The Importance of Mould Treatment - Awaab's Law

What is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law is a new UK housing regulation that came into force on 27 October 2025 in England. It was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from prolonged mould exposure in his social housing home, and aims to make sure landlords act quickly to protect tenants from hazardous living conditions. Housing Hub+1

Under the law, landlords — initially social landlords (councils and housing associations) — must investigate and repair certain serious hazards within strict timeframes once a problem is formally reported. Housing Hub

Core Requirements for Landlords (Current Phase)

1. Emergency Hazards:Landlords must investigate and make safe any emergency hazard — for example, major leaks, dangerous electrical faults, damaged external doors or windows, or other hazards that pose a serious risk to health and safety — within 24 hours of being informed. GOV.UK

2. Significant Damp & Mould:If a tenant reports significant damp or mould that could harm health, landlords must:

• Investigate within 10 working days of the report.

• Provide a written summary of findings to the tenant within 3 working days of the inspection ending.

• Begin remedial works within 5 working days of the investigation confirming that a hazard exists. GOV.UK+1

3. Tenant Communication:Landlords must give tenants clear written details of what they found and how they plan to make the property safe. GOV.UK

4. Alternative Accommodation:If a home cannot be made safe within required timescales, landlords must offer suitable temporary accommodation to keep tenants safe until repairs are completed. Plus Dane Housing

Future Phases and Expansion

Awaab’s Law is being implemented in phases:

• 2025: Emergency hazards and significant damp/mould (current active phase). Housing Hub

• From October 2026: Additional serious hazards under the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) such as excess cold/heat, structural risk, fire/electrical danger, and hygiene issues will be included. npta.org.uk

• By 2027: The law will cover the full range of hazards in the HHSRS (except overcrowding). npta.org.uk

There are also plans to extend similar requirements to private rented homes under the wider Renters’ Rights Act, though full details and timelines for private landlords are still being phased in. Reddit

What Landlords Should Do to Abide by the Law

To comply with Awaab’s Law and avoid legal or regulatory action:

✔ Keep Clear Reporting & Recording SystemsEnsure hazards are logged promptly when a tenant reports them (in writing, through an online system, etc.), and keep detailed records of investigations, communications, and repair actions.

✔ Monitor and Inspect Properties RegularlyCarry out proactive inspections, especially in older buildings or high-risk properties, so problems like damp or mould are identified early.

✔ Act Within the Legal TimeframesRespond quickly:

• Emergency hazards — within 24 hours

• Damp/mould investigation — within 10 working days

• Written report — within 3 working days of inspection

• Repairs started — within 5 working days after investigation

✔ Provide Communication to TenantsOffer clear written updates and explanations of findings and planned works to tenants once investigations are complete.

✔ Plan for Future Expanded PhasesPrepare systems and processes to cover additional hazards as the law is extended in 2026 and 2027, and to extend these standards to private sector properties when required.

✔ Offer Alternative Accommodation When NeededIf a home cannot be made safe in the required timeframe, landlords must arrange and offer alternative safe accommodation at their cost.