Landlords, are you ready for Awaab's Law?
- Oct 25, 2025
- 3 min read
What is it and when does it start?
Awaab’s Law is new legislation that sets strict time limits for social landlords to investigate and fix damp, mould and other serious hazards. It is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died in 2020 following exposure to mould in his home.
The law comes into place TODAY (27th October 2025) with a focus on damp, mould and emergency hazards, and will expand in phases to cover more hazards after that.
What this means for you
You must investigate damp and mould within set timeframes
You must record what you found and what you did to resolve any issues
There are penalties if issues are ignored
When does the clock start?
Day “zero” is the day the landlord first becomes aware of a potential hazard (for example, a tenant report, a staff inspection, or a contractor notification). Day one begins the next working day. You must triage immediately to decide if it’s significant or emergency.
Emergency hazards (Phase 1)
Investigate within 24 hours.
Make the home safe within 24 hours of confirming an emergency hazard.
If you cannot make it safe within 24 hours, offer suitable alternative accommodation until works are complete.
Provide a written summary of the investigation within 3 working days of concluding it (if required).
Significant damp and mould hazards (Phase 1)
Investigate within 10 working days.
After you conclude the investigation, give the resident a written summary within 3 working days (unless you’ve completed all works within those 3 days).
Complete safety works and start (or take steps to start) supplementary works within 5 working days of the investigation concluding.
If further supplementary works are needed and cannot begin within 5 working days, they must start as soon as reasonably practicable and within 12 weeks of the investigation concluding.
If the property cannot be made safe, offer suitable alternative accommodation until the hazard is fully resolved.
From 27 October 2025, Phase 1 covers all emergency hazards and significant damp and mould. Wider HHSRS hazards are planned to phase in from 2026–2027.
What your records should show
The guidance stresses accurate, up-to-date information on homes and residents, and clear records of all engagement, investigations and communications. Good records support your defence that you took “all reasonable steps.” At a minimum, keep:
Triage and timeline: date/time you became aware; initial classification (significant/emergency); investigation start/finish dates; works start/finish dates.
Evidence of investigation: photos/video, moisture readings, ventilation checks, relevant test results, contractor reports.
Resident communications: copies of notices, written summaries (sent within 3 working days), decant offers, access arrangements, any vulnerabilities or reasonable adjustments noted.
Scope of works: safety works completed, supplementary works planned, sequencing, materials and specifications (e.g., ventilation upgrades where fabric is improved).
Outcome and sign-off: how the hazard was removed or controlled; post-works verification; any follow-up actions.
Governance: internal approvals, escalations, and any third-party notifications.
The government also recommends robust information management and clear internal policies so teams apply the rules consistently across your stock.
How Target Green can help
We are retrofit specialists. We design whole-house solutions that target the real causes in your buildings, not just the symptoms.
Independent surveys to find moisture sources and risk areas
Clear, compliance-ready reports for your records and your tenants
Practical fixes that bring ventilation, insulation and airtightness together
A simple, step-by-step plan with sensible costs
Ongoing advice so you stay on top of your duties
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE AWAAB'S LAW CHECKLIST HERE
Homes at higher risk
Older solid-wall homes
Properties with poor ventilation
Homes with a history of damp
Recently refurbished homes where modern materials were used on older fabric
Ground floor and basement flats
Protect your tenants and your portfolio.
👉 Contact Us to book a damp and mould survey or to discuss a whole-house plan for your properties.
.png)












Comments