A new law, named Awaab’s Law, has been implemented to provide enhanced protections for millions of social housing tenants, ensuring their rights to safe and dry living conditions and prompt repairs for life-threatening issues like damp and mold. Landlords are now required to address critical problems within specified legal timeframes or risk facing legal consequences, compensation claims, and rental income loss.
Effective from October 27, 2025, Awaab’s Law is applicable across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with Scotland also developing similar legislation. The legislation mandates social landlords to swiftly rectify hazardous living conditions, with emergency risks needing resolution within 24 hours. These changes are a response to the unfortunate passing of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged mold exposure.
Under the new regulations, landlords must investigate significant damp and mold issues within 10 working days of notification and ensure property safety within five working days. Additionally, landlords must inform tenants of inspection findings within three working days for both emergency and non-emergency hazards.
The reforms necessitate landlords to consider vulnerable tenants, such as children and individuals with disabilities or health issues, who may be at increased risk. If properties cannot be made safe within specified timeframes, landlords must provide alternative accommodation.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of providing every individual with a secure and decent living environment, citing Awaab Ishak’s case as a poignant illustration of the life-threatening consequences of inadequate housing conditions. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to expand Awaab’s Law in the coming years to enhance safety measures and increase affordable housing stock.
Awaab’s Law stands as a tribute to Awaab Ishak and his family’s advocacy for improved living standards in social housing. Mold exposure poses health risks, ranging from allergic reactions to severe respiratory issues, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. The new regulations are expected to have a positive impact on families striving to maintain health and warmth, particularly as winter approaches.
Legal expert Louise Ainley underscores the significance of early detection of mold issues, urging tenants to report problems promptly to landlords through written communication, keeping detailed records for evidence if needed. She advises tenants on their rights to request in-person inspections for serious issues affecting health and safety.
If landlords fail to address mold or damp issues within legal timelines, tenants are encouraged to seek alternative accommodations and escalate concerns through relevant channels for resolution. Tenants are advised to continue rent payments during the process but can seek rent reductions or compensation for legal breaches.