Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law is a landmark piece of UK legislation that comes into force on 27th October 2025, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his Rochdale home.
The new legislation is designed to protect tenants from unsafe housing conditions, particularly damp and mould, in social housing.
From October 2025, the legal requirement for social landlords will be:
- Emergency hazards: Investigate and start safety work within 24 hours.
- Significant hazards:
- Investigate within 10 working days.
- Provide written findings within 3 working days after investigation.
- Begin safety work within 5 working days of investigation conclusion.
- Alternative accommodation: Must be provided if repairs cannot be completed within the specified timeframes.
- Communication: Keep tenants informed and provide safety advice.
- Legal enforcement: Tenants can take landlords to court for breach of contract if they fail to comply.
The law is part of the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025, under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It acts as a legal backstop to ensure timely repairs and protect tenants’ health and safety.
The initial focus is on damp, mould, and emergency hazards that pose a significant risk to tenants.
In 2026, it will include hazards like excess cold/heat, falls, structural collapse, fire, electrical hazards, and hygiene risks.
In 2027 it will cover all remaining hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), except overcrowding.
Information on who is responsible for repairs – you or Dudley Council – plus other information relating to repairs, can be seen here: https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/housing/repairs-and-maintenance/
