Awaab’s Law to Come into Force
The government has announced that Awaab’s Law will take effect from October this year, introducing stricter requirements for addressing damp and mould in the social rented sector. By 2026, these protections will extend to a wider range of housing hazards.
This law is a direct response to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home. The new measures will compel landlords to act swiftly on dangerous living conditions, ensuring that tenants—especially the most vulnerable—are no longer left to suffer in hazardous homes.
Housing Ombudsman Welcomes Stricter Standards
Richard Blakeway, Housing Ombudsman, has welcomed these new protections, reinforcing that safe and decent housing is a basic human right. He highlighted that Awaab’s Law will empower residents, particularly those with limited housing choices, to challenge poor living conditions.
While some landlords have made progress in tackling damp and mould, investing in repairs, technology, and culture changes, serious failings still persist. The Ombudsman reports that half of its casework still involves damp and mould complaints, with some landlords continuing to:
Neglect their responsibilities in managing hazards
Communicate poorly with tenants
Make fundamental mistakes that delay essential repairs
Why Awaab’s Law Is Needed
Despite existing regulations, the Housing Ombudsman continues to see shocking cases of neglect, including:
Children forced to live with boarded-up windows for years
Elderly residents enduring winters without heating
Homes rendered uninhabitable by pest infestations, including dead rats
By extending Awaab’s Law to other hazards, the government aims to hold landlords accountable for all serious risks—many of which have remained unchecked for decades. The expectation is clear: landlords must not wait until the last moment to act but should apply Awaab’s Law principles across all housing hazards immediately.
A Call for Proactive Action
With a sector-wide audit of social housing conditions underway, the extent of the challenge will soon become even clearer. While some landlords are prepared, others will struggle to meet the new legal requirements.
Awaab’s Law should serve as a catalyst for change, pushing landlords to:
Improve hazard management
Modernise repair services
Adopt a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe housing
The Housing Ombudsman has committed to supporting landlords by sharing casework insights and ensuring the law is enforced where failings occur.
What This Means for the Future
At JAG, we recognise the critical role that damp and mould surveys play in identifying and addressing these issues before they become life-threatening. With Awaab’s Law coming into force, landlords must take urgent action to meet higher standards—and we are here to help.
If you’re a housing provider looking to stay ahead of compliance and protect tenants, get in touch to learn more about our damp and mould surveying services. Together, we can ensure that no one has to endure unsafe living conditions.
