Salix Homes reinforces commitment to safe, healthy homes ahead of Awaab’s Law

Salix Homes has reaffirmed our commitment to providing safe, well-maintained homes for our customers, as new safety legislation known as Awaab’s Law comes into effect this month (October).

Awaab’s Law, which comes into force on 27 October 2025, is being introduced in response to the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who sadly died as a result of prolonged exposure to the damp and mouldy conditions in his Rochdale home.

The new law requires all social housing landlords to fix serious problems like damp, mould, and other safety hazards within strict timeframes.

At Salix Homes, ensuring our customers have safe and high-quality homes is a key priority. We have been continuously focussed on improving our approach to tackling damp, mould and condensation, while also enhancing our Repairs and Maintenance Service to respond more quickly and effectively to customers’ needs.

Earlier this year, we launched a new and improved Repairs Service following an in-depth review shaped by customer feedback. The changes include extended appointment times, including evenings and weekends, the recruitment of additional operatives, and an upgraded online portal, MySalix, which makes it easier for customers to book and manage repairs at any time.

A new state-of-the-art repairs hub in Weaste, operated in partnership with Travis Perkins Managed Services, also opened this summer to support our operatives with faster access to materials and improved stock management. The hub features a modern digital stock management and ordering system, allowing operatives to request, track, and collect materials more efficiently while out on jobs. Since its introduction, the proportion of repairs completed on the first visit has increased from 62% to 94%.

Liam Turner, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “Awaab’s Law is a vital step forward for the housing sector, and the tragic death of Awaab Ishak continues to serve as a stark reminder of why we must prioritise safe, healthy homes for all our customers.

“At Salix Homes, we are committed to making sure every home we manage is safe, well maintained, and a place where people can be proud to live. We have strengthened our repairs service, introduced pro-active measures to prevent issues, provided additional training for our staff and contractors, and made it easier for customers to report concerns.

“We will continue to listen to our customers and use their feedback to improve our services and ensure safety, wellbeing, and quality remain at the heart of everything we do.”

If you have any concerns about damp, mould, or other hazards in your home, please contact Salix Homes on 0800 218 2000 or by using the MySalix customer portal.

You can find information about our repairs and maintenance services on our website at www.salixhomes.co.uk/repairs.