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Awaab’s Law Phase 2: What Social Landlords Need to Know

Awaab’s Law has already altered the obligations of social landlords in England regarding serious hazards in tenants’ homes.

An additional significant change is on the horizon. Phase 1, effective from 27 October 2025, established fixed response times for addressing major damp, mould, and emergency hazards. Starting 30 November 2026, Awaab’s Law Phase 2 will broaden these requirements to cover a wider array of serious housing hazards.

For social landlords, housing associations, and property teams, this highlights the importance of preparation now.

The legal approach is shifting away from vague notions of dealing with repairs within a “reasonable” timeframe. Once a hazard reaches the legal threshold, specific maximum durations apply to investigation, communication, and action.

What Is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 due to prolonged mould exposure in his social housing.

The law clarifies social landlords’ responsibilities when tenants report hazardous conditions.

According to government guidance, Awaab’s Law covers nearly all social housing in England that is leased under a tenancy and managed by a registered provider.

Its main goal is simple: if a serious housing hazard endangers a tenant, landlords must investigate and respond within specific timeframes.

What Does Awaab’s Law Cover Right Now?

As of September 2026, Phase 1 remains in effect. Since 27 October 2025, social landlords must address significant damp and mould hazards, and all emergency hazards covered by the regulations.

An emergency hazard is defined as one that poses an immediate risk and requires a reasonable landlord to make the property safe within 24 hours.

This could vary greatly from one property to another, but the key factor is the severity and immediacy of the risk.

What Are the Current Awaab’s Law Timescales?

The rules go beyond just “24 hours for emergencies.”

When there are potential emergency hazards, landlords are required to investigate and, if an emergency hazard is confirmed, carry out the necessary safety work as soon as reasonably practicable.

Both actions must occur within 24 hours of the landlord becoming aware of the potential hazard. For potential significant hazards, complete investigations within 10 working days.

If that investigation confirms a significant hazard, the landlord must:

  • Provide the tenant with a written summary of the investigation within three business days.
  • Complete the necessary safety actions within five working days after the investigation concludes.
  • Start, or initiate actions to start, work aimed at preventing the hazard from reoccurring within five working days if needed.

If that longer-term preventative work cannot start within five business days, it must commence as soon as reasonably practicable and within 12 weeks.

Whether the property cannot be made safe within this timeframe, the landlord might need to provide suitable alternative accommodation at their own cost.

These are maximum timescales, but a landlord may need to act more quickly depending on the situation.

What Changes Under Awaab’s Law Phase 2?

Awaab’s Law Phase 2 will be enforced starting 30 November 2026. The main update is the expanded scope of significant hazards.

From that date, the law will encompass significant hazards involving:

  • Excess cold
  • Excess heat
  • Falls, including falls on stairs or between levels
  • Structural collapse
  • Fire and explosions
  • Electrical hazards
  • Domestic hygiene, including personal hygiene and food safety

Damp and mould issues will stay covered under a broader scope.

This is a significant expansion: housing teams will no longer primarily address Awaab’s Law as just a damp and mould problem.

Instead, it now represents a wider property safety obligation.

Phase 2 Does Not Mean Emergency Hazards Are New

This is a crucial distinction.

All emergency hazards within scope are already addressed in Phase 1. Phase 2 broadens the range of hazards that can be considered significant.

For example, current emergency rules cover an electrical fault that poses an immediate danger.

Starting 30 November, serious electrical hazards meeting the significant hazard criteria will also be subject to the broader fixed-time response requirements.

The same approach applies to fire risks, structural problems, and other categories introduced in Phase 2.

Damp and Mould Still Matter

While Phase 2 introduces new hazards, damp and mould remain central to Awaab’s Law.

Government guidance emphasises that landlords should not dismiss damp or mould as merely a tenant’s “lifestyle” issue.

Activities like cooking, washing, bathing, and drying clothes naturally generate moisture. If mould results from poor ventilation, leaks, insulation issues, or building defects, landlords must identify and address the root cause.

Simply cleaning visible mould without fixing the moisture source is likely to be only a temporary solution.

Why Property Teams Need to Prepare Before November

Phase 2 increases the pressure on how swiftly housing providers must identify, categorise, and address various hazards.

This involves more than just reviewing maintenance schedules.

