Awaab’s Law: What It Means for Landlords and Tenants in 2025
- EnviroBuilt
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Understand Awaab’s Law 2025, what it means for landlords and tenants, and how it impacts damp and mould responsibilities in UK housing..
Why Awaab’s Law Matters
In 2020, the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from prolonged exposure to mould in social housing sparked a nationwide call for reform. Out of that case came Awaab’s Law, a landmark update to the UK Housing Act aimed at tackling damp and mould hazards more swiftly and effectively.
Key Requirements for Landlords Under
Awaab’s Law
From 27 October 2025, new regulations known as Awaab’s Law will require social landlords to act quickly and effectively when dealing with damp, mould, and other serious health hazards. The law sets out clear legal timeframes and duties to protect tenants’ health and safety.
Landlord obligations at a glance:
Act quickly on reports of damp, mould, or hazards, assessing whether they are emergency or significant risks.
Investigate emergency hazards within 24 hours and significant hazards within 10 working days of becoming aware of them.
Provide tenants with written findings of the investigation within 3 working days of its conclusion.
Begin remedial works within 5 working days of confirming a significant hazard, or as soon as practicable and within 12 weeks if delays are unavoidable.
Complete all works within a reasonable timeframe, considering severity, complexity, and tenant needs.
Provide suitable alternative accommodation if the home cannot be made safe or repairs cannot be completed on time.
Keep tenants informed and maintain clear records throughout the process to demonstrate compliance.
Comply with legal obligations or risk enforcement action, compensation claims, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage.
📄 For full details and official guidance, see the UK Government’s draft guidance on Awaab’s Law.
What This Means for Landlords
Landlords can no longer treat mould as a minor complaint or delay action while tenants chase updates. Compliance means:
Proactive property checks — regular inspections to catch damp early.
Independent defect reports — commissioning RICS-accredited or IICRC-informed surveys to prove due diligence.
Clear documentation — keeping written evidence of reports, surveys, and repairs.
Using safe methods — ensuring repairs address root causes (leaks, poor ventilation, structural damage) rather than just cosmetic fixes.
For many landlords, this represents a shift from reactive to preventive management — but the alternative is legal risk.End by restating your main message. You can sign off with a funny note or an open question.
What This Means for Tenants
For tenants, Awaab’s Law gives more certainty and protection. If you live in a property with visible damp, recurring mould, or poor indoor air quality, you now have:
Clear response timelines landlords must meet.
The right to independent surveys that hold weight in legal or insurance settings.
Health protections — particularly important for families with children, elderly occupants, or anyone with respiratory conditions.
This means tenants should feel more confident reporting issues early — knowing they can’t be ignored or endlessly delayed.
Practical Steps for Compliance
Landlords and property managers should:
Establish a reporting system for tenants.
Book professional surveys (RICS, IICRC standards) when issues arise.
Prioritise structural drying and remediation after leaks or floods.
Choose low-toxin remediation methods to ensure safe outcomes.
Schedule regular air quality testing for high-risk properties.
Tenants, meanwhile, should:
Report damp and mould issues in writing to create a record.
Request updates within the legal timeframe.
Seek independent surveys if concerns aren’t taken seriously.
Where EnviroBuilt Can Help
At EnviroBuilt, we specialise in damp and mould surveying, defect reporting, and safe remediation that meets the highest health and safety standards. Whether you’re a landlord navigating compliance or a tenant needing evidence, our team ensures problems are properly assessed and resolved.
EnviroBuilt can support you in meeting your legal obligations under Awaab’s Law? Book a Damp & Mould Survey with EnviroBuilt today.
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