In December 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak tragically died after prolonged exposure to mould in his family home. In response, his family fought tirelessly to ensure no other family would suffer the same devastating loss. Their efforts led to the introduction of Awaab’s Law, which reforms tenants’ rights and housing safety.
Awaab’s Law
On 20 July 2023, the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 received Royal Assent, marking a significant step forward in protecting social tenants. In February 2025, the Government set out the timeline for implementing the law, introducing time limits for social landlords to address hazardous living conditions.
What will change under Awaab’s Law?
From October 2025, social landlords must follow a phased approach to tackling damp, mould, and other hazards:
Step 1: October 2025
- Social landlords must address damp and mould hazards that pose a significant risk to tenants’ health within specific timeframes.
- All emergency repairs, including those related to damp and other hazards, must be carried out within 24 hours.
Step 2: 2026 The law will expand to cover additional hazards including:
- Excess cold and heat
- Falls and structural collapse
- Fire, electrical risks, and explosions
- Hygiene hazards
Step 3: 2027
Further expansion to address all remaining hazards as defined in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005 (excluding overcrowding). A full list of hazards can be found in Schedule 1 of the Regulations.
Why this matters?
With the new regulations, social landlords will need to ensure they maintain safe living conditions for their tenants. Damp, mould, and other hazards can have severe consequences, particularly for children, older people, and vulnerable individuals.
What can you do?
- Check your home for signs of damp, mould, or other hazards.
- Report issues immediately to your landlord and request timely action.
The legacy of Awaab Ishak is now shaping the future of social housing. This law is a vital step towards ensuring no tenant has to choose between having a home and staying healthy.
