Awaab’s Law: The Latest Update and What It Means

11 February 2025

In a major step towards improving housing safety and quality, the UK government has announced that Awaab’s Law will officially come into effect in October. This legislation, named in honour of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically passed away due to prolonged exposure to damp and mould, sets strict requirements for social landlords to investigate and resolve hazardous damp and mould issues within designated timeframes. Additionally, all emergency hazards must now be addressed within 24 hours.

This landmark law represents a critical shift in the accountability of landlords and social housing providers, ensuring that tenants live in safe, habitable conditions. With penalties in place for non-compliance, social landlords who fail to meet their obligations could face severe legal consequences – and it’s not just social housing providers that need to take need. In fact, the government is expected to roll out Awaab’s Law to the private rental sector in due course, with Angela Rayner stating in 2024 that “it is a no-brainer to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector and that is exactly what Labour will do”. As such, Awaab’s Law has far broader implications to the UK rental market than just applying to social housing.

Key Provisions of Awaab’s Law

The introduction of Awaab’s Law is part of the government’s broader mission to transform housing conditions across the country, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stating:

“We have a moral duty to ensure tragedies like the death of Awaab Ishak never happen again. Landlords cannot be allowed to rent out dangerous homes and shamelessly put the lives of their tenants at risk.

“Our new laws will force them to fix problems quickly, so that people are safe in their homes and can be proud to live in social housing.”

Some of the key aspects of the government’s updated plans to Awaab’s law include:

  • Mandatory Investigation and Repair Timelines: Landlords are now legally obligated to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould issues within a set timeframe.
  • Emergency Repairs Within 24 Hours: Any emergency hazards – including severe damp, heating failures, or structural issues – must be repaired within a day.
  • Legal Recourse for Tenants: Tenants in social housing now have stronger legal backing to hold landlords accountable if their homes are not maintained to safe standards.
  • Phased Implementation: While the law will initially focus on damp and mould, the government will gradually expand its scope to cover all hazardous conditions in social housing by 2027.
  • Future Expansion to the Private Rented Sector: The government has announced plans to consult on applying Awaab’s Law to privately rented homes through the Renters’ Rights Bill, ensuring the same protections extend to private tenants.

The Urgency of Addressing Damp and Mould

The government’s emphasis on prompt action through Awaab’s Law signals a much-needed cultural shift in property management, placing tenant well-being at the forefront.

Damp and mould have long been silent dangers in poorly maintained homes, leading to severe health issues, particularly for young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. In fact, it is predicted that approximately 2 million individuals are currently living in homes where damp and mould are present, which constitutes 3-4% of homes in England. Awaab Ishak’s case was a devastating example of the real-life consequences of prolonged exposure to mould, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulations.

However, the impact of damp and mould isn’t limited to tenant health—it can also lead to significant structural damage, increasing repair costs for landlords in the long run. As such, adherence to the guidance of Awaab’s Law isn’t just paramount for tenant well-being, but can greatly benefit property managers, landlords and housing associations as they seek to maintain profitable portfolios.

What This Means for Landlords, Housing Associations and Property Managers

With Awaab’s Law coming into force, landlords, housing associations and property managers must act now to ensure compliance. Key steps to complying with the upcoming Awaab’s Law include:

  • Proactive Property Inspections: Regular inspections should be conducted to identify early signs of damp and mould before they escalate into severe problems and to stop mould coming back.
  • Immediate Response Plans: Implementing clear protocols for responding to tenant complaints about damp, mould, and other hazards within the new legal timeframes.
  • Tenant Education and Communication: Ensuring tenants are aware of their rights and how to report housing issues effectively, providing them with the relevant contact details and communication avenues.
  • Compliance with Existing Standards: In addition to Awaab’s Law, landlords must ensure their properties meet the Decent Homes Standard and broader housing safety regulations that are similarly upgrading standards for rental accommodation. You can find out more about these legislative changes through our free-to-download whitepapers.
  • Technology-Driven Monitoring: Investing in real-time monitoring solutions to track humidity, temperature, and moisture levels, allowing for early detection and intervention.

How ResiSure Can Help You Stay Compliant

With regulatory scrutiny increasing, leveraging smart property management technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Investing in proactive monitoring systems can help landlords avoid costly legal consequences while ensuring their tenants live in safe, habitable homes.

At ResiSure, we provide cutting-edge technology designed to help landlords, BTR operators, housing associations, and property managers monitor and subsequently manage conditions across their portfolios effectively.

Our tailored solutions include:

  • Real-Time Data Tracking: Advanced sensors that monitor humidity, temperature, and mould risk factors in real time in alignment with our thoroughly researched mould index.
  • Retrofit Validation: Technology to assess and validate the impact of your retrofitting efforts, ensuring long-term property improvements are effective.
  • Compliance Support: Comprehensive reporting tools that help landlords demonstrate compliance with Awaab’s Law and other regulatory standards.

Don’t Ignore Upcoming Compliant Changes – Stay Ahead 

Awaab’s Law represents a significant milestone in the fight for safer housing conditions. With clear legal obligations and strict timelines in place, landlords, housing associations, BTR operators and property managers must take immediate action to meet these new requirements. By embracing innovative solutions like ResiSure’s real-time monitoring and retrofit validation technology, landlords can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring compliance while safeguarding the well-being of their tenants.

As the government continues to refine and expand housing regulations, the need for proactive property management has never been greater. Now is the time to invest in the right tools and strategies to keep your properties safe, compliant, and fit for the future.

Explore ResiSure’s innovative technology today and ensure your properties remain protected under the new legal framework – get in touch with our team below to find out more.