Social landlords should think about:

  • How tenants report hazards
  • Who triages those reports
  • How emergency cases are escalated
  • Access to specialist contractors
  • Record keeping
  • Tenant communication
  • Alternative accommodation procedures
  • Out-of-hours response

An unnoticed report sitting in an inbox for days can cause compliance issues before anyone visits the property.

Clear processes are essential.

Where ServiceMaster Restore Can Support Social Landlords

Some hazards addressed by Awaab’s Law are closely related to services already offered by ServiceMaster Restore.

Issues like damp and mould often stem from leaking pipes, flooding, roof leaks, or concealed moisture within floors and walls. Simply removing visible mould does not resolve the underlying problem.

ServiceMaster Restore offers expert water damage restoration, moisture testing, structural drying, and mould removal throughout the UK.

Our technicians can detect hidden moisture, extract water, dry affected materials, and handle mould contamination when necessary.

Speed is essential for landlords to operate within statutory deadlines.

For local authorities and property professionals, ServiceMaster Restore provides emergency response services and adheres to established drying and restoration standards.

Comprehensive documentation helps property teams, insurers, and other stakeholders manage the incident effectively.

What About Private Landlords?

Awaab’s Law will also extend to private rentals under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

However, private landlords should not assume the 30 November 2026 Phase 2 deadline applies to them automatically.

The Government’s current plan states that additional regulations will specify the requirements and schedule for introducing Awaab’s Law in privately rented properties, but as of September 2026, it has not finalised this schedule.

Private landlords still have legal responsibilities for property condition and hazards, so delaying action until the new regulations are issued is not advisable for addressing unsafe properties.

What Comes Next?

Phase 2 marks a major milestone in expanding Awaab’s Law.

Starting from 30 November 2026, hazards such as fire risks, electrical safety issues, temperature concerns, falls, structural damage, and domestic hygiene will be added to the existing damp and mould hazards within the significant hazard criteria.

A subsequent phase aims to include all other hazards from the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, excluding only overcrowding.

For social landlords, the message is clear: identify hazards quickly, pinpoint their causes, communicate effectively, and act before minor property issues escalate into serious risks.

If damp, mould, flooding or water damage is affecting one of your properties, ServiceMaster Restore can help.

Call 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business.

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Commercial Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Devon: Helping a Brixham Restaurant Get Back on Track

When a fire affects a commercial property, the damage rarely stops where the flames started. Smoke, soot, odour and hidden contamination can quickly spread through connected spaces, disrupting operations and delaying the route back to business as usual. For hospitality venues in particular, every day closed can mean lost revenue, cancelled bookings and pressure on staff, suppliers and customers.

This was the challenge facing a restaurant in Brixham, after a kitchen fire left the restaurant heavily affected by smoke and soot. Because ServiceMaster was already supporting the group with floorcare at another site, and because our reactive cleaning and restoration services had been proactively communicated, the client knew exactly who to call when the unexpected happened.

The Challenge: Smoke and Soot Damage Across the Venue

Although the fire originated in the kitchen, an open feature hatch connected the kitchen directly to the restaurant area. This allowed smoke and soot to travel throughout the venue, affecting walls, ceilings, floors, the bar, tables, windows, lighting, pots, pans, utensils, glassware and other contents.

For restaurants and hospitality businesses, fire and smoke damage cleaning needs to be handled carefully and in the right order. Soot residues can continue to affect surfaces and contents after the fire has been extinguished, while odours and airborne particles can make a space unsuitable for reopening until specialist cleaning and decontamination work has taken place.

Our Objectives: Reduce Disruption and Support a Safe Recovery

From the outset, the priority was to minimise business interruption, reduce the risk of cross-contamination and prepare the restaurant for reinstatement. The team needed to clear and clean affected items, decontaminate structural surfaces and ensure the space was handed back ready for decorators and the next stage of recovery.

A Structured Approach to Fire Damage Cleaning

To keep the project moving efficiently, the team created an on-site clean room where small wares and glassware could be cleaned and sanitised first. This helped clear valuable floor space and allowed the structural cleaning work to progress in a more organised way.

The kitchen deep clean was deliberately delayed until the fire-damaged canopy had been inspected and dismantled. This sequencing was important because cleaning too early could have resulted in further soot fallout and re-contamination of completed work. By advising on the correct order of works, ServiceMaster helped protect the quality and efficiency of the restoration process.

