Purpose

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
24th 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
 

Content

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.