Watchdog warns windows in poor condition may present hazards covered by Awaab’s Law
The Housing Ombudsman has warned landlords to “avoid apathy” regarding window disrepair in its latest ‘learning from severe maladministration report’.
Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway described windows as “one of the strongest emerging concerns in our casework” and said that some of the cases included in the report have “echoes of Awaab Ishak’s case because of the risk of apathy towards conditions.”
These include several cases involving windows being boarded up for long periods, lasting five years for one household.
In another case, an investigation found that a resident complained for eight years about excess cold until the windows were repaired.
The report also highlighted that window disrepair can present risks across multiple hazards, such as loss of natural light, poor ventilation and damp and mould, which “reinforces the importance of landlords preparing for the extension of Awaab’s Law to other hazards.”
It also underlines the human impact of neglected repairs, such as sleep deprivation due to excess cold and safety fears for children, including risks of falling from taller buildings.
The watchdog recommended that landlords assess window disrepair as a hazard through effective triaging, integrated risk assessments, central oversight of repairs and clear records and communication.
Blakeway added: “We continue to see landlords deferring repairs in favour of cyclical works. We understand replacing windows can be complex and costly, especially in high-rise buildings. But we also know major works can be prone to delays. Nor does this response deal with the immediate impact of faulty windows. It prolongs a resident’s exposure to potential hazards and the landlord to unmitigated risks.”
No comments yet