Awaab's Law: What every UK landlord must know about damp and mould regulations

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, caused by prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his Rochdale home, led to groundbreaking legislation that will fundamentally change the indoor climate in social housing. Awaab's Law aims to ensure swift action against damp and mould in residential properties.

From 27th October 2025, Awaab's Law will come into force, placing unprecedented legal obligations on landlords to tackle damp and mould hazards swiftly and effectively. This legislation represents a seismic shift in landlord responsibilities, with strict timelines and serious consequences for non-compliance.

Understanding Awaab's Law: The new regulatory framework

From October 2025 social landlords will have to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants to fixed timescales. The law initially applies to social housing providers but will extend to the private rental sector through the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill, expected in 2026-2027.

The critical statistics

The urgency behind this legislation is compelling. In 2023, 7 % of social rented homes had a damp problem and 4 % had hazards rated at the most dangerous 'category 1' level. These figures represent thousands of properties where tenants face daily health risks that could prove fatal.

Landlord obligations under Awaab's Law: The New Timeline

The legislation establishes mandatory timeframes that landlords must adhere to when addressing damp and mould hazards:

Investigation Phase

• 10 working days: Maximum time to begin investigating reported or identified hazards
• Under the Regulations, landlords are required to produce a written summary of their findings to the tenant within three working days.

Action Phase

• 5 working days: Time limit to undertake required safety work
• 5 working days: Deadline to start additional preventative works (or begin as soon as reasonably practicable)
• 12 weeks maximum: Absolute deadline for preventative works to physically commence if immediate action isn't possible

Emergency provision

If properties cannot be made safe promptly, landlords must arrange suitable alternative accommodation at their expense. From October 2025, social landlords must address emergency hazards like damp and mould within 24 hours.

The consequences of non-compliance

The penalties for failing to meet Awaab's Law requirements are severe and multifaceted: 

Legal consequences

Through the measures announced today tenants will be able to take their landlords to court if they fail to fix dangerous hazards. This opens landlords to potential compensation claims, legal costs, and civil proceedings.

Regulatory action

Social housing providers are now required to report all unresolved damp and mould cases to the Regulator of Social Housing, ensuring greater transparency. Non-compliance can result in regulatory intervention, enforcement action, and potential prosecution.

Financial impact

Beyond legal costs, landlords face:

• Compensation payments to affected tenants
• Emergency accommodation costs
• Urgent remedial work expenses
• Loss of rental income during property repairs
• Potential property management takeover by regulators

Reputational damage

In an increasingly connected world, non-compliance can severely damage a landlord's reputation, affecting future lettings and business relationships.

Why immediate action is essential

Damp and mould aren't merely aesthetic issues - they represent serious health hazards. Poor indoor air quality resulting from damp and mould can cause:

• Respiratory problems and asthma
• Allergic reactions
• Weakened immune systems
• Mental health impacts
• In extreme cases, as tragically demonstrated by Awaab's case, death

The legislation recognises that swift action isn't just legally required - it's morally imperative to protect tenants' wellbeing.

Proactive solutions: The Awaab's Law compliance kits

Rather than waiting for problems to emerge, forward-thinking landlords are investing in preventative ventilation solutions. DUCO's specially designed Awaab's Law Compliance Kits provide comprehensive protection against damp and mould hazards.

1. Awaab’s law kit: extraction

The Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) approach

Our extraction-focused kit centres on our industry-leading MEV systems, designed to eliminate moisture at source and maintain healthy indoor air quality.

The All-in-one DucoBox Reno UK Awaab’s Law contains:

• 1 x DucoBox Reno UK
  
  • One centralized extraction fan:
    • Qualitative and reliable fan
    • Low energy consumption
    • Extended lifespan
  •  Centralized humidity detection built-in the unit.
  • Compact dimensions ideal for space-constrained properties
    • Specifically designed for retrofitting existing properties
      
      
• 1 x User control
  • Battery powered user control to boost the ventilation.
  • Communicates via Radio Frequency (RF) with the unit.
  • No need for electricity supply or wiring towards the unit.
    
    
• 3 x DucoVent Basic
  • Three valves for extraction in the bathroom, kitchen and toilet.

Discover DUCO’s MEV solutions

2. Awaab's Law Kit: Extraction + Supply Solution

All-in-one DucoBox Reno UK Awaab’s Law + Silenzio

Complete climate control with Silenzio integration:

For comprehensive protection, our advanced kit combines MEV extraction with fresh air supply through our innovative Silenzio system. Residents require no interaction, the system works entirely automatically.

Discover the Silenzio Retro SR

Why ventilation is your first line of defence

Effective ventilation systems tackle damp and mould at their source by mechanically removing humid air from wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens whilst introducing fresh, dry air to living spaces. This creates a balanced environment that maintains optimal humidity levels throughout your property.

Beyond moisture control, proper ventilation delivers significant health benefits for tenants. Improved air quality reduces respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma whilst strengthening immune systems. Tenants also experience better sleep quality and enhanced mental performance in well-ventilated environments.

From a property perspective, proactive ventilation prevents costly structural damage caused by persistent damp, maintains property values, and improves energy efficiency ratings. This approach transforms potential maintenance headaches into manageable, predictable systems.

The Smart Investment Strategy

Installing comprehensive ventilation before Awaab's Law takes full effect demonstrates forward-thinking property management. You'll exceed regulatory requirements whilst reducing the risk of enforcement action and emergency repairs.

The financial benefits extend beyond compliance. Well-ventilated properties require fewer emergency interventions, maintain consistent rental income, and achieve better valuations. Most importantly, healthier living environments lead to higher tenant satisfaction, reduced complaints, and improved retention rates—creating a positive cycle that benefits both landlords and residents.

Conclusion: Act now, protect your future

Awaab's Law represents more than new regulations - it's a fundamental shift towards prioritising tenant health and safety.

Our Awaab's Law Compliance Kits provide landlords with proven, effective solutions that not only meet legal requirements but exceed them. By investing in proper ventilation systems today, you're not just complying with future legislation - you're protecting your tenants' health, your property investment, and your business reputation.

Don't wait for problems to emerge or regulations to enforce action. Take control of your properties' future with professional ventilation solutions designed specifically for the challenges ahead.

The memory of Awaab Ishak serves as a powerful reminder that behind every regulation lies a human story. By choosing proactive solutions, we honour that memory whilst building a safer, healthier future for all tenants

Contact us today to discuss your Awaab's Law compliance strategy and discover how our ventilation solutions can protect your properties, your tenants, and your peace of mind.