A council wants private tenants to ‘grass’ on rogue landlords in the light of the tragic death of toddler Awaab Ishak.

Telford & Wrekin council claims it’s committed to clamping down on landlords who fail to provide a sufficient standard of housing for tenants, including repairs.

Awaab Ishak died after mould was not treated and prevented at his rented Rochdale flat by social landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.

Following six days of evidence, an inquest at Rochdale Corners Court concluded that two-year-old Awaab died as a result of a severe respiratory condition caused due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home environment.

Now Telford and Wrekin council has issued a statement saying private tenants can contact the council’s housing team to report landlords who are “ignoring the law or avoiding their legal responsibilities or report outstanding repairs in their rented property.”

It says once a case is reported, the council will investigate a range of issues relating to housing conditions.

They include landlords who deliberately allow tenants to live in unsafe housing, don’t provide Energy Performance Certificates for the property, let a property which falls below the minimum energy efficiency standard and those who don’t use competent people to carry out essential maintenance work.

A spokesperson says: “We work closely with landlords and letting agents across the borough to make sure they bring properties up to standard and recognise that there are many excellent landlords in Telford and Wrekin.

”The very sad social housing case in Rochdale highlights the importance of reporting damp, mould growth and other problems and any landlords who are allowing sub-standard conditions in the properties they rent out so we can make sure any issues are addressed.”