Awaab’s Law officially comes into force today, marking a significant shift for the social housing sector. The new legislation introduces legally binding timescales for social landlords to investigate and resolve reports of damp, mould, and other serious hazards in tenants’ homes.
This change aims to ensure safer, healthier living conditions for tenants and places compliance, data, and accountability at the forefront of landlord responsibilities.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social home. The legislation sets strict timeframes for landlords to respond to and address serious hazards, strengthening tenant rights and improving safety within social housing.
Key Requirements Under Awaab’s Law
The new duties for Registered Providers include the following timeframes:- 24 Hours: Investigate and make safe any emergency hazard posing an immediate health risk.
- 10 Working Days: Carry out a full investigation of reports of damp and mould.
- 3 Working Days: Following the investigation, provide tenants with a summary of the findings in writing.
5 Working Days: Once a hazard is confirmed, complete repairs or provide temporary measures.
Alternative accommodation must be offered if the home cannot be made safe within the required timescale.
These requirements will further expand over the next year to include a broader range of hazards, such as excess cold and heat, structural collapse, and falls associated with baths, etc.
What Landlords Need to Do Now
With the law taking effect, social housing providers should prioritise the following actions:
- Update Policies and Procedures
- Reflect statutory timescales in repairs and housing policies.
- Define what constitutes an emergency hazard.
- Refresh tenant communications so tenants understand reporting routes and expectations.
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Strengthen Repairs and Maintenance Systems
- Ensure systems and processes capture and monitor cases from initial report to resolution.
- Confirm capacity to respond within 24 hours, including out-of-hours provision.
- Prepare transparent processes for offering and managing temporary or alternative accommodation.
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Improve Data Quality and Reporting
- Track all stages of reports, investigations, decisions, and timescales.
- Implement KPIs for compliance, backlogs, repeat cases and property risk profiles.
- Ensure Boards receive regular assurance on compliance, risks and improvements.
- Manage Risk and Non-Compliance
- Identify vulnerable tenants and higher-risk property types or schemes.
- Review past mould and damp cases to ensure earlier intervention.
- Communicate the consequences of non-compliance across the organisation.
- Take Practical Steps to Embed Change
- Train staff and contractors on new legal requirements.
- Make reporting easy and accessible for tenants.
- Carry out proactive checks in higher-risk homes.
- Conduct root-cause analysis and action plans for recurrent issues.
Exclusive Webinar for Clients/Members
To support our clients and members through this change, we’re hosting a free ‘A Guide to Awaab’s Law’ session:
🗓️ 6 November, 11:00 – 12:00
👥 For Acuity clients and Benchmarking members
🤝 Delivered in partnership with Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
This session will explore:
☑️ Key terms and legal requirements under Awaab’s Law.
☑️ Steps to ensure compliance and avoid breaches.
☑️ Why accurate data and reporting will be essential.
☑️ What Boards need to see for assurance.
☑️ Defences and how to manage situations where access is refused.
☑️ Practical steps Registered Providers can take now.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a leading UK law firm with deep expertise in housing, governance, and regulatory compliance. They work closely with Registered Providers, charities and community organisations, offering practical guidance rooted in sector experience.
Please contact us or reach out to your client manager if you would like to attend.
Next Steps for Landlords
To prepare for Awaab’s Law, Registered Providers should:- Brief staff and contractors on the new legal duties.
- Check that response pathways align with the statutory timeframes.
- Ensure their Board receives an early compliance update.
- Join our member webinar for expert advice and guidance.