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Awaab’s Law – What You Can Expect From Us

08/10/2025

Public Sector Executive Damp Mould

From 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law comes into force for social housing. This is in direct response to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould.

The law is designed to make sure everyone living in social housing has a safe and healthy home.

We are committed to meeting all the requirements of Awaab’s Law and going beyond where possible, to ensure your home remains safe, warm and free from hazards.

What is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law is connected to the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 (Clause 42). 

It gives tenants the legal right to have certain hazards — especially damp and mould — addressed within fixed timeframes, and for emergency repairs to be carried out promptly.

The law will be introduced in phases, starting with emergency hazards and serious mould/damp risks from October 2025.

Later phases (2026, 2027) will bring in additional hazards such as excess cold or heat, fire risks, structural faults, hygiene, and more. 

Importantly, even before these dates, your landlord (us) is already legally required to keep your home in a safe condition — Awaab’s Law does not replace existing duties but strengthens them with stricter time limits. 

What is Housing Services doing about the new law?

When you report a serious problem (like damp, mould, or another hazard), here’s what we’ll do:

  • Within 24 hours: We’ll check the issue to make sure your home is safe.

  • Within 10 working days: We’ll carry out an inspection to find out what’s causing the problem.

  • Within 3 working days of the inspection: We’ll send you a summary of what we found and what happens next.

  • Within 5 working days after that: We’ll start the repair or confirm the date when the work will begin.

  • After that: We’ll finish the work as quickly as possible, depending on what needs to be done.

Our aim is to keep you informed every step of the way and make sure your home stays safe and comfortable.

What can residents do?

Report issues promptly — If you see mould, damp, leaks, or anything unsafe, let us know straight away.

  • Use our online repair service or call us at 03000 123 123.
  • Keep records of your reports (dates, photos, names of who you spoke to).
  • If someone comes to your home, always check their ID before letting them in.
  • Let us know if the problem gets worse, or if our repair attempts are not effective.

Awaab’s Law comes into force 27 October 2025 and strengthens your rights to a safe, healthy home.

In its first phase, it focuses on emergency hazards and serious damp / mould risks, with stricter deadlines.

We will communicate clearly with you, start work quickly, and keep you informed at every step.

You play a key role by reporting issues early and keeping in touch.

If you have any questions about Awaab’s Law or how it will affect your home, please get in touch with our Housing Services team.