What is Awaab's Law and how can landlords prepare? A guide

The way landlords manage damp and mould is changing. Awaab's Law has introduced new legal standards for social landlords, with the Government confirming that similar requirements will be extended to the private rented sector in the near future through the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

While there is no confirmed implementation date for private landlords, now is the ideal time to review your approach to property maintenance. By responding promptly to issues, keeping clear records and taking a proactive approach, you can protect your investment, support tenants and be prepared ahead of time.

What is Awaab's Law?

Awaab's Law is legislation designed to ensure serious housing hazards, including damp and mould, are investigated and addressed promptly in social housing. It was introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak.

Since 27 October 2025, social landlords have been required to respond to reports of serious damp, mould and emergency hazards within statutory timescales.

The legislation will continue to be introduced in phases. From 30 November 2026, the requirements will also apply to a wider range of serious hazards covered by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), including excess cold and heat, fire and electrical hazards, structural collapse and certain fall hazards.

What does this mean for private landlords?

At present, Awaab's Law applies only to the social rented sector. However, the Government has confirmed that equivalent requirements will be introduced for privately rented homes through secondary legislation under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

Although these changes currently apply only to social housing, they provide a clear indication of the standards the Government intends to introduce across the wider rental market.

In the meantime, private landlords should continue to meet their existing legal responsibilities by ensuring properties are fit for human habitation and addressing hazards such as damp and mould promptly where they arise.

Rather than waiting for future legislation, adopting good property management practices now can help landlords stay ahead of regulatory change while protecting both their investment and their tenants.

Four practical steps landlords can take now

Take advantage of the summer months

Summer provides the ideal opportunity to carry out thorough property inspections. Warmer, drier weather makes it easier to identify maintenance issues such as roof damage, blocked gutters, cracks in external walls or early signs of damp before colder, wetter conditions arrive. Addressing these issues now can help prevent more costly repairs later and ensure your property remains compliant.

Respond promptly

Encourage tenants to report maintenance issues as soon as they arise and investigate the underlying cause of damp or mould, rather than simply treating the visible symptoms.

Keep clear records

Maintain a record of reported issues, inspections, contractor visits and completed repairs. A clear audit trail demonstrates a proactive approach and provides valuable information should issues arise later.

Focus on prevention

Routine property maintenance, including checking ventilation, heating systems, roofs, gutters and insulation, can help reduce the likelihood of damp and mould developing in the first place.

To find out more about how we can support you in staying compliant under the new and upcoming regulations, speak to your local branch today.

All legislative information in this article is based on the guidance published by the UK Government at the time of this blog's publication.