20/02/2025

Landlord’s Guide to Awaab’s Law: Preventing and Treating Mould in Rental Properties

A new law introduced in the UK in 2025 requires landlords to take action to prevent and address damp and mould in social housing. Here’s a clear breakdown of why the law was introduced, what it requires, and the steps landlords must take to stay compliant.

What is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law is a part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It ensures social housing landlords tackle damp and mould within strict timeframes. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s flat in Rochdale, the law enforces higher maintenance standards to prevent similar tragedies.

When Does Awaab’s Law Come Into Effect?

Awaab’s Law will be implemented in phases:

October 2025: Social landlords in England must address reports of dangerous damp and mould within set deadlines. Emergency hazards must be repaired within 24 hours.
2026: The law expands to cover additional hazards, including excess cold, structural risks, fire safety, electrical faults, and hygiene hazards.
2027: Requirements extend to all remaining hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), excluding overcrowding.

Who Does the Law Apply To?

Awaab’s Law applies to social housing landlords in England. The government is considering extending it to private landlords in the future.

What Does the Legislation Say?

Prompt Repairs

Landlords must investigate and fix reports of damp and mould within set deadlines. Emergency hazards must be addressed within 24 hours.

Enforcement

Tenants can legally hold landlords accountable, and failure to comply can lead to court action and penalties.

How Can Landlords Stay Compliant?

1. Investigate Reports Promptly

Respond to tenant reports within the legally required timeframe.
Address emergency hazards (those posing immediate health risks) within 24 hours.
Assess and resolve non-urgent cases within the fixed legal deadline.

2. Fix Damp and Mould Issues Quickly

Carry out necessary repairs to eliminate damp and mould.
Fix leaks, improve ventilation, upgrade insulation, or address heating issues.
Resolve external structural problems contributing to damp.

3. Prevent Damp and Mould from Developing

Ensure adequate ventilation through windows, extractor fans, and vents.
Monitor indoor temperature and humidity to prevent condensation.
Maintain roofs, plumbing, and insulation to stop moisture build-up.

4. Conduct Regular Property Inspections

Proactively check for damp and mould, even without tenant reports.
Inspect high-risk areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and colder rooms.
Address issues early to prevent escalation and legal consequences.

5. Keep Records of Actions Taken

Maintain detailed records of reports, inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
Proper documentation helps prove compliance and avoid disputes.

6. Communicate Clearly with Tenants

Inform tenants about how to report issues and what actions will be taken.
Provide clear timelines for inspections and repairs.
Maintain open communication to avoid misunderstandings.

Failure to follow these steps can result in legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

Best Humidity Meters for Landlords

A reliable humidity meter helps landlords monitor property conditions, prevent mould, and prove compliance.

Healthy Living Therma-Hygrometer

Designed for continual monitoring, this colour-coded hygrometer helps tenants track humidity levels and take proactive steps to prevent damp.
Encourages tenant awareness of activities that impact humidity and helps identify issues early before they cause damage.

6000 Therma-Hygrometer

A handheld, high-accuracy temperature and humidity meter ideal for property inspections.
British-made, durable, and supplied with a two-year guarantee, providing landlords with a reliable tool for compliance.

ThermaData WiFi Humidity Logger

Offers full peace of mind with remote monitoring capabilities and a bulletproof digital data archive.
Allows landlords to monitor trends over time, identify problem areas, and take quicker corrective action when needed.

Summary

Awaab’s Law social housing standards will be in place from October 2025. The act means social housing landlords must investigate and fix damp and mould within strict timeframes.