When a tragic case led to a national conversation about the safety of rented homes, the result was Awaab's law. For landlords and social housing providers, understanding what it requires is no longer optional.
It sets out clear deadlines, creates new accountability, and demands a more proactive approach to mould prevention. This guide breaks down what the law means in practice and how systems like Inbiot can help you meet your responsibilities before issues escalate.
Its Role In Health & Safety for Tenants
Awaab Ishak was a two-year-old boy living in a social housing flat where mould had been allowed to spread unchecked. His death in 2020 shocked the country. It highlighted how dangerous mould can be when left unaddressed and exposed gaps in how repairs are handled across the sector.
Awaab's law was created to ensure no family is ever left waiting while damp and mould worsen. It forms part of the Social Housing Regulation Act and introduces strict timeframes for responding to hazards in social homes. The first phase of the law took effect in October 2025.
Throughout the sector, the case has become a reminder that health and safety for tenants depends on spotting mould early rather than dealing with it once it becomes visible.
How It Shapes Landlord Mould Responsibility
At this stage, Awaab's law applies to social housing landlords. This includes councils, housing associations, ALMOs and other registered providers. They must comply with the new response times and investigation requirements.
Private landlords are not yet formally included. However, plans to extend these expectations signal a shift in landlord mould responsibility across the broader rental market. If you manage private rentals, preparing now avoids rushing later, especially as expectations around health and safety for tenants continue to tighten.
Understanding Awaab's Law Timescales
The law introduces clear, legally enforceable deadlines for dealing with mould and damp hazards. The days of loose 'reasonable timeframes' are over.
- Emergency hazards: Make the home safe within 24 hours or provide alternative accommodation.
- Investigation of damp or mould reports: Begin investigations within 10 working days.
- Following the investigation: Provide tenants with written findings within three working days.
- Repair timeframes: Begin work within five working days, or start major work within twelve weeks.
These timescales create structure, reduce disputes, and strengthen trust between tenants and landlords. Failure to meet them can result in enforcement action, fines, and operational restrictions.
The Importance of Damp and Mould Solutions
Social housing providers managing large portfolios often face recurring issues that make mould prevention difficult. Older housing stock, inconsistent ventilation and cold bridging all create ideal conditions for mould growth. These situations frequently require reliable damp and mould solutions rather than occasional inspections.
For example, condensation forming on cold external walls in winter may go unnoticed for weeks. Bathrooms with weak airflow can develop mould even when the extractor fan technically works. Without consistent data, landlords fall into reactive patterns, making Awaab's law timescales harder to meet.
How Inbiot Helps With Indoor Air Quality
This is where Inbiot becomes highly practical. It allows landlords to monitor indoor air conditions across multiple properties without waiting for tenants to report problems.
Inbiot continuously tracks humidity, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, VOCs, temperature and formulates a mould indicator to view 24/7. These are strong predictors of mould risk, making it a valuable tool for early mould prevention. Instant alerts enable landlords to investigate issues promptly, well within the 10-day limit. For example, repeated humidity spikes in a particular flat could lead to an inspection long before mould appears.
In properties with mechanical ventilation, Inbiot can integrate with existing equipment to automatically adjust airflow. Recorded data also supports compliance. If questions arise about response times or responsibility, Inbiot provides an audit trail that aligns with current mould prevention expectations and laws.
Why Act Now?
Awaab's Law is already in force for social landlords. As colder seasons return and moisture levels rise, missed deadlines become more likely without a preventive strategy. Private landlords will likely face similar expectations soon.
Early planning positions you ahead of regulatory change and demonstrates commitment to health and safety for tenants.
Next Steps for Better Mould Prevention
If you want a practical way to comply with Awaab's Law and protect tenants from mould, Inbiot offers a straightforward, effective solution. It supports early action, consistent oversight and documented compliance.
To discuss how Inbiot can be used,
contact Ultra Protect today. Your tenants' well-being and your compliance obligations rely on addressing issues before they escalate.
