Tenancies, not licences
Awaab's Law applies to social housing let on a tenancy, including temporary and supported housing let on a tenancy. It doesn't apply to homes occupied under a licence, to shared ownership homes or to long leaseholders.
Almshouses
Almshouse residents usually live in their homes under a licence, as beneficiaries of the charity, rather than under a tenancy. If that's how your residents occupy their homes, Awaab's Law doesn't apply to those homes. Check your occupancy agreements: if any homes are let on a tenancy, Awaab's Law applies to them.
The rules that still apply
If your almshouse charity is a registered provider:
- the Complaint Handling Code applies if you're a member of the Housing Ombudsman Scheme
- STAIRs applies, and its definition of a tenant includes licensees, such as almshouse residents
- the Competence and Conduct Standard applies, although unpaid volunteers are exempt from its qualification requirements.
Awaab's Law not applying doesn't mean hazards can wait. Your other duties to keep homes safe still apply.
Questions
What if some of our homes are let on a tenancy?
Awaab's Law applies to those homes, even if most residents live under a licence.
Does STAIRs apply to almshouses?
If the almshouse charity is a registered provider, yes. STAIRs' definition of a tenant includes licensees.
Do our volunteer trustees need housing qualifications?
No. Unpaid volunteers are exempt from the qualification requirements in the Competence and Conduct Standard.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Awaab's Law guidance for social landlords
- GOV.UK: STAIRs policy statement
- GOV.UK: qualifications policy statement (PDF)
This guide is general information, not legal advice.