Awaab’s Law: What Housing Providers Need to Know About New Damp and Mould Regulations

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to exposure to mould in his family's rented home has led to significant legislative changes in the UK housing sector.

As specialists in damp and mould remediation, we at 2CT Consultants understand the challenges social landlords and housing associations face in maintaining properties and ensuring tenant safety.

Here we explore the implications of Awaab’s Law for housing providers and offer practical guidance on compliance and best practices.

What is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law, which comes into effect in October 2025, introduces strict timeframes for landlords to investigate and repair hazardous damp and mould issues in social housing. The legislation requires landlords to:

Inspect properties within a set time of receiving a complaint about damp or mould (14 days for potential hazards proposed in the consultation)
Begin necessary repairs within 7 days of an inspection, identifying a serious issue
Complete repairs within an appropriate timeframe
Address emergency repairs that pose imminent danger within 24 hours

Failure to meet these requirements can result in enforcement action by the Regulator of Social Housing and the Housing Ombudsman.

Why This Matters to Housing Providers

The introduction of Awaab’s Law represents a significant shift in how damp and mould issues must be handled. For landlords and housing associations, this means:

Increased accountability: The law places a clear responsibility on housing providers to address harmful living conditions promptly
Stricter compliance requirements: Specific timeframes must be adhered to, requiring efficient systems for complaint handling and repair scheduling
Potential financial implications: Non-compliance could result in fines, legal action, and remediation costs
Reputational considerations: How you respond to damp and mould issues directly impacts tenant trust and your organisation’s reputation

Best Practices for Compliance

Proactive Property Assessment

Rather than waiting for complaints, consider implementing regular property assessments to identify early signs of dampness and mould. This proactive approach can help address issues before they become hazardous and require emergency intervention.
Efficient Complaint Handling Systems

Review your current procedures for receiving and processing tenant complaints. Ensure you have clear workflows that allow for:

Swift acknowledgement of complaints
Proper documentation
Scheduling inspections within the required timeframe
Clear communication with tenants throughout the process

Staff Training

Equip your maintenance teams and property managers with the knowledge to:

Identify different types of damp and mould
Understand underlying causes
Implement appropriate remediation strategies
Communicate effectively with tenants about prevention

Partnering with Damp and Mould Specialists

Damp and mould issues require specialist expertise to identify root causes and implement effective, long-term solutions. Working with experienced professionals ensures that:

Problems are correctly diagnosed
Appropriate remediation methods are used
Underlying issues are addressed to prevent recurrence

How 2CTC Can Help

At 2CT Consultants, we specialise in comprehensive damp and mould solutions for housing providers. Our services include:

Professional property assessments: Thorough evaluations to identify all sources of moisture and mould
Evidence-based remediation: Targeted solutions based on the specific type and cause of damp
Preventative measures: Strategies to reduce the likelihood of future problems
Compliance documentation: Detailed reports that demonstrate your commitment to addressing hazardous conditions

Conclusion

Awaab’s Law represents a positive step toward ensuring safe, healthy living conditions for all tenants. While it introduces new compliance requirements for housing providers, it also presents an opportunity to improve property management practices and demonstrate your commitment to tenant wellbeing.

By taking a proactive approach to damp and mould management, you can not only meet your legal obligations but also protect your investments, enhance your reputation, and most importantly, safeguard the health of your tenants.

For specialist support in managing damp and mould issues effectively, visit our dedicated damp and mould page or contact our team for a consultation.