile: 0770 015 7018
Email: kim@spirehouse.co.uk
