Heat networks are to be covered by a law that gives tenants the right to challenge dangerous conditions in their homes, Inside Housing magazine has reported.
Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law comes into force on 30 November, having been introduced under the previous, Conservative, government in response to the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020. He died from a severe respiratory condition resulting from prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s flat in Rochdale.
Under the law, landlords must address new hazards linked to excess cold and heat.
According to Inside Housing’s report, the government has confirmed that landlords owning a heat network will also be responsible for addressing any significant or emergency hazards arising from it.
Gareth Jones, managing director at heat network consultant FairHeat, posted on LinkedIn that the extension is a ‘significant development’ that will bring ‘greater focus to the performance and reliability of existing heat networks’.
Awaab’s Law imposes new legal requirements on landlords to investigate and fix hazards within prescribed timescales, including carrying out emergency repairs within 24 hours.
They face fines from local councils and potential prosecution if they fail to comply with the law.
