Awaab’s Law
What Social Housing Landlords Need to Know
Awaab’s Law will come into force in October 2025, creating strict new rules for social landlords to tackle unsafe damp and mould conditions. This practical guide explains your new responsibilities, with a special focus on black spot mould growth, one of the most common and serious issues faced by UK social housing tenants.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law was named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who tragically died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing flat in Rochdale. His case exposed deep failings in the way damp and mould issues are handled by landlords. From October 2025, new legal duties will require all social landlords in England to investigate and fix hazards like damp and mould within strict timeframes, or face enforcement action.
Who Does Awaab’s Law Apply To?
Awaab’s Law applies to local councils, housing associations, and private registered providers that manage social housing. It also applies to any managing agents or contractors working on behalf of a landlord. Every organisation involved must take responsibility for identifying and resolving unsafe living conditions.
Your New Responsibilities as a Landlord
Under Awaab’s Law, you must:
Investigate any reported hazards like damp, mould or leaks within strict legal timeframes.
Carry out repairs promptly to fix unsafe living conditions.
Keep clear records showing what was reported, when it was inspected, and how it was resolved.
Communicate clearly with tenants throughout the process.
Failing to comply can result in regulatory action, enforcement notices and reputational damage.
Why Black Spot Mould is a Priority
Black spot mould is one of the most common causes of unsafe conditions in tenanted homes. It often develops in poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or behind furniture. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems — including asthma and respiratory infections, especially for children, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions. Awaab’s tragic story showed just how dangerous untreated mould can be.
How to Prevent & Treat Black Spot Mould
Carry out regular property inspections to spot early signs of mould growth.
Educate residents on everyday habits that reduce condensation, like using their extractor fans, drying clothes outdoors when possible, and heating rooms properly.
Invest in adequate ventilation, such as suitable extractor fans, PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) systems, or trickle vents.
Use anti-mould paint (could we add a link to ProVent website/hyperlink it?) and repair underlying causes like leaks or cold bridging.
Keep up with servicing and maintenance, damp and mould prevention is not a one-off fix.
How to Prepare for October 2025
Landlords should take action now to get ready for Awaab’s Law:
Review and update your damp & mould policies.
Train your teams and contractors on new legal responsibilities.
Plan for proactive inspections of high-risk homes.
Work with specialist contractors for mould treatment and ventilation upgrades.
CONTACT US Book a Survey
Want to make sure your housing stock is ready for Awaab’s Law? Domestic-Air Ltd can carry out a site survey to check for black spot mould risks and ventilation issues.