Awaab’s Law: Why It Was Introduced and What It Means for Landlords

In 2020, the tragic death of two year old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged exposure to mould in his social housing flat sent shockwaves across the UK. Awaab’s case highlighted a critical failure in the system where serious health hazards in housing, such as damp and mould, were not addressed promptly or effectively.

The public outcry that followed led to the introduction of Awaab’s Law, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at ensuring social landlords are held accountable for responding to health hazards swiftly and responsibly.

What Is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law, coming into effect in October 2025, sets clear legal requirements for social landlords to tackle serious issues like damp and mould within strict timeframes. The goal is to protect tenants from preventable health risks by enforcing faster and more proactive intervention.

Key Provisions Include:

• Emergency repairs (such as severe mould or damp): must be addressed within 24 hours.

• Time-bound investigations and repairs: landlords must follow clear timelines to resolve reported hazards.

• Root cause resolution: fixing the underlying causes of damp and mould, not just treating visible signs.

• Ongoing monitoring: inspections and follow-up visits are encouraged to prevent recurrence.

This new law marks a critical shift from reactive to preventative housing management, encouraging landlords to take health hazards seriously before they escalate into tragedies.

Why Proactive Damp and Mould Management Matters

Landlords now face both a legal and moral obligation to keep tenants safe from damp-related risks. Adopting a proactive stance isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating healthier living environments.

A responsible approach includes:

• Implementing reporting and response protocols for damp and mould concerns.

• Regular property assessments to identify ventilation, insulation, and structural issues.

• Supporting tenants, especially in homes that are harder to heat or affected by cost of living pressures.

• Training staff and contractors on health risks, legal responsibilities, and sensitivity when working with vulnerable tenants.

• Collaborating with health and social care services to help identify and assist at-risk tenants.

• Educating tenants on how to help reduce damp and mould without shifting the burden from landlords.

How We Help Landlords Stay Compliant — and Go Beyond

At LivGreen we offer a comprehensive damp and mould service tailored to meet the requirements of Awaab’s Law and exceed them. Our solutions are designed to protect both your tenants and your property assets.

Our services include:

• Detailed property surveys to assess risks and identify the root causes.

• Advanced PURA+ mould treatments that are safe, effective, and long-lasting.

• Tailored ventilation solutions, including certified installation of Venti Units.

• Indoor air quality monitoring before and after works, ensuring meaningful improvement.

• Ongoing support and inspections to maintain healthy conditions over the long term.

We’re committed to supporting the government’s mission to raise housing standards and make homes safer for everyone.