Citizens Advice calls for ‘Awaab’s law’ to be extended to PRS

A charity is calling for a new law aimed at cracking down on mould issues in social housing to be extended to private housing landlords.

Citizens Advice is urging the government to bring regulation of the private rented sector (PRS) in line with social housing after the death of Awaab Ishak.

The government recently announced a new ‘Awaab’s law’ that will force social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits.

The toddler died in Rochdale from a respiratory condition that had been caused by exposure to mould in his social housing flat.

1.6 million children live in privately rented homes with damp or mould

Citizens Advice says it has carried out a survey that reveals that 1.6 million children currently live in privately rented homes with damp, mould or excessive cold.

According to the survey, more than half (58%) of private renters in England are struggling with either damp, mould or excessive cold or a combination of these issues.

The survey also found that 30% of renters can’t afford to heat their home to a comfortable temperature – increasing to 45% of disabled tenants.

The charity says that the average private tenant in England is paying £350 more a year on heating because of poorly insulated and damp homes, while those in the least efficient properties are paying an extra £950.

‘Improving energy efficiency in privately rented homes has never been more urgent’

Gillian Cooper, head of energy policy at Citizens Advice, said: “Every week we hear stories of people living in cold, damp and mouldy properties they can’t afford to heat properly.

“It’s shameful that more than 20 years since legislation came into force to reduce fuel poverty and improve the energy performance of homes, people are still suffering.”

She added: “Improving energy efficiency in privately rented homes has never been more urgent. It’s the step needed to keep people’s essential bills low, while also helping to protect their mental and physical health.”

‘Some landlords have already spent nearly £9,000 on improvements to meet EPC requirements’

The charity is calling on the government to follow through on its promise to make sure all new private rental properties are upgraded to a minimum EPC C rating by 2025 and existing tenancies by 2028.

At the moment, landlords are only required to bring properties to an E rating and do not have to make any improvements that will cost more than £3,500.

Citizens Advice wants the cap to be increased from £3,500 to £10,000.

Some landlords have already spent nearly £9,000 on improvements to meet proposed EPC requirements, according to findings from Shawbrook bank.

And a survey from Foundation Home Loans that asked landlords how they would fund the upgrades, 62% said they would use savings, 30% said they would put up the rent to cover the cost and 19% would seek a Government grant or funding.