Shelter response to Awaab’s Law Consultation on timescales for repairs in the social rented sector

Awaab Ishak died in Rochdale on 21 December 2020, only a week after his 2nd birthday. The coroner’s report (November 2022) cited the cause of his death as a severe respiratory condition (acute airway oedema with severe granulomatous tracheobronchitis) due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home.

Awaab’s Law is a testament to the strength and determination of Awaab’s parents, Faisal Abdullah and Aisha Amin, that Awaab’s legacy must be that no other family should lose their child due to hazardous conditions in their rented home.

If lessons are to be learned from Awaab’s case, it’s vital that government introduce them urgently and robustly to ensure social landlords address hazardous conditions quickly and in an effective manner.