Awaab’s Law is now in force in the social housing sector

Today (27 October) the first phase of Awaab’s Law came into force. The law introduces new legal duties that require social landlords to investigate and address damp, mould and all emergency hazards in residents’ homes within strict timeframes. 

Awaab’s Law was introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his home. The Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025 were laid before parliament this July and the government published its updated statutory guidance on 17 October.

Under the regulations, landlords must:  

• Investigate a potential hazard within 10 working days of becoming aware of it

• Provide a written summary of findings to the resident within three working days of the investigation

• Take action within five working days of finding a significant hazard — this could include beginning repair works or providing alternative accommodation if the hazard can’t be addressed immediately

• Resolve emergency hazards (those posing an imminent health risk) by making safe or completing works within 24 hours. 

The law applies to all homes and tenures in the social rented sector. It is being implemented in three phases, starting with damp and mould and all emergency hazards on 27 October 2025. In 2026 it will extend to excess cold and heat, falls, structural collapse and explosions, fire and electrical hazards and domestic/personal hygiene and food safety and then in 2027, to all remaining HHSRS hazards (apart from overcrowding).   

As part of the announcement a new £1 million fund has been launched by the government to create new ways of helping tenants engage with their landlords and have more influence over decisions that affect them. Up to £100,000 will be granted to successful bidders who propose strong ideas for improving communication between landlords and tenants and help tenants have more of a say in how their homes are managed.

CIH chief executive Gavin Smart commented: “We welcome Awaab’s Law as a significant step in ensuring that all social housing tenants live in safe and decent homes. It is the culmination of committed efforts by Awaab Ishak’s family and provides an important new framework for addressing serious health and safety concerns, beginning with damp and mould.  

“Social landlords have been preparing for this change and have new processes in place to respond to these new requirements. We also welcome the new funding to enhance tenant engagement, a vital investment to help build cultures of trust, accountability, and safety in social housing.”