What Is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law is a new piece of legislation in the UK, introduced in response to the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home. The law was officially enacted as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and aims to protect tenants from unsafe living conditions by holding social landlords accountable for resolving hazards like mould, damp, and other health risks in a timely manner.
Under Awaab’s Law, social housing landlords are now legally required to investigate and fix hazards within specific timeframes:
- 14 days to investigate reported hazards.
- 7 days after that to begin necessary repairs.
- Repairs must be completed within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the issue’s severity.
Coming Soon: Awaab’s Law for Private Landlords
As part of the Renters Right’s Bill, formerly the Renters ‘Reform’ Bill, Awaab’s Law will soon extend to the private rented sector, meaning private landlords will be legally obligated to meet similar timelines and standards when it comes to property disrepair and tenant health concerns.
This means all landlords, regardless of sector, must prepare to:
- Respond promptly to tenant complaints
- Proactively address damp, mould, ventilation issues, and more
- Maintain habitable, healthy living conditions or face legal consequences
Non-compliance could lead to:
- Enforcement action
- Fines and penalties
- Legal action from tenants
- Damage to your reputation
If you’re a tenant, landlord, or housing association, understanding your rights and responsibilities under this law is essential.
How RTC Can Help?
Whether you’re a social landlord, private landlord, housing professional, we’re here to support you with Awaab’s Law compliance and preparation for the upcoming reforms.
For Landlords (Social & Private):
- Property Inspections: Detailed and thorough inspections by Fully Qualified CSTDB Surveyors to identify health and safety hazards like damp, mould, and ventilation issues.
- Detailed and Compliance Reports: Detailed reports including step-by-step guides and documentation to help you meet your legal obligations.
- Speedy Remedial Works: We will fix issues fast and effectively and will only carry out what is required.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular checks and reporting to keep your properties safe and legally compliant.
- Pre-Tenancy Surveys: These surveys are conducted before new tenants move in, allowing us to identify and report on short, medium, and long-term repairs that may be needed. This proactive approach helps landlords prevent unexpected high costs by addressing potential issues early, rather than reacting to them after they arise.
- Tenant Communication Support: Providing Documents and Literature to tenants to inform them of what they can do to help reduce the risk of condensation and mould in their property.
RTC hold all the required qualifications and accreditations specified by the Government in the Housing Act, ensuring full compliance with industry and legal standards. We have over three decades of experience dealing with social and private landlords and tenants.
Public & Social Housing Compliance
Under Awaab’s Law, public and social housing landlords are legally required to investigate and remediate damp and mould issues within prescribed timeframes to safeguard tenant health and avoid enforcement action. RTC’s specialist team delivers fast, compliant assessments and certified treatments tailored specifically for housing associations, local authorities and registered providers.
Tailored Solutions for Housing Providers
We understand the unique challenges faced by public and social landlords: ageing building stock, tight budgets and the need for transparent reporting. That’s why we partner closely with you to:
- Develop a clear remediation strategy aligned to Awaab’s Law deadlines
- Provide detailed, jargon-free survey reports for your compliance records
- Offer ongoing technical support and training for in-house teams
Our Awaab’s Law Services Include:
- Rapid on-site damp and mould inspections
- Comprehensive risk assessments and priority action plans
- Certified waterproofing, dry rot and woodworm treatments
- Insurance-backed guarantees covering both workmanship and materials
- Post-remediation validation reports to demonstrate compliance
- Preventative maintenance schedules and tenant guidance
Learn more about our end-to-end Public and Social Housing services on our Public and Social Housing page.
Awaab’s Law Training – Get Ahead of the Curve
RTC provide specialist training on Damp, Condensation, Mould and Ventilation including Awaab’s Law and the new Renters Right’s Bill for:
- ✅ Private Landlords
- ✅ Housing Associations
- ✅ Local Authorities
- ✅ Property Managers
- ✅ Letting Agents
Training Includes:
- Condensation & Mould
- Health Implications of Condensation & Mould
- How do we fix Condensation and Mould Problems
- The importance of Suitable Ventilation
- Overview of Awaab’s Law and its legal implications
- Practical steps to help prevent mould and achieve compliance
