How we’re preparing for the launch of Awaab’s Law
With Awaab’s Law coming into force this month, we have taken proactive steps to deliver continued improvements to the safety and quality of its more than 11,000 homes.
The new legislation, which is being introduced on the 27October following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, places strict legal duties on social landlords to address damp, mould, and other emergency hazards within fixed timeframes.
Key deadlines include investigating emergency hazards within 24 hours, significant hazards within 10 working days and providing a written summary within 3 days of the investigation.
If an emergency, relevant safety work must be carried out within 24 hours of the investigation, and within 5 working days for significant risks, with physical work starting within 12 weeks
To meet these requirements we have established a new dedicated team who have already made significant progress, more than halving the number of reported cases so far.
They’ve invested in a new case management system (CMS), which includes updated inspection forms and automation features. It also allows inspectors to raise and schedule repairs more efficiently, while keeping tenants informed with clear summaries of the work being done.
In readiness for the changes, we also launched a new reporting system to monitor compliance with Awaab’s Law. This tool provides real-time insights into performance, helping to ensure that every case is handled promptly and effectively.
Looking ahead, we are continuing to upskill colleagues whilst focusing on communication to make sure tenants are aware of the changes and what they can expect.
Mark Tasker, Damp, Mould & Disrepair Manager at Ongo said: “Preparing for Awaab’s Law has been a real opportunity for us to strengthen the way we work and improve the experience for our tenants.
“Just like for my home, or any of my colleagues, we know that having a safe and comfortable place to live is what matters, and so it’s about more than meeting legal requirements, it’s about delivering a service our tenants can trust.
“The changes we’ve made, from investing in new systems to building a dedicated team, are already making a difference and it’s great to see that reflected in what our tenants are telling us.
“If you’re an Ongo tenant and have damp and mould, please report it to us as soon as possible. There is lots you can do to prevent this too, so please look at our website for lots of tips and guidance.”
For more information on how we are supporting tenants and tackling damp and mould, visit www.ongo.co.uk/damp.
To learn more about Awaab’s Law, visit: