Awaab’s Law is one of the most significant changes in housing standards in recent years. Introduced in response to a tragic death caused by prolonged exposure to mould in a social housing property, this new legislation aims to ensure that damp and mould problems get a rapid response and proper resolution rather than being ignored or left to worsen. GOV.UK+1
For homeowners, landlords and tenants alike, understanding Awaab’s Law can shed light on why dealing with damp and mould is more important than ever, not just cosmetically, but for health, safety and legal responsibility.
Where Awaab’s Law Came From
Awaab’s Law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who died in 2020 due to prolonged mould exposure in his Rochdale home. The tragedy highlighted systemic failures to deal with damp and mould issues promptly. In response, the UK Government introduced the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which added provisions now known as Awaab’s Law. House of Commons Library
The first phase of the law came into force in England on 27 October 2025 and focuses on damp, mould and emergency hazards in social housing.
What Awaab’s Law Requires
Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords (such as local authorities and housing associations) have new legal duties when a tenant reports damp, mould or other serious hazards:
-
Investigate emergency hazards (including mould and damp if they pose a serious health risk) within 24 hours of notification. GOV.UK
-
Investigate significant damp and mould hazards within 10 working days of becoming aware of them. GOV.UK
-
Once identified, action must be taken to make the property safe within another specified timeframe, with written communication of findings provided to tenants.
At this stage, Awaab’s Law applies specifically to social housing tenants in England, but future legislation is expected to extend similar protections to the private rented sector through broader renters’ rights reforms.
Why This Matters for Damp and Mould
The core focus of Awaab’s Law is simple: if damp and mould are creating a health or safety risk, they must be investigated and resolved quickly.
Damp and mould can:
-
Harm internal finishes and structure
-
Reduce air quality and trigger respiratory issues
-
Spread silently behind walls before visible signs appear
In older properties or those with insulation issues, damp often isn’t just a surface stain, it’s a deeper moisture problem that requires targeted diagnosis and repair.
Crucially, the law reflects an important shift in thinking: damp and mould are not just cosmetic issues; they are significant hazards that can impact health and safety if they are not addressed promptly and properly.
How CavClear can help
While Awaab’s Law currently applies to social landlords, the principles behind it are relevant to all property owners and managing agents, including homeowners, private landlords and surveyors. Early and accurate diagnosis of damp and mould problems prevents them from becoming significant hazards in the first place.
At CavClear, we specialise in:
-
Professional damp surveys that identify the root cause of moisture issues, not just the visible symptoms
-
Mould investigation and reporting, providing clear, evidence-based recommendations
-
Cavity wall insulation checks to identify trapped moisture and failed insulation
-
Assessments that support landlords and homeowners in meeting compliance standards and resolving problems before they escalate
Whether you’re a tenant worried about mould, a landlord trying to meet your obligations, or a homeowner noticing persistent damp spots, a thorough survey is the first step towards a healthy, safe home.
If you have concerns about damp or mould in your property, contacting us now can help you tackle issues early and avoid costly, damaging problems down the line. Click here to make an enquiry.
Recent Comments