Awaab’s Law, which took effect on October 27, 2025, now mandates that social housing landlords in England take swift and decisive action to fix serious health and safety hazards, such as damp and mould. The new legislation follows the tragic 2020 death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale, whose home suffered from severe mould exposure.
Under the new rules, if a tenant reports a health hazard:
- The landlord must inspect the property within 14 days.
- If a serious health risk is confirmed, the landlord must start repairs within 7 days and complete them within 21 days (where possible).
- For vulnerable tenants (e.g., those with children, respiratory issues, or weakened immune systems), repairs may be treated as an emergency.
- Landlords must provide alternative accommodation if emergency repairs cannot be completed in time and the hazard poses a significant risk.
Tenants are strongly advised to keep written records (dates, photos, and communication) of all reports to hold landlords accountable. The law is the first phase of a broader initiative that will expand to cover other hazards like fire, excess cold, and structural risks by 2027.
Kent Housing Group – About Us
The Kent Housing Group is the collective voice of the housing sector in Kent and Medway. It has representation from all 12 Kent local authorities, Medway Council, 14 housing associations, Kent County Council and Kent Public Health. KHG also has representation from organisations who work in partnership with social housing landlords, including the Kent Housing and Development Group, Homes England, the National Landlords Residents Association and the South East Housing and Development Group. Our diverse membership also includes several supported housing providers, a procurement provider and a body working to increase diversity and inclusion in construction. KHG is a member of the Housing Diversity Network and the Housing Forum. Visit www.kenthousinggroup.org.uk