What is Awaab’s Law, and why is it important?
Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould in his social housing home. His death demonstrated the potentially fatal consequences of damp and mould being ignored or dismissed.
The law came into force for social housing in England on 27 October 2025. Where a potential significant damp or mould hazard is reported, social landlords must:
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Investigate it within 10 working days.
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Give the tenant written findings within three working days after the investigation.
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Make the property safe within five working days when a significant hazard is identified.
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Investigate and address emergency hazards within 24 hours.
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Provide suitable alternative accommodation if the home cannot be made safe within the required period.
These are not optional targets. They are legal requirements for social landlords. Government guidance on Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law does not yet impose these fixed deadlines on private landlords. The Government intends to extend it to the private rented sector, but the implementation date and final timescales are still subject to consultation. Renters’ Rights Act implementation roadmap
That does not mean private landlords can ignore damp or mould. They already have responsibilities to keep rented homes safe, repaired and fit for human habitation. Councils can also take enforcement action where serious hazards are present.
For responsible landlords, the sensible approach is clear: do not wait for Awaab’s Law to be extended. Treat every damp or mould report seriously now.
Investigate the cause, record the report, inspect the property promptly and deal with leaks, defective ventilation, failed heating, poor insulation or structural problems. Simply telling a tenant to open a window is not an adequate investigation.
Tenants also have an important role. They should report damp, mould, leaks and ventilation problems immediately, provide photographs where possible and allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs.
Awaab’s Law matters because it establishes one basic principle: a report of damp or mould is a potential health warning—not a cosmetic complaint.
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