Awaab’s Law Update

Awaab’s Law marks a fundamental shift in how social landlords must manage damp, mould and other serious hazards, and it will reshape the relationship between landlords and tenants for years to come

What Awaab’s Law Requires

From 27 October 2025, social landlords must work to strict timeframes when tenants report hazards, especially significant damp and mould.

Landlords must investigate within set working days, make any serious hazard safe quickly, and then complete full remedial works within a defined maximum period.

These duties are implied into tenancy agreements, giving tenants a contractual route to challenge poor conditions through the courts.

Operational Impact on Landlords

For providers already struggling with ageing stock, constrained budgets and skills gaps, these time limits will be demanding.

Landlords will need robust triage, clear technical standards, and reliable contractors who understand building pathology, not just cosmetic repair.

Poor performance will carry reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny and potential legal and financial penalties.

Supporting Tenants in Practice

Meeting the law’s spirit means doing more than hitting deadlines. Landlords should implement clear reporting routes, plain language communication and written outcomes after inspections so tenants understand what is happening and when.

Proactive stock surveys targeting known damp and mould risk profiles can prevent issues long before they become emergencies.

Role of Building Surveyors

Chartered Building Surveyors can help landlords diagnose root causes, specify durable repairs and design ventilation, insulation and heating improvements that reduce recurrence.

Independent surveys, photographic records and clear defect analysis also give tenants confidence that their home, and their health, are being taken seriously.