Decision details

Awaab’s Law introduces new statutory duties for social landlords to address damp, mould and condensation (DMC) hazards and other emergency hazards within strict timescales.

The report to Cabinet sets out proposed interim policy updates that will ensure Kirklees Council meets the requirements of Awaab’s Law, building on the positive work done by Homes & Neighbourhoods in recent months to reduce the significant backlog of damp, mould and condensation (DMC) cases, and to provide a proactive repairs service to council tenants.

The report sets out the detail of the proposed policy updates and proposes an intention to embark on a meaningful programme of tenant engagement on these and other Homes & Neighbourhoods policies, enabling tenants to inform the services we provide.

Cabinet is requested:

·       To note and agree the Repairs and Maintenance Policy: Interim Update.

·       To note and agree the Damp, Mould and Condensation (DMC) Policy: Interim Update.

·       To note the intention to consult further with tenants on the detail and effectiveness of these policies, which may lead to subsequent policy amendments.

·       To note the intention to develop further supporting policies and procedures in consultation with tenants.

Engagement and Consultation

An update was provided to the Homes & Neighbourhoods Tenant Led Panel (TLP) on 24^th September 2025. Members of the TLP are keen to be involved in further scrutiny and development of emerging repairs-related policies and procedures.

Homes & Neighbourhoods are working to improve and broaden the levels of tenant involvement and influence in policy development, as required by the Regulator of Social Housing’s Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard. A programme of tenant engagement is proposed in 2026, with a view to providing tenants with meaningful opportunities to scrutinise and influence policy and services. This programme will include review of the Interim Repairs & Maintenance Policy and Interim Damp, Mould & Condensation Policy.

Tenants were consulted on the Damp, Mould and Condensation Policy, approved at Cabinet on 10 September 2024.

Tenants were consulted on the repairs-related variations to the Tenancy Agreement, approved at Cabinet on 8 July 2025.

Background Documents

·       10 September 2024 - Cabinet - Damp, Mould and Condensation Policy

·       8 July 2025 - Cabinet - Variation to the Terms of the Tenancy Agreement

·       22 September 2025 – G&R Scrutiny Panel – Kirklees Council’s Preparation for Awaab’s Law / Policy Updates

1)    That the Repairs and Maintenance Policy: Interim Update be noted and approved.

2)    That the Damp, Mould and Condensation (DMC) Policy: Interim Update be noted and approved.

3)    That the intention to consult further with tenants on the detail and effectiveness of these policies, which may lead to subsequent policy amendments be noted.

4)    That the intention to develop further supporting policies and procedures in consultation with tenants.