The government announced a landmark move: Awaab’s Law will require landlords to fix problematic homes, starting with damp and mould and moving to a much broader set of hazards, like excessive coldness. 

This affects social landlords immediately, and potentially later for private landlords too. 

• From October 2025, social landlords must investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould hazards in set timescales.

• Also from October 2025, social landlords must address all emergency hazards (including damp/mould or other immediate hazards) so that repairs are made “as soon as possible” and no later than 24 hours.

• In 2026, the law will expand to cover a wider range of hazards: excess cold, excess heat, falls, fire, electrical hazards, hygiene hazards, etc.

• In 2027, the full list of hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005 (HHSRS) will apply.

• The government also intends to extend these protections to the private rented sector through the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, meaning private landlords should pay very close attention.

Source: Awaab's Law to Force Landlords to Fix Dangerous Homes

For tenants, damp, mould, and other hazards do real harm to health and wellbeing. It’s essential to know what you can do to reduce the risk of these issues and what’s required under the new law.

For landlords, this marks a shift from reactive maintenance to proactive hazard management. The format is changing: you’ll need monitoring and timely actions.

Do you understand your property’s current condition? How far is it from breaking the new law? What’s the maintenance cycle, and how can you prepare to avoid legal issues?

Audit the Current Housing Stock

How many units have known damp/mould issues? How many other hazards (cold, heat, fire) have been flagged? Conducting a thorough audit is the first step.

Deploy Monitoring Technology

Sensors can provide key parameters (humidity, temperature, CO₂, ventilation) that signal possible issues. Investing in this technology can help you stay ahead of potential problems.

Train Management Teams

Everyone from ground staff to contract maintenance and property managers should know the new timescales, thresholds, and escalation procedures. Define standards for “investigation” and “fixing” for each hazard category. Ensure you can meet 24-hour emergency repair windows for relevant hazards.

Communicate with Tenants

Let your tenants know you’re aware of Awaab’s Law and how you’re preparing. Transparent communication lowers the risk of complaints and builds trust.

Budget for Preventative Work

Set aside funds for the expansion of hazard monitoring, data analysis, and remedial works. Don’t treat this as a surprise cost later.

If you have problems understanding the conditions inside the property, an analysis and monitoring platform could help provide insight into potential issues and let you prepare in advance. Not only is real-time data obtained from sensors to deliver real-time measurement, but it also helps you make informed decisions.

Wellsmart's analysis team integrates built environment professional knowledge to review home layout and possible sources of problems, delivering a projection of your home issues (like a health check) ahead of time.

The Importance of Compliance

Compliance with Awaab’s Law is not just about avoiding penalties. It’s about ensuring that your properties are safe and healthy for residents. This law represents a significant step forward in improving housing conditions across the board.

The Benefits of a Healthy Home

A healthy home contributes to the overall wellbeing of its occupants. It can lead to fewer health issues, reduced absenteeism from work or school, and a better quality of life. As landlords, investing in the health of your properties is an investment in the future.

Building a Sustainable Future

By adhering to Awaab’s Law, landlords play a crucial role in creating sustainable living environments. This not only benefits current tenants but also enhances the appeal of properties to future residents.

Engaging with Local Authorities

Engaging with local authorities can provide additional resources and support. They can offer guidance on best practices and help you stay informed about any changes in legislation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Awaab’s Law is a pivotal development in the housing sector. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe, healthy living conditions for all residents. 

As landlords, adapting to these changes will not only help you comply with the law but also improve the quality of life for your tenants. 

Let’s embrace this opportunity to create better living environments together.