Debate contribution: Housing: Disrepair, Damp and Mould

Debate contribution by Mr Maolíosa McHugh on 24 February 2026.

MLA: Mr Maolíosa McHugh
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 24 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Housing: Disrepair, Damp and Mould
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5404787

Text

We know the facts: damp and mould drive respiratory disease, worsen asthma and place a real and lasting burden on children, older people and families who are, often, already under pressure. The tragic death of Awaab Ishak is, unfortunately, the catalyst that has driven the introduction of Awaab's law, and I, like many others, have witnessed the same circumstances in private lets and, unfortunately, in Housing Executive tenancies, where blame and responsibility have been left with the residents and their lifestyle. Too much of our housing stock is old, poorly insulated and simply not fit for the climate reality that we now face. Retrofitting is not a luxury; it is a public health intervention. If we are serious about prevention, about reducing pressure on the health service and about basic human dignity, we need a new, enforceable, Decent Homes Standard that sets a clear baseline for what people in the North can expect for their homes. Crucially, amendment No 1 shines light on an area that is too often overlooked: single-let temporary accommodation. People who are placed in temporary accommodation are often there because they are already in crisis. However, as the amendment makes clear, much of that accommodation is not subject to routine ongoing inspection with responsibility sitting with private providers, while the Housing Executive acts as an intermediary only when problems are reported. That is not good enough. We should not have to rely on families who are often fearful of the consequences having to complain before action is taken. We should not accept a system in which the most vulnerable are the least protected. Amendment No 1 is right to call for:
"a clear statutory duty on the Housing Executive to regularly inspect and enforce minimum fitness standards across all temporary accommodation."
That brings me back to Awaab's law. Extending its principles, clear legal duties, strict time frames and real enforcement across the social housing and private rented sectors is the responsible thing to do. It is not about just fixing walls or drying out rooms; it is about setting a new Decent Homes Standard that is meaningful, enforceable and backed by law. An extension of Awaab's law will ensure that no child, family or tenant is left waiting while their health is put at risk. For that reason, I support the SDLP amendment.

387 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification