Last updated on 15th December 2025 by Universal Damp

On 25 June 2025, the UK Government laid Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law before Parliament, marking a major milestone in social housing safety by enforcing strict timeframes for addressing damp, mould, and related hazards.

Set to take effect on 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law was introduced as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to prolonged mould exposure in his home.

Why Awaab’s Law Matters

Reports of damp and mould have been rising dramatically, with complaints increasing from around 1,993 in 2020–21 to 3,530 in 2021–22. Housing Ombudsman cases alone saw a 134% rise. Awaab’s Law is the government’s urgent response to hold landlords accountable and protect tenants’ health and safety.

Key Responsibilities Under Awaab’s Law Phase 1

Social landlords in England must now meet the following legal requirements:

Investigate any serious hazards (such as damp or mould) within 10 working days of receiving a complaint or notification

Provide a written summary of the investigation findings to tenants within 3 working days of completing the inspection

Take action to make the property safe and begin repairs for serious risks within 5 working days

Ensure repair works physically begin within 12 weeks if immediate remediation is not possible

Respond to emergency hazards immediately and no later than within 24 hours

Provide alternative accommodation at the landlord’s expense if the home cannot be made safe within the required timeframe

Conduct electrical installation checks at least every five years, and carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any supplied appliances

Future Phases of Awaab’s Law

The government is rolling out Awaab’s Law in stages, supported by test-and-learn statutory guidance to allow refinement:

Phase 2 (2026): Will address additional risks including excess cold or heat, falls, fire hazards, structural safety, and hygiene issues.

Phase 3 (2027): Will expand to cover the full Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazard categories, excluding overcrowding.

Industry Response

Sector experts have praised the law’s clarity and evidence-based approach. Rachael Williamson of the Chartered Institute of Housing said the law “gives landlords clear expectations, and residents clarity and recourse.” Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated, “Safety is non-negotiable,” urging landlords to act without delay. Meanwhile, campaigners have called for the protections to be extended to private renters and asylum accommodation, which are currently outside the law’s scope.

Universal Damp Solutions: Helping You Stay Compliant

As damp and mould specialists, Universal Damp Solutions is positioned at the frontline of compliance. With deadlines of 10 days to investigate, 5 days to start remediation, and 24 hours for emergency risks, landlords and contractors must now:

Review existing service agreements and scopes to ensure they align with Awaab’s Law timelines

Establish emergency response protocols with rapid-reaction teams

Use clear, tenant-friendly written documentation templates for investigation findings

Include alternative accommodation provisions in service contracts and contingency planning

Coordinate certified electrical testing and PAT services for supplied appliances

Universal Damp Solutions provides expert damp and mould surveys, compliance-ready reports, rapid remediation services, and emergency response teams—helping landlords meet legal requirements under Awaab’s Law while ensuring properties are safe and habitable.

Protect Your Investment and Your Tenants

Landlords cannot afford to delay. Universal Damp Solutions offers professional damp surveys, high-quality reports, rapid remediation, and emergency interventions to ensure your properties remain safe and legally compliant.

Contact Universal Damp Solutions today to book a survey or consultation and stay ahead of Awaab’s Law requirements. We’re here to help protect both your tenants and your property.