Cambridge mum living with mould hopes Awaab's Law brings action
She first spotted damp and mould in her home around four years ago
A Cambridge mum who has been living with mould and damp issues in her home hopes her concerns will now be heard.
Dianne moved into her rented flat around five years ago, before seeing the problem become more apparent.
But despite repeatedly asking for help by her landlord, little action has been taken.
"My landlord has threatened to evict me, making me feel homeless; I tried to explain where they should consider fixing the mould in the house and I like to use my children's health as a perspective (to fix the house)," Dianne said.
"I have the right to tell my landlord to fix something that's not right in my home but when I do this, it's really draining."
Awaab's Law
New legislation in Awaab's Law has come into force, following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 having lived with a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould.
The law will require all landlords of social housing will be given fixed timeframes to address hazards which pose a significant risk to tenants.
Landlords will be forced to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours of them being reported.
Homes with damp and mould must be investigated within 10 working days and made safe within five after inspection.
Under the reforms, landlords must now consider the circumstances of tenants which could put them at risk - including young children - and alternative accommodation must be offered if homes cannot be made safe within the set timeframes.
If landlords do not meet the new rules, they could be taken to court and issued with the likes of enforcement orders, compensation and legal costs, the Government has said.
The Government has also set up a £1 million fund to help tenants speak with their landlords to try and have more influence on decisions that affect them.
A second phase of Awaab's Law - covering more hazards like excess cold and heat - is due to be introduced next year before a third phase in 2027 to cover all remaining hazards covered by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said Awaab's story is "a powerful reminder of how this can sadly be a matter of life or death.  
"Our changes will give tenants a stronger voice and force landlords to act urgently when lives are at risk, ensuring such tragedies are never repeated."
'Landlords being held accountable'
According to the National Housing Federation, housing associations have increased spending on repairs and maintenance by 55% since 2020, with plans to spend an extra £50 billion within the next five years.
Government figures reported last year showed the number of homes in England with damp and mould jumped from 962,000 to 6.5m.
While last year, a 'Rogue Landlord Report' found in the East of England, 38% of renters faced problems with mould and damp, while nearly a fifth were threatened with eviction.
Dianne said despite the law change, she still feels anxious about the future.
"I've always paid my rent, I've done nothing wrong but I still think I could lose my home at any time; "I feel like I'm left in a constant worry about the future," she added.
"One of the main things I'd like to see is landlords being held accountable for repairs," Dianne added.
"I feel like there should be clearer timelines and consequences if they do not act."