New Damp and Mould Rules: Awaab's Law Explained
Damp and mould in your home can have serious consequences for you and anyone else living with you, and below we summarise the issue, causes, preventions, and the new responsibilities placed on landlords from October this year. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, please report to Rydon as soon as possible on 0800 027 7090 or regenter@rydon.co.uk.
What does the law say?
Landlords have a legal duty to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation, this includes being free from damp and mould, and "Awaab's Law" strengthens this duty, requiring social landlords to address these issues within strict timeframes.
Awaab's Law was introduced in response to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in 2020 and will require social landlords to address damp and mould hazards within strict timeframes.
From 27th October 2025, social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timescales. They must:
Investigate any potential emergency hazards and, if the investigation confirms emergency hazards, undertake relevant safety work as soon as reasonably practicable, both within 24 hours of becoming aware of them
Investigate any potential significant hazards within 10 working days of becoming aware of them
Produce a written summary of investigation findings and provide this to the named tenant within 3 working days of the conclusion of the investigation
Undertake relevant safety work within 5 working days of the investigation concluding, if the investigation identifies a significant hazard
Begin, or take steps to begin, any further required works within 5 working days of the investigation concluding, if the investigation identifies a significant or emergency hazard. If steps cannot be taken to begin work in 5 working days this must be done as soon as possible, and work must be physically started within 12 weeks
Satisfactorily complete works within a reasonable time period
Secure the provision of suitable alternative accommodation for the household, at the social landlord’s expense, if relevant safety work cannot be completed within specified timeframes
Keep the named tenant updated throughout the process and provide information on how to keep safe
Tenants can take legal action against landlords if these duties are breached and maybe be able to claim rent reductions or refunds.
For more information, or to discuss the topic with a member of our team, please get in touch via canningtown@pinnaclegroup.co.uk or 020 3701 3658.