Propertymark is lobbying Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to suggest that letting agents have a vital role to play in the extension of Awaab’s Law to the private rental sector.

The law was  introduced in July 2023 as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and is named after Awaab Ishak, a two year old child who lived in a one-bedroom flat in Rochdale and died as a result of prolonged exposure to black mould. The law was passed following a petition by Awaab’s parents, the Manchester Evening News and Shelter.

Awaab’s Law currently requires social housing landlords to follow strict timescales to inspect and repair hazards, including damp and mould. The last Conservative government wanted this to be extended to the private rental sector too, but failed to legislate: now Labour says it will do so.

Now Propertymark says, in a statement on its website: “Propertymark is in contact with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner MP, to clarify plans to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector (PRS) and to promote the value that agents have in ensuring consumers are protected, driving up standards, and stamping out bad practice.

“We support greater regulation of the PRS and the wider housing sector and believe that consumers should receive a professional service from a qualified property agent, whether buying or selling a home or property or renting. Mandatory qualifications should sit alongside a statutory code of practice, registration and licence to operate.”

In late 2022 Propertymark released a factsheet for agents on the issue, saying tenants and landlords also needed to contribute to preventative measures to reduce the impact of damp and mould. 

In spring this year Polly Neate, chief executive of housing charity Shelter, said every landlord should have clear timelines for dealing with disrepair and tough action should be taken where they fall short.