Industry figure worried over Labour plan to extend Awaab’s Law to PRS
PropCall boss Aaron Mcwilliam says new legislation for those letting out properties could lead to increased pressure on property managers.
New legislation that would extend the Government’s ‘Awaab’s Law’ to private as well as social landlords if Labour wins power could lead to increased pressure on property managers the boss of an industry supplier.
The Government has already issued guidance on managing mould and damp within social housing and Ministers are consulting on Awaab’s Law, which would enable tenants in the social rented sector to hold landlords to account for poor housing conditions by taking legal action through the courts and require minimum response times.
MOULD AND DAMP
The law is named after toddler Awaab Ishak, whose death in Rochdale was linked to mould and damp at his parent’s council flat within the town.
Recently introduced requirements from the Housing Secretary will see those responsible for letting out properties have to resolve issues quicker than ever before, with time limits of as little as 24 hours for emergency issues.
The Neg reported earlier this month that Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner reckons that the extension of the law, which was triggered by the toddler’s death, would be a ‘no brainer’.
But Aaron Mcwilliam (main picture), Managing Director of PropCall, believes the tight time constraints of Awaab’s Law could affect managing agents’ ability to switch off outside of working hours.
The strain could be particularly evident on weekends, with the 24-hour turnaround impossible to achieve without having to work during time off.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
He says: “Over the last few years – particularly post-pandemic – we have seen employees’ priorities shift and more people are now looking for flexibility and better work-life balance opportunities from their employer.
“These new regulations could have a negative effect on this, with mounting pressure for property managers to be ‘switched on’ 24/7 in order to deal with any issues and work over the weekend.”
Mcwilliam says numerous studies show that those with a better work-life balance are more productive and contribute more to their company if they are able to relax and recharge when they are not in the office.
He adds: “Utilising support from external companies could be the solution, as it allows staff to hand over the reins after hours and leave their worries at the door.”
