On 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law will come into effect across the UK social housing sector. From that date, landlords, housing associations, and property managers must address all emergency hazards, as well as damp and mould problems that pose a serious health risk, within strict time limits.
Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in 2020 due to mould in his Rochdale home, the law ensures that no one faces the same neglect again. By setting strict deadlines, enforceable repair rules, and stronger tenant protections, Awaab’s Law will transform how housing providers deal with health hazards.
In this article, we’ll explore why Awaab’s Law is such a pivotal step for the housing sector, what the legislation requires, and how organisations can prepare to meet its demands. We’ll also look at the critical role of training in achieving compliance and examine the wider implications for landlords, housing providers, and tenants.
Why Awaab’s Law Matters
Awaab’s death exposed the serious dangers of untreated damp and mould. His family repeatedly raised concerns, but they were ignored until it was too late. This case sparked outrage across the country pushed long-delayed reforms to the top of the political agenda.
Written into the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, the law is being rolled out in stages:
- October 2025: Damp, mould, and emergency repairs.
- 2026: Expansion to other hazards including extreme cold/heat, fire risks, electrical issues, and structural safety.
- 2027: Extension to all remaining hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), except overcrowding.
Awaab’s Law requirements
Unlike previous legislation that relied on vague notions of “reasonable time,” Awaab’s Law introduces clear and enforceable deadlines.
For the first stage (from 27 October 2025), social landlords must:
- Investigate hazards within 10 working days of becoming aware of them.
- Share written findings within 3 working days of completing the investigation.
- If a hazard poses a serious health risk, landlords must make the property safe within 5 working days (using temporary fixes if needed) and complete all repairs within 12 weeks.
- In emergencies, action must be taken within 24 hours.
- If the property cannot be made safe in time, landlords must provide alternative accommodation at their own cost until repairs are complete.
Implications for the Housing Sector
The impact of Awaab’s Law will be felt across the housing ecosystem.
Legal and financial risks: Failure to act within the set timeframes could lead to fines, tenant claims, and even rent clawbacks.
Regulatory scrutiny: The Housing Ombudsman has already reported an increase in complaints about living conditions since 2020. Awaab’s Law will likely accelerate this trend, with tenants more empowered to demand change.
Cultural change: Landlords must shift from reactive to proactive. The responsibility for safe and healthy homes now rests with housing providers.
The Role of Training in Compliance
Meeting these obligations requires more than policy updates. Staff and contractors need to recognise damp and mould early, understand their health impacts, and know how to respond quickly and effectively. Without this practical knowledge, even well-intentioned housing providers may fall short of their legal duties.
The Housing Ombudsman’s Spotlight on Damp and Mould report highlights a stark rise in the number of findings on damp, mould and leaks soaring from 195 in 2020-21 to 456 in 2021-22, a 134% increase in just one year.
That is why training is critical. Equipping frontline staff with the right skills will not only help organisations comply with Awaab’s Law but also improve tenant wellbeing, reduce long-term repair costs, and rebuild public confidence in the housing sector.
Preparing for October 2025 and Beyond
With the new law taking effect next month, housing teams need the skills and confidence to act fast.
Me Learning’s Damp & Mould Awareness course is designed to guide staff through the practicalities, from recognising early signs to understanding new legal obligations.
Participants will learn how to:
- Describe the causes and signs of damp and mould
- Identify the health risks associated with them
- Apply practical methods to prevent and tackle damp and mould
- Explain responsibilities and legal rights regarding damp and mould issues
Explore our Damp and Mould Awareness e-learning course.
Interested in our housing-specific courses? Check out our housing courses.
Me Learning provides training designed around the real challenges housing professionals face. From ready-made courses to tailored programmes and systems training, we offer flexible solutions that support compliance and help teams grow in confidence and resilience.
Learn more about our work in the housing sector.
If you’d like to discuss training for your organisation, contact Eva: housing@melearning.co.uk