High-level areas were HEPA vacuumed before dry-sponging and chemical wet-washing were carried out to prepare walls and surfaces for redecoration. Upholstery coverings were laundered, and the main crystal chandelier was carefully hand-cleaned component by component.

Technical Advice Beyond the Clean

Fire restoration is not just about visible cleaning. Smoke exposure can affect equipment, electrical systems and sensitive assets. As part of the project, the team recommended full electrical testing for kitchen machinery and advised that smoke-exposed EPOS systems should be written off due to the risk of future corrosion and operational failure.

The Result: A Clean, Odour-Free Space Ready for Reinstatement

The project was completed in 15 days on-site, with an additional day for final snagging. The restaurant was handed back clean, odour-free and ready for decorators to begin the next stage of reinstatement.

Verbal feedback from The Greenway Group was excellent, with the client highlighting the speed of response, the daily pace of work and the practical technical advice provided throughout the project.

Why Fast Response Matters After Commercial Fire Damage

For businesses across Devon and the South West, having a trusted specialist cleaning and restoration provider already in place can make a significant difference when the unexpected happens. A fast, structured response helps limit secondary damage, reduce downtime and give business owners a clearer route forward after fire, smoke or soot contamination.

Whether you operate a restaurant, hospitality venue, office, retail unit or commercial premises, fire and smoke damage restoration requires more than a standard clean. It calls for specialist knowledge, the right equipment and a team that understands how to protect your property, your assets and your ability to reopen safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire and Smoke Damage Cleaning

What does commercial fire damage cleaning involve?

Commercial fire damage cleaning can include soot removal, smoke residue cleaning, odour control, contents cleaning, surface decontamination, specialist drying where required and preparation of affected areas for reinstatement or redecoration.

Why is smoke damage dangerous after a fire?

Smoke and soot residues can spread beyond the original fire area and settle on surfaces, contents and equipment. If not treated properly, they can contribute to lingering odours, surface staining, corrosion risks and contamination concerns.

How quickly should a business arrange fire restoration cleaning?

Businesses should arrange specialist fire restoration cleaning as soon as it is safe to access the property. Early intervention can help reduce secondary damage, limit disruption and support a faster, more controlled recovery process.

Need Support After Fire, Smoke or Soot Damage?

If your business has been affected by fire, smoke or soot damage, ServiceMaster can help you take the next step with confidence. Our teams provide specialist cleaning, restoration and reactive support for commercial premises, helping you protect your property, reduce disruption and move towards reopening safely.

Contact your local ServiceMaster team to discuss fire and smoke damage restoration for your commercial property.

If your commercial or domestic property has been struck by fire and you’re not sure what to do, contact your local ServiceMaster Restore at 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest branch to learn how we can help. For the communities and fellow business owners in Devon, reach out to your local trusted partners on office@smcdevon.co.uk or call the team on 01395 350065.

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Case study: Emergency fire and smoke remediation

Emergency fire and smoke remediation restoration for a vulnerable resident.

This case study from ServiceMaster Clean Devon highlights the importance of fast, specialist intervention after a domestic fire. When smoke and soot damage threaten both a property and the wellbeing of its occupant, speed, expertise and sensitivity are critical. In this instance, our team restored the home safely and quickly, allowing the vulnerable resident to remain in familiar surroundings during an already distressing situation.

The challenge

Following an electrical fault in a kitchen kettle, a local flat suffered significant fire and smoke damage throughout the kitchen, living room, and hallway.

The situation was particularly sensitive, as the resident was an elderly, vulnerable person whose primary wish was to remain in their home. In incidents involving heavy soot and smoke, relocation is often a lengthy and distressing necessity. Our mission was clear: to restore the environment to a safe, liveable condition immediately, preventing the resident from having to move out.

Our response

Speed is the most critical factor in fire restoration as the acidic nature of soot can cause permanent “secondary damage” to fixtures within hours. We responded the same day.

  • Arrival: Once the electricians and gas engineers declared the site safe, ServiceMaster was on-site within just 2 hours of initial contact.
  • Immediate action: Our team focused on high-risk surfaces, including chrome-plated taps, plastic electrical fittings, and kitchen units, which are most susceptible to soot corrosion.

