Awaab’s Law has emerged as one of the most significant housing reforms in England in recent years. Named after Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old who tragically died due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home, the law aims to prevent similar tragedies by legally obliging landlords to act swiftly on dangerous housing conditions. As of late 2025, Awaab’s Law applies not only to social housing but, thanks to the Renters’ Rights Act, covers the private rented sector too.
This article explores how Awaab’s Law works today, what it means for tenants and landlords, and why it’s a game-changer in housing safety.
What Is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law was introduced under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, following years of campaigning. Its primary aim is to enforce strict deadlines for landlords to investigate and remediate serious housing hazards, particularly mould and damp.
Key points of Awaab’s Law for social tenants include:
- Emergency hazards must be addressed within 24 hours.
- Significant mould or damp issues must be investigated within 10 working days.
- Repairs must start within five working days after the investigation, or tenants must be offered temporary accommodation.
- Written summaries of investigations must be provided to tenants within three working days.
These rules are legally binding. Landlords who fail to comply can face enforcement action and legal consequences.
Expansion to Private Rentals
The recent Renters’ Rights Act has extended many of the protections under Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector. This is a major step forward as it means millions more tenants now benefit from guaranteed timelines and enforceable standards.
Private landlords must now:
- Investigate mould and damp hazards promptly, with deadlines similar to social housing.
- Provide written updates on findings to tenants.
- Offer alternative accommodation if the property cannot be made safe quickly.
The integration of Awaab’s Law into private rentals ensures that tenants in the private sector — who were historically less protected — can now demand timely action on health hazards in their homes.
Why Awaab’s Law Matters
Awaab’s Law is more than a technical regulation; it represents a cultural shift in housing accountability. Here’s why it’s critical:
- Protects Health
Prolonged exposure to damp and mould can trigger respiratory illnesses and other long-term health issues. Awaab’s Law ensures landlords cannot ignore these risks.
- Legally Enforceable Deadlines
Unlike previous guidelines, the law specifies exact timescales for inspections, repairs, and communication. Landlords are accountable, and tenants have legal recourse.
- Transparency and Reporting
Written summaries provided to tenants under Awaab’s Law promote transparency and reduce disputes about the seriousness or timing of repairs.
- Applies Across Housing Sectors
With the Renters’ Rights Act extension, Awaab’s Law now covers social and private housing, creating consistency in tenant protection.
Challenges in Implementation
While Awaab’s Law is transformative, it presents practical challenges:
- Resource Constraints for Landlords: Smaller housing associations and private landlords may struggle to meet 24-hour emergency repair deadlines.
- Defining “Significant Risk”: Not all mould or damp is treated equally. Landlords must consider vulnerability factors such as children or health conditions.
- Monitoring Compliance: With the expansion to private rentals, enforcement will require increased monitoring by local authorities.
Despite these challenges, the legal framework provided by Awaab’s Law is clear: tenants have a right to safe, healthy homes, and landlords are obligated to act.
The Broader Impact
By legally binding landlords to act on hazards, Awaab’s Law promotes safer housing nationwide. Its expansion to the private rented sector means more tenants are protected, fewer tragedies occur, and housing quality standards rise.
For tenants, Awaab’s Law empowers them to demand safer homes. For landlords, it’s a call to modernise operations, prioritise health and safety, and act swiftly to prevent harm.
The law also signals a broader cultural shift: housing health is now a legally enforceable priority. With clear deadlines, accountability, and enforcement, Awaab’s Law sets the benchmark for tenant protection for decades to come.
