Awaab’s Law is a new rule that makes sure social landlords in England act quickly to fix dangerous damp and mould problems. It was introduced after the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who passed away in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing.
What does Awaab’s Law do and who does it apply to?
The law, part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, holds social landlords responsible for keeping homes safe and healthy. This law applies to all social housing landlords in England, including local councils and housing associations. It doesn’t yet cover private landlords, but there are ongoing discussions about expanding it for the benefit of all tenants.
Why is it important?
Awaab’s Law aims to:
✔️ Hold landlords accountable for safe and healthy housing.
✔️ Ensure quicker action when tenants report unsafe living conditions.
✔️ Improve social housing standards and make the system fairer for residents.
When does it start?
The law is expected to come into effect in October 2025.
What does it mean for tenants?
- Faster repairs: Landlords must investigate and fix serious damp and mould issues within a set time.
- Emergency response: Any urgent repairs, including damp and mould problems, must be addressed within 24 hours.
- Prevention matters: Landlords are required to actively prevent mould and deal with it before it becomes a serious hazard.
If you have ongoing concerns about damp or mould in your home, don’t hesitate to report it to SHA. Aside from this law, we feel obligated to ensure your home is safe, and you have the right to live in a healthy environment.
