Starting in October 2025, Awaab’s Law will take effect, offering vital protections for tenants in social housing. This new law holds social landlords accountable for addressing dangerous living conditions, such as damp and mould, and requires them to repair emergency hazards within a specific time frame.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically passed away in December 2020 after prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his Rochdale home. In response, his family campaigned tirelessly for justice and worked to prevent similar incidents in the future. Their determination led to this landmark legislation, which will now protect thousands of families in social housing across the UK.
What Will Awaab’s Law Change?
From October 2025, social landlords will be legally obliged to:
Investigate and address dangerous damp and mould within a specified time frame.
Repair emergency hazards, such as exposed wiring or broken heating, within 24 hours.
If landlords fail to meet these requirements, tenants can take legal action, holding them accountable for not providing safe living conditions.
The law will be introduced in phases, initially focusing on tackling damp and mould. This phased approach will allow the government to monitor the law’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Over time, additional hazards will be included, with a full rollout expected by 2027.
What Does Awaab’s Law Require?
Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords must address and fix mould and dampness issues within a reasonable time frame. Specifically, social landlords will be required to:
• Timely Repairs: Act quickly to resolve mould and dampness issues once tenants report them. Failure to act may result in legal consequences.
• Health & Safety Standards: Ensure that properties meet essential health and safety standards. If a property becomes uninhabitable due to mould or dampness, landlords must take immediate action.
• Tenant Protection: Safeguard tenants from retaliation when reporting issues. The law encourages tenants to report dangerous conditions without fear.
Expanding Coverage in 2026
In 2026, the scope of Awaab’s Law will expand to cover additional hazards beyond damp and mould. While the exact hazards are yet to be confirmed, it is expected to include:
Excess cold and heat
Falls
Structural collapse
Fire, electrical hazards, and explosions
Hygiene hazards
Conclusion
Awaab’s Law marks a significant shift in the protection of social housing tenants. By holding social landlords accountable for maintaining safe living environments and addressing hazards such as damp and mould, the law aims to significantly improve tenant health and safety.
Furthermore, as the law expands in 2026, it will continue to offer more comprehensive protection. This expansion will ensure that tenants live in homes that are not only safe but also habitable and free from harm. Ultimately, with this law, the government is taking crucial steps to reduce risks and prevent further tragedies from occurring. In doing so, it strives to create a safer and healthier living environment for all social housing tenants.