Under Awaab’s Law, which came into force in October this year, social housing landlords now have a legal duty to inspect and make safe emergency hazards within 24 hours of being reported.
The new regulations were introduced after the tragic passing of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 from prolonged exposure to mould in his home, which caused a severe respiratory condition. Accordingly, the move aims to protect tenants by tackling serious issues like dangerous damp and mould, in set time periods, as well as repair all emergency hazards such as leaks and water loss.
It also raises the operational demands on plumbing, heating and maintenance teams tasked with carrying out this work.
With winter workloads already climbing, installers are under pressure to deliver rapid, first-time fixes without unnecessary downtime. Arctic Hayes is stressing the importance of using tools that improve efficiency on-site and how they will be vital in helping the trade keep pace with the new requirements.
“The new repair rules are a positive step for tenants, but they’ve also intensified the time pressure on contractors,” says Lee Parsons, MD at Arctic Hayes. “When you’re dealing with emergencies, every minute matters. Pipe Freeze gives engineers the flexibility to isolate and repair pipework quickly, saving up to 85% on repair time.” (Based on a 2 hour drain down and refill)
Already a staple for many plumbing professionals, Pipe Freeze allows quick, controlled repairs with minimal disruption – a capability that’s increasingly valuable as response targets tighten and call-outs surge during the colder months.
“It’s not just about working faster,” adds Lee. “It’s about being ready. The ability to make safe and complete repairs within tight timeframes helps landlords meet their legal duties and ensures tenants aren’t left waiting. Our role is to make that as straightforward as possible for the trade.”
It is additionally worth noting that there are plans to bring Awaab’s Law into the private sector with the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill currently making its way through parliament.
As the sector adjusts to the new regulatory environment, Arctic Hayes is encouraging plumbing and heating installers to review their cold-weather toolkits and ensure they’re prepared for a busier, more demanding season of repair work.
For more information on Arctic Hayes visit www.arctic-hayes.com.
Related News
Travis Perkins warns social landlords “to be proactive with mould complaints”
