Awaab’s Law: What it means for social landlords
All you need to know about Awaab’s Law and what it means for you.
On October 27, 2025, Awaab’s Law comes into force in England. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died from prolonged exposure to mould in his home, the legislation aims to prevent similar incidents by placing greater responsibility on social landlords.
From October, the law introduces strict deadlines for social housing landlords to tackle damp, mould, and other emergency hazards.
Here, the experts from ServiceMaster Restore Devon explain what this legislation means for landlords, what they can do to prevent mould problems, and how we can help ensure compliance while protecting tenants.
Implications for social landlords
Awaab’s Law applies to almost all social housing, including temporary and supported accommodation, occupied under a tenancy and let by a registered provider. Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords are legally required to:
- Investigate emergency hazards (e.g., gas leaks, electrical faults, loss of water supply, and damp or mould posing an immediate health risk) within 24 hours.
- Address significant hazards (such as damp and mould that could harm health) within 10 working days.
- Commence necessary repairs within five working days if a hazard is confirmed, and complete them within a reasonable timeframe. Alternatively, landlords must provide suitable temporary accommodation at their expense
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to legal consequences, including potential compensation claims from tenants and increased scrutiny from the Housing Ombudsman.
Preventing mould problems
While the law focuses on prompt remediation, landlords can also take proactive steps to minimise mould risk, including:
- Educate tenants on ventilation and heating: Encourage tenants to ventilate rooms, and use extractor fans when cooking and dehumidifiers when drying washing indoors.
- Regular property inspections: Identify damp or mould early, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Prompt repairs and maintenance: Fix leaks, faulty plumbing, or damaged roofs immediately to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use mould-resistant materials: Consider mould-resistant paint or plaster when refurbishing high-humidity areas.
- Clear communication channels: Make it easy for tenants to report issues so hazards are addressed before they escalate.
By combining tenant education, regular maintenance, and early intervention, landlords can reduce the likelihood of serious mould issues.
How ServiceMaster Restore can support landlords
ServiceMaster Restore offers professional mould remediation services to help landlords comply with Awaab’s Law:
- Expert remediation: We use specialist cleaning products and techniques to eliminate mould and prevent its return.
- Rapid response: Our on-call emergency service ensures a prompt response in emergencies.
- A flexible service: We can respond at a time that suits your schedule, including evenings and weekends.
- Safety assured: We provide risk assessments, and all our uniformed cleaning technicians wear appropriate PPE, are DBS-checked and fully trained.
- Peace of mind: We have comprehensive public liability insurance.
Partnering with ServiceMaster Restore ensures that landlords not only comply with Awaab’s Law but also maintain the integrity of their properties and the health of their tenants.
For assistance with mould removal, contact the ServiceMaster Restore Devon team on 01395 350065 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.
Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.