The solution

We employed a multi-stage restoration process to ensure the property was not just “clean,” but medically safe and odour-free:

  1. Dry recovery: We began by vacuuming all surfaces using specialised equipment. This process removed approximately 80% of loose soot contamination without smearing it into the substrates.
  2. Chemical remediation: After the dry cleaning, we used professional-grade soot sponges and ServiceMaster restoration agents to clean all suitable surfaces.
  3. Stability: This process eliminated residual contamination and neutralised the acidic soot, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination and lingering smoke odours.

The outcome

The efficiency of our team enabled an industry-leading turnaround:

  • Day 1 (within 24 hours): The property was soot-free, sanitised, and liveable, allowing the resident to stay in their home and avoid the trauma of relocation.
  • Day 2: All surfaces were fully prepared for the next phase. While some permanent staining remained, the structure was clean and ready for stain-blocking and redecoration.

By arriving within hours and completing the structural clean within a day, we didn’t just restore a property; we protected a resident’s independence amid a high-stress crisis.

For specialist and rapid-fire clearance and cleaning, contact the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

 

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5 Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning

So far, 2026 has been a very rainy year! While this weather benefits our reservoirs, it’s not ideal for our buildings. Blocked gutters can damage buildings, pose safety risks, and disrupt business, so regular inspection and cleaning are essential.

Here, our team at ServiceMaster Devon outlines five key signs your commercial gutters may need attention.

  1. Water overflowing during heavy rain

Water spilling over the edge of the guttering during rainfall is a strong indication of a blockage. Overflowing water can damage external walls, windows and foundations, and may also create slip hazards around entrances and walkways.

2. Standing water or debris visible in gutters

Leaves, moss and general debris can accumulate quickly on commercial buildings, particularly those near trees or in coastal and exposed areas. Standing water in the gutter system increases the risk of corrosion, leaks and structural strain.

3. Damp, staining or internal leaks

Blocked gutters often cause water to track back into the building rather than drain away. This can result in damp patches, staining on internal walls or ceilings, and damage to insulation. All of these factors may affect occupants, stock or equipment.

4. Gutters sagging or pulling away from the building

Excess weight from debris and trapped water can cause guttering to sag or detach from its fixings. On commercial buildings, this not only risks further damage but also poses a potential health and safety concern.

5. Increased bird or pest activity around the roofline

Gutters filled with debris provide an ideal nesting site for birds and pests. If left unchecked, this can lead to blocked downpipes, hygiene issues and further maintenance problems.

Why regular gutter cleaning matters for commercial properties

Proactive gutter maintenance helps protect your building fabric, reduce reactive repair costs and support health and safety compliance. Scheduled cleaning is the best way to keep gutters clean and prevent problems.

ServiceMaster Clean Devon provides professional commercial gutter cleaning, using safe and effective methods to minimise disruption to your business. We use a high-level gutter vac combined with pressure washing to safely remove debris and give gutters a thorough clean.

Why choose ServiceMaster?

With years of experience in external cleaning, professional expertise, specialist equipment, and safety-focused processes, you can trust us to do a good job. To minimise disruption, we offer flexible scheduling that fits around your working hours.

To arrange gutter cleaning, call the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

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Service Spotlight: Disaster Recovery

When disaster strikes, it can bring operations to a standstill. From burst pipes to fires, floods or storm damage, the impact on your buildings, staff, customers and tenants can be serious.

In this blog post, the team at ServiceMaster Restore Devon outline how we help businesses recover quickly, safely and with minimal downtime. We provide a rapid, professional response to get you back up and running.

Comprehensive disaster recovery services

Our full range of restoration and recovery services includes:

  • Flood and water damage restoration – water extraction, sanitisation, structural drying and moisture monitoring to make your premises safe and minimise damage.
  • Fire and smoke damage recovery – soot removal, odour control and surface restoration to return your premises to pre-loss condition.
  • Biohazard clean up – safe removal and disposal of hazardous materials, such as sharps and bodily fluids, which pose a risk.
  • Mould remediation – specialist cleaning and treatment of mould to protect health and prevent reoccurrence.
  • Specialist and trauma cleaning – discrete, professional cleaning for sensitive incidents, carried out in full compliance with health and safety standards.
  • Graffiti restoration – removal of unwanted graffiti from walls and signage to return your property to its original condition and maintain your professional image.
  • Leak detection – use of non-invasive methods and cutting-edge technology to quickly locate and address leaks, sparing your property from unnecessary damage.

