ThisKnowledgeExchangefeaturedAxisCLCexpertAnthonyClark discussingAwaab’sLaw,itsimplicationsforsocialhousing providers,andhoweffectivedampandmouldcompliance protectsresidentswhilereducinglandlordrisk.
Overview
Awaab’sLawisanewUK legalrequirementforsocial housingproviders,effective 27October2025. Introduceslegallybinding timeframesforinvestigating andfixingserioushealth andsafetyhazards. NamedafterAwaabIshak, whosedeathfrom prolongedmouldexposure highlightedsystemic housingfailures.
Whythelawmatters toclients
LegalDuty
Landlordsmustactwithin strictdeadlines–notwhen convenient.
Tenantscanpursuelegal action,compensation,or
Ombudsmancomplaintsfor non-compliance.
Health&SafetyFocus
Dampandmouldarelinkedto respiratoryillness,particularly forchildrenandvulnerable residents.
ClearAccountability
Responsibilityshiftsfirmlyto landlordstoidentifyroot causesandresolvethem.
Lifestyle-baseddefencesare nolongeracceptable.
KeylegalTimelines
MandatoryResponseTime
PracticalDelivery
Immediatemouldwashto removesporesandprotect residenthealth.
Structuredroot-cause investigation(typicallysurveyorled).
Remedialworksfocusedon condensationandventilation control:
Mechanicalventilation upgrades(kitchens& bathrooms)
Trickleventstowindows (includingretrofit)
Passiveairventsinhabitable rooms
Intrusiveworkswhere required(fabric,cold bridging,externals)
Clear,writtencommunication withresidentsateverystage.
Emergencyhazard:Investigateandmakesafewithin24hours. Significantdamp&mouldhazard: Investigationcompletedwithin10workingdays. Writtenfindingsissuedtoresidentswithin3workingdays.
Safetyworkscompletedwithin5workingdays,or Furtherworksmuststartwithin12weeksifmoreextensive.
