Awaab’s Law is a piece of legislation that requires landlords to act quickly on damp and mould issues.
It’s arguably one of the most important pieces of legislation in recent years when it comes to tenant safety. If you’re a landlord or property manager, especially in the private rented sector (PRS), it’s important that you understand what this law means, why it was introduced, and how it could soon affect you.
What is Awaab’s Law, and why was it introduced?
Awaab’s Law was introduced back in 2020, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak.
Awaab died due to a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing flat. His parents had raised the issue multiple times with the housing association, but nothing was done in time. The law is named in his memory to make sure that no other tenant suffers the same fate.
Awaab’s Law is part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, and while it currently applies to social landlords, there’s every chance that it will soon be extended to private landlords too. If you’re a PRS landlord, it’s a good idea to prepare now.
Does Awaab’s Law currently apply to private landlords?
Not yet. For now, Awaab’s Law only applies to social housing providers across England and Wales.
However, Labour has said that they want to expand it to the private sector as part of their drive towards improving tenant rights. With implementation already underway and more changes expected by 2027, private landlords should treat this as an early warning sign.
At J Property Management, we’re encouraging all landlords we work with to start adopting with the standards set out in Awaab’s Law. To find out more, speak to the team today at info@jpropertymanagement.co.uk.
Landlords must act fast if tenants report damp and mould
What are the key requirements under Awaab’s Law?
Here’s a breakdown of what the law asks of social landlords. It’s likely that similar, if not the same principles, will soon shape regulations for private rentals too.
Landlords must provide:
- Investigation of damp or mould complaints within 14 calendar days.
- Written summary of findings provided within 48 hours of inspection.
- Repairs must begin within 7 days if a health risk is identified.
- Emergency hazards (e.g. severe mould, flooding, gas leaks) must be addressed within 24 hours.
- All repairs must be completed within a reasonable timeframe.
- Alternative accommodation must be offered if repairs can’t be carried out quickly enough.
- Full records of communication and works must be kept.
As a private landlord, ask yourself: would your current maintenance systems meet these timelines? If not, it might be time to step up.
Why is this law so important for landlords to understand Awaab’s Law?
First and foremost, it’s about tenant safety, which all landlords should be concerned about. Mould and damp aren’t just unpleasant, they’re actually dangerous. Exposure can cause asthma, breathing difficulties, and other health problems, especially in children and the elderly.
For landlords, failing to act could lead to legal action, fines (which can be as high as £30,000), or reputational damage. Awaab’s Law raises the bar. It’s no longer enough to respond eventually, you’ll need to prove you responded quickly, properly and with care.
What steps should private landlords be taking now?
Even before Awaab’s Law is applied to PRS, there are already laws under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 that explain what landlords need to do to protect their tenants.
Here are steps we recommend you take now:
1. Lay out a clear reporting process
Make it easy for tenants to report damp or mould issues. This could be via a dedicated email address, tenant portal, or property management platform.
At J Property Management, we provide our landlords with simple tools to track issues and keep them compliant with legal timelines.
2. Act fast
Don’t delay. Book a qualified surveyor within 14 days and record all communications. Provide tenants with a written summary of what was found and what will be done next.
3. Plan for emergency repairs
Do you have trusted contractors who can respond within 24 hours if there’s an urgent hazard? If not, it’s time to build those relationships.
4. Keep thorough records
Document everything, from tenant reports to inspection notes to completion of works. These could protect you in the event of a dispute.
5. Make sure your properties have proper ventilation
Mould often arises from condensation. Make sure your property has extractor fans, vents, openable windows and working heating. During your inspections, make sure that you don’t see any condensation – and if you do, work quickly to nip it in the bud!
6. Educate your tenants
Sometimes, mould is caused by poor ventilation habits. But this doesn’t shift the blame. We recommend sharing advice with tenants on how to prevent mould, and checking they have the tools to do so. Having open communication when it comes to these things is key.
What if a tenant takes legal action?
With tenants becoming more aware of their rights under Awaab’s Law, there will probably be a rise in legal claims if landlords are found to be neglecting tenant wellbeing.
Tenants no longer need to suffer in silence. Social media and claim management companies are also making it easier than ever to pursue claims.
That’s why a strong paper trail and proactive management is important to protect yourself. The last thing you want is a legal issue on your hands – so pay attention to tenant issues and do everything you can to help fix them.
How J Property Management helps landlords stay compliant
At J Property Management, we take compliance seriously. Our property management services are designed to:
- Make sure issues are reported and resolved quickly
- Maintain up-to-date repair logs
- Work with local, affordable, qualified contractors and surveyors
- Provide regular property inspections
- Liaise with tenants on your behalf
By working with us, landlords can stay ahead of legislative changes, reduce risks, and protect their investment, all while keeping tenants safe and satisfied.
Awaab’s Law: Keeping tenants safe across the UK
Awaab’s Law may have started in social housing, it is likely to be the start of a shift across the whole rental sector. As a private landlord, it’s no longer enough to wait and see, you need to act – and fast.
If you’re not sure whether your current systems are up to scratch, speak to our team at J Property Management. We’ll help you prepare for the future and make sure you’re protecting both your tenants and your properties.