Minimising disruption and downtime

We know that every hour of lost productivity costs your organisation money. That’s why our response is immediate and coordinated. We prioritise safety, containment and restoration from the moment we arrive, working efficiently to get your facilities operational again as soon as possible.

Our team can work out of hours or in phases to fit around your operations, helping minimise disruption for your staff, customers or residents.

For your peace of mind and insurance compliance, our reports include detailed assessments, photographs, progress updates and completion certificates. You’ll always know what’s happening, what’s been completed, and what comes next.

Why choose ServiceMaster Restore Devon?

As part of the ServiceMaster Restore network, we combine national resources with local knowledge. Our Devon-based technicians are on call 24/7, ready to respond anywhere across Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and surrounding areas.

  • 24/7 rapid response across Devon
  • Local technicians with national support
  • Industry-accredited restoration specialists

When the unexpected happens, we’re here to help you recover quickly and confidently, protecting your people, your property, and your business continuity.

Why choose ServiceMaster Restore?

If you need a restoration specialist who can respond quickly and decisively in emergencies, and collaborate seamlessly with other service providers to deliver a safe, efficient, and comprehensive solution, 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.

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Case study: Professional bathroom mould remediation

How we helped a residential customer remove mould from their bathroom in Devon.

When mould strikes at home, it can quickly become more than an aesthetic problem. Left untreated, mould poses serious health risks and can cause lasting damage to your property.

This was precisely the challenge facing the homeowner in Exeter, who discovered black mould in their bathroom. Concerned about their family’s well-being and the potential cost of repairs, they turned to ServiceMaster Restore Devon for a safe, thorough, and lasting solution. Here’s how we responded.

The Problem

The homeowner contacted ServiceMaster Restore Devon after discovering severe black mould growth in their bathroom, which had spread across the ceiling, tiled walls, grout lines, and around the window frame.

This presented two major concerns:

  • Health risks: Black mould can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies if not properly treated
  • Property damage: Prolonged mould growth can stain and deteriorate surfaces, causing long-term and costly damage

Our solution

Our team of trained technicians carried out the following steps:

  1. Initial survey

  • A full inspection of the bathroom to assess the severity of mould and identify the underlying cause (which can range from inadequate ventilation to high humidity).
  • Risk assessments were completed to ensure safe working practices by our team.

  1. Preparation

  • Protective sheeting was installed to safeguard any unaffected areas
  • Our operatives used the correct PPE (respirators, gloves, coveralls) to handle mould spores safely

  1. Specialist treatment and cleaning

  • We applied professional biocidal cleaning agents designed to kill mould spores at their root
  • We then deep-cleaned the ceiling, walls, and fixtures to restore them to a safe and hygienic standard

  1. Prevention advice

After treatment, we gave bespoke recommendations to the homeowner for aftercare, including making improvements to ventilation, moisture control, and conducting regular maintenance cleaning to prevent any regrowth.

The Outcome

The bathroom was fully restored, with all black mould safely removed; its surfaces were left clean, sanitised, and free from staining. Our team left the homeowner’s bathroom and returned to a safe and healthy environment, and by addressing the root causes, the risk of recurrence was significantly reduced.

Why choose ServiceMaster Restore?

ServiceMaster Restore combines specialist cleaning knowledge, industry-approved products, and 65 years of brand experience in the UK to provide safe and effective mould remediation services. Whether it’s a small patch of mould or a severe outbreak, our team can restore your property quickly and efficiently.

If you’re concerned about mould in your property, 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.

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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:

  1. Educate tenants on ventilation and heating: Encourage tenants to ventilate rooms, and use extractor fans when cooking and dehumidifiers when drying washing indoors.
  2. Regular property inspections: Identify damp or mould early, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
  3. Prompt repairs and maintenance: Fix leaks, faulty plumbing, or damaged roofs immediately to prevent moisture buildup.
  4. Use mould-resistant materials: Consider mould-resistant paint or plaster when refurbishing high-humidity areas.
  5. 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.

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Case Study: Rapid response to campus contamination crisis

Rapid restoration response and containing a biohazard at a university in Devon.

When a biohazard incident occurs in a public space, swift and effective action is critical. The following case study from ServiceMaster Restore Devon illustrates our specialist response to a serious sanitation emergency at a prestigious university campus, where a sudden sewer overflow threatened the health and safety of students and staff, disrupted academic operations, and put valuable infrastructure at risk.

