Introduction and implementation timeline
Following the death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak after prolonged exposed to damp and mould in a social housing property, Awaabs Law was included in the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It will be implemented in phases from October 2025, as follows:
- October 2025: social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timescales and address all emergency repairs, (whether they relate to damp and mould or not), as soon as possible and within no longer than 24 hours.
- In 2026: requirements will expand to a wider range of hazards beyond damp and mould. These are not yet fully set out but are likely to include excess cold and excess heat, falls, structural collapse, fire, electrical and explosions, and hygiene hazards.
- Following the death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak after prolonged exposed to damp and mould in a social housing property, Awaabs Law was included in the Social Housing (Regulation Act. It will be implemented in phases from October 2025, as follows:
What are the implications of Awaab's law for providers?
- Meeting the timescales for emergency repairs may be challenging, especially for smaller providers that have limited in-house resources, or contract out repairs and maintenance.
- If landlords cannot meet the timescales set out, they must offer tenants alternative accommodation.
- The Renters Rights Bill proposes that Awaabs Law also applies to private landlords, so eventually all providers of supported accommodation will have to comply.
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