Summary
Awaab’s Law will make sure social landlords in England quickly tackle serious damp, mould, and other dangerous problems in tenants’ homes. From October 2025, they must check and repair damp and mould within fixed deadlines and complete all emergency repairs within 24 hours. The law will grow in stages up to 2027 to cover other hazards like fire risks, excess heat or cold, and electrical dangers. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died after living in a mouldy flat, this law aims to improve safety and quality in social housing and could also be extended to private landlords in future.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law is new legislation that will force social landlords to quickly tackle dangerous damp and mould, as well as other serious repair issues, in tenants’ homes. It was introduced after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his flat.
From October 2025, landlords will have to investigate and repair damp and mould within strict deadlines. They must also carry out all emergency repairs within 24 hours.
Why is Awaab’s Law Important?
The law is part of the Government’s plan to improve the safety and quality of social housing across the country. It aims to make sure that tenants live in safe, warm, and decent homes.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner called it a “moral duty” to protect tenants and prevent landlords from renting dangerous homes.
When Does Awaab’s Law Come into Force?
Key dates for implementation:
- October 2025:
- Landlords must repair serious damp and mould within a set time.
- Emergency repairs must be completed within 24 hours.
- 2026:
- The law will expand to cover more hazards like excess cold, falls, fire, electrical issues, and hygiene risks.
- 2027:
- Finally, all remaining hazards listed in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System will also be covered.
Is Awaab’s Law in Force Now?
Awaab’s Law was passed as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act in July 2023. However, the key requirements take effect from October 2025. Landlords must prepare to meet these standards or face legal action.
Does Awaab’s Law Apply to Private Landlords?
Not yet — it will only cover social landlords at first. The Government is also consulting on extending the protections of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector as part of the Renters’ Rights Bill.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Awaab’s Law?
To make sure social landlords quickly deal with dangerous damp, mould, and other serious hazards.
What happens if a landlord fails to follow Awaab’s law?
Tenants will be able to take their landlords to court. Landlords could face enforcement action and legal consequences if they do not comply.
Will Awaab’s Law apply in Scotland?
Awaab’s Law currently only applies to England, as housing is devolved. However, Scotland and other UK nations may introduce similar reforms separately.
What Hazards Does Awaab’s Law Cover?
By 2027, Awaab’s Law will apply to all serious Category 1 hazards under HHSRS, including:
- Damp and mould
- Excess cold and excess heat
- Falls
- Fire, electrical, and explosion risks
- Structural collapse
- Hygiene hazards
- Other serious health risks listed under the HHSRS
You can find the full list of hazards under Schedule 1 of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005.
Has the law already been passed?
Yes — the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which contains Awaab’s Law, was passed in July 2023. The new requirements will come into force in stages starting from October 2025.
What Are Landlord Duties Now?
Even before the law is fully implemented, social landlords must:
- Keep properties fit for human habitation
- Meet the Decent Homes Standard
- Respond to repair issues under existing housing law
When Awaab’s Law comes into force, these obligations will be clearer and stricter, with specific time limits for dealing with damp, mould and other serious hazards.