Confronted with contaminated wastewater flooding both a campus bathroom and part of the university library, and with initial clean-up efforts worsening the situation, the institution urgently needed expert support. Our team was called in to contain the biohazard, restore hygiene standards, and ensure the safe, swift reopening of key university facilities.

The Problem

A sudden and severe sewage overflow occurred in a public bathroom on a prestigious university campus, with contaminated water spilling into the adjoining library. The incident posed an immediate health risk to students and staff, threatened significant disruption to campus operations, and put university property at risk of long-term damage. Initial clean-up efforts by university staff using standard wet vacuums not only proved ineffective but also resulted in further contamination of their equipment, emphasising the need for specialist intervention.

What we did

Upon receiving the urgent call, our team was on-site within two hours, and our priority was to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and ensure that all technicians were adequately equipped with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before commencing any work.

We immediately coordinated with the university’s on-site drainage provider to ensure the source of the overflow was identified and remedied promptly. Once the issue was under control, our technicians moved swiftly into action.

Using our high-performance equipment, we extracted all contaminated wastewater from both the bathroom and the affected library carpet. This was followed by a thorough sanitisation process, which included deep cleaning of the entire bathroom floor, all surfaces—particularly high-touch areas—and the library carpet to eliminate any remaining contaminants and odours.

In response to the university’s additional challenge, we also collected their contaminated wet vacuums. These were transported off-site, where they underwent rigorous cleaning and sanitisation before being safely returned to campus, providing further peace of mind and practical support.

The Results

Our swift and professional intervention delivered several key outcomes:

  • Minimised disruption: Our rapid two-hour response and efficient clean-up limited downtime across vital university facilities, ensuring operations could continue with minimal interruption.
  • Ensured safety: Thorough sanitisation eliminated biohazard risks, making the affected areas safe for students, staff, and visitors to return.
  • Prompt reopening: The speed and effectiveness of our work enabled the building to reopen at the earliest opportunity, avoiding prolonged closure and academic disruption.
  • Comprehensive support: Our proactive approach to cleaning and sanitising the university’s contaminated equipment provided additional value and support, showcasing our commitment to going above and beyond.

Don’t know what to do next? We do.

If you need a restoration specialist who can respond quickly and decisively in emergencies, expertly manage complex biohazard clean-ups, and collaborate seamlessly with other service providers to deliver a safe, efficient, and comprehensive solution for our clients, contact the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

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Give the Claims Team a Break: Restoration made easy with ServiceMaster Restore

Claims teams have to deal with a lot.

From the need to handle claims quickly and efficiently, to the need for effective and thorough communication throughout rapidly changing and complex situations, it’s a lot to juggle and makes for a daunting job day in and day out. The lack of visibility and collaboration from different processes and parties often also makes it difficult for you to deliver the prompt and straightforward resolutions that your policyholders expect. So, we understand the need to take the load off your claims team.

That’s where we come in.

ServiceMaster Restore is a UK-wide disaster recovery and specialist cleaning company. With over 65 years of experience as part of the global ServiceMaster brand, we have the resources to take care of any disaster restoration job, no matter how tough, and to help make the other teams we work with the local heroes their policyholders need.

Our professionals also work with insurance-approved providers to streamline the claims process and avoid the red tape that often stops the help from getting to those in need when it matters most.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus

Through our exclusive ServiceMaster Restore Plus offering, we’ve sculpted a service that understands the diverse needs across sectors, ensuring guaranteed same-day callouts, exceptional service and cheaper claims costs.

This hassle-free, add-on to your existing cover, offer, or policy means that you become the local hero for your customers in a crisis. With a network of restoration specialists and a guaranteed, same-day call out, Restore Plus is a no-brainer for you and your customers. Being part of ServiceMaster Restore Plus means that in just one phone call, you can arrange for someone to be on-site the same day. Lengthy and costly claims processes are history. When disaster strikes, we’ve got you covered!

Nationwide Coverage

As a nationwide company, we have locally owned franchises employing team members who live in the very communities we serve. These teams have the experience to know that difficult situations call for understanding and compassion, as well as a quick response.

That’s why our service is tailored to our clients. Whether supporting with fire, flood, mould, trauma, or vandalism restoration, or something else entirely, our technicians across the UK are trained to use the correct technique for every situation to ensure an efficient and effective result.

