Awaab’s Law officially launches today (27 October 2025), introducing new legal duties for landlords to tackle dangerous housing conditions—starting with social housing and extending to the private rented sector in the near future.

Named in memory of Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old who died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home, this landmark law is designed to make sure no tenant lives in unsafe or unhealthy conditions again.

Although private landlords aren’t yet directly bound by the legislation, it’s vital to understand what’s coming—and to start preparing now.

What the law requires

Awaab’s Law will require landlords to investigate and respond to reports of “significant” or “emergency” hazards within strict timeframes. Initially, this applies to issues like damp and mould, but the principles will extend to other hazards once the law is fully implemented across all tenures.

Once in force for private landlords, failing to act promptly could lead to legal penalties, compensation claims, and reputational damage. The days of quick, cosmetic fixes are over—landlords will be expected to demonstrate that their repairs are effective and lasting.

Why it matters for private landlords

Private landlords already face growing regulatory pressures—from the Decent Homes Standard to the newly passed Renters Rights' Bill. Awaab’s Law builds on this by formalising expectations for timely, evidence-based repairs.

For many, this represents a shift from reactive property management to a more preventive and proactive approach. With an estimated 1.2 million privately rented homes in England affected by damp and mould, landlords who act early will be best placed to stay compliant and protect their investments.

Enforcement and clarity: What we know so far

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has welcomed the principle behind the law but raised valid concerns about its practicalities.

There’s still uncertainty about definitions—what exactly counts as a “significant” hazard or an “emergency”? There’s also no clear requirement for inspectors to be trained under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which could lead to inconsistent assessments.

In the short term, that means landlords will need to rely on good judgment and professional advice to interpret their obligations and ensure their properties meet safety expectations.

Why quick fixes won’t work anymore

Traditional “band-aid” solutions—like painting over mould or applying short-term anti-mould coatings—are unlikely to meet the new standard of “lasting remediation.”

Many off-the-shelf anti-mould paints provide protection for only about 18 months before the problem returns. This reactive cycle of treating symptoms rather than causes not only fails to protect tenants but drives up long-term maintenance costs.

Under Awaab’s Law, landlords will need to show that their repairs eliminate the underlying cause of damp and mould, not just conceal it.

Practical steps to prepare now

Private landlords who start planning ahead can minimise future disruption and ensure compliance once Awaab’s Law applies to them. Here are some proactive steps to take now:

Inspect properties regularly – Check for early signs of damp, condensation, and ventilation issues.
Address root causes – Fix leaks, improve insulation, and upgrade ventilation systems to control humidity.
Use long-term treatments – Invest in proven, science-backed solutions that prevent mould regrowth over time (for example, durable coatings such as Inducoat Fungi).
Keep records – Maintain clear documentation of inspections, repairs, and tenant communications to demonstrate compliance.
Educate tenants – Encourage proper ventilation, safe heating practices, and reporting of issues as soon as they arise.

By embedding these practices now, landlords can create healthier homes while protecting their portfolios from future risk.

A turning point for the private rental sector

Awaab’s Law is more than just another compliance requirement—it’s a wake-up call for better housing standards. For responsible landlords, it’s also an opportunity: to build trust with tenants, reduce maintenance costs, and future-proof properties.

Ultimately, proactive landlords who focus on prevention rather than reaction will not only stay on the right side of the law but also deliver homes that are safer, healthier, and more sustainable.

To find out more about your obligations as a landlord, or to speak to us about managing your property on your behalf, call 0161 511 5339 or contact us to speak to one of our lettings specialists.