Today marks a significant milestone in housing protection and building safety: Awaab’s Law is now officially in effect in England.
As damp & timber specialists, we believe this new legislation is a landmark for our sector and for every tenant and homeowner who has struggled with mould, damp, condensation or timber decay.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law takes its name from Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old who tragically died after prolonged exposure to mould in his home in 2020.
In response, the UK government has introduced statutory timeframes for social landlords to investigate and resolve serious housing hazards beginning with damp, mould and emergency repairs.
Key requirements from Phase 1 (effective from 27 October 2025) include:
- Investigation of significant damp and mould hazards within 10 working days.
- A written summary of findings to be provided to the tenant within 3 working days of the investigation’s conclusion.
- If there is a confirmed risk to health, the home must be made safe and remedial works started within 5 working days (with an outer limit of 12 weeks if immediate action is not possible).
- All emergency hazards (whether damp/mould related or not) must be addressed within 24 hours. GOV.UK+1
This is only the first phase: in future years (2026, 2027) the duty will extend to a broader set of hazards (excess cold or heat, fire, electrical risks, structural hazards) under the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
Why this matters for damp & timber specialists
For us here at Atlas Survey & Building Services Ltd, this legislation reinforces what we already know: poor building fabric, water ingress, inadequate ventilation, condensation and untreated timber issues are not just nuisance defects they are serious threats to health, wellbeing and property value.
When a home is allowed to remain damp, with mould growth or decaying timber, the implications are multi-faceted:
- Tenant or homeowner health: respiratory issues, aggravation of allergies/asthma, and in tragic cases, as with Awaab, worse.
- Structural and fabric damage: timber rot, fungal decay, compromised insulation, worsening condensation cycles.
- Legal and compliance risk for property owners or landlords: the new law means formal duties and timelines; failure to act could lead to legal claims.
This means our role is more important than ever: identifying root-causes of damp and timber issues, recommending and executing effective remedial works, and advising on preventative measures (ventilation, insulation, waterproofing, treatment of timber, etc.).
What we recommend for landlords, property managers and homeowners
With the new law in force, it’s wise to be proactive. Here are some key steps:
- Early survey and diagnosis – If you suspect damp, mould or timber decay, commission a specialist survey. Don’t wait until the problem is visible or widespread.
- Root-cause remediation – Treating visible mould or damaged timber is only part of the solution. You need to address why it’s happening: e.g., water ingress, condensation, inadequate ventilation, failed damp proof course, faulty gutters/downpipes, decaying timber due to moisture.
- Clear records & reporting – Given the timeframes imposed by the law, property owners and landlords should keep documentation of inspections, remediation works, tenant communications, and follow-up checks.
- Preventative maintenance – Make sure buildings are properly ventilated, insulated, drainage is sound, and timber is regularly inspected. For timber specialists: regular checks of joists, bearers, skirting boards, roof timbers etc.
- Tenant/homeowner engagement – Good practice in living habits (venting bathrooms and kitchens, avoiding drying lots of clothes inside, heating appropriately) helps, but the structural remedy is ultimately the landlord/owner’s responsibility if the root cause lies in fabric or system failure.
What this means for you, our clients
Whether you’re a landlord, housing provider, property manager or homeowner, Atlas is ready to help you navigate the new regulatory environment and ensure your properties meet the new standard. Our services to name a few include:
- Damp & timber surveys and reporting
- Condensation/mould remediation services
- Timber decay treatment and replacement (joists, bearers)
- Waterproofing
With Awaab’s Law now active, quick action can make all the difference both to ensure compliance and to protect the occupants of the building and the integrity of your asset.
The launch of Awaab’s Law signals a new era of accountability in housing. By focusing initially on damp, mould and emergency hazards, the law places clear responsibilities on landlords and building owners. For specialists like us, it underlines the urgency of high-quality remedial and preventative work in damp & timber.
If you have concerns about mould, damp, timber decay, or want to ensure your property is safe and compliant with the new requirements contact us to arrange for our surveyor to carry out an inspection of the property.