ServiceMaster Restore Connect

ServiceMaster Restore Connect is our approved supplier network that allows us to connect the nation’s most reputable trade experts, contractors and the people who need their help most.

Through our ‘Connect’ network, we work alongside some of the UK’s best and brightest to offer a complete end-to-end solution to any restoration work.

That way, when your policyholders are put in touch with ServiceMaster Restore UK, they’re not only benefiting from 65+ years of experience delivering preeminent disaster restoration services, but they also benefit from expert and approved suppliers that allow us to support on…

  • Drainage Solutions
  • Pest Control
  • Plumbing, Water & Heating
  • Electrical and Lighting
  • Refurbishment and Reinstatement work (painting and decorating)
  • Furniture and Upholstery Repairs
  • Building Repairs
  • Roofing
  • Floor covering, Boarding & Scaffolding
  • Waste Management
  • Landscaping

In a crisis, time is money.

As the “Connect” network grows through an expanding portfolio of approved suppliers, we can support our customers in more ways and say yes to more jobs, to ensure your policyholders get the help they need, when they need it most.

Whether to service a commercial or domestic property, ServiceMaster Restore Connect is a seamless integration of our services that brings together local experts in various trades, so that no matter where you are in the country, you can trust ServiceMaster Restore to have an expert at the door the same day.

As an end-to-end solution to mitigate damage and report and complete all restoration works, ServiceMaster Restore Connect means you can spend more time with your customers, knowing each client is being looked after. For Brokers, Restore Plus also means customers use our services risk-free. When making a claim, we work within their excess and report directly before an insurer can attend.

Combined, ServiceMaster Restore and Connect ensure our local experts can be on hand fast to deliver professional solutions, sometimes avoiding the need for a claim to be made.

Sounds good?

Want to take the strain off your claims team?

Are you interested in utilising ServiceMaster Restore Plus and Connect for better, faster, streamlined claims solutions?

Make life easier for your claims team today by joining the supply chain for premium end-to-end claims management and disaster restoration solutions from an industry-leading brand with over 65 years of providing evolving and expert disaster restoration services across the UK.

For suppliers and contractors, MGAs, Loss Assessors and Loss Adjustors alike, sign up for ServiceMaster Restore Connect and ServiceMaster Restore Plus to get connected to more local opportunities and be the local hero your policyholders need now. It’s free and easy!

Or, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today to see how your local experts can help you.

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Are ServiceMaster Restore UK-wide?

Are ServiceMaster Restore UK-wide?

Are you in need of disaster restoration services?

Disaster can strike without warning, leaving you blindsided by the trauma of a damaged property and no clue how to start picking up the pieces.

ServiceMaster Restore has been delivering premium disaster restoration services in the UK since 1959, from fire, water and trauma aftermath restoration to sanitisation and graffiti vandalism cleanup.

But where can you find us?

Are ServiceMaster Restore UK-wide?

As of June 2024, ServiceMaster Restore covers much of the UK with 30 dedicated franchise locations from Barnsley to Belfast.

These are based in key areas that often cover larger surrounding areas.

Our central hubs can be found in:

  1. Bath and Bristol
  2. Belfast
  3. Bournemouth
  4. Brentwood
  5. Burton
  6. Clwyd
  7. Devon, Torbay and Exeter
  8. Dorset
  9. Glasgow
  10. Grimsby
  11. Havant and Petersfield
  12. Kingston Upon Thames
  13. Leicester (East and West)
  14. Lincolnshire
  15. Middlesbrough
  16. Newbury
  17. North Norfolk
  18. Oxford
  19. Peterborough
  20. Rotherham and Barnsley
  21. Southport and Preston
  22. Swansea
  23. Northeast
  24. Central London
  25. Watford
  26. Wolverhampton

Contact us

Whatever damages your residential or commercial property is facing, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help.

Backed by over 60 years of experience delivering professional and comprehensive disaster restoration, prevention and mitigation services across the UK with the latest tools and expertise to help you recover from whatever life throws at you.

Disasters don’t work just 9-5 and neither do we. Our teams are on hand through our hotline 24/7, 365 days a year.

We’ll be there on 0800 021 3970 if you need us in an emergency.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today for support with a range of premium disaster restoration services from your local heroes.