Awaab’s Law (2025): Tenant Rights and What to Expect

From 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law gives social housing tenants new legal protections against unsafe housing conditions, particularly damp and mould.
It ensures landlords must act within fixed timeframes, communicate clearly, and treat every report of mould or damp as a health and safety issue, not just a standard maintenance task.

This page explains what Awaab’s Law means for tenants, how to report issues, your rights to follow-up, and how Ideal Response supports safe living conditions nationwide.

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What Awaab’s Law means for tenants

Awaab’s Law ensures that tenants have clear, enforceable rights.
When you report damp, mould, or related hazards to your landlord or housing association, they must now act within strict legal deadlines.

Legal timeframes

Investigate within 10 working days of your report.
Provide written findings within 3 working days after inspection.
Start repairs within 5 working days once the issue is confirmed.
Make safe any emergency hazard within 24 hours.
Offer temporary accommodation if the property is unsafe to occupy.

These timeframes apply to social landlords now, and similar standards will soon apply to private rentals. If deadlines are missed, tenants can escalate the matter to their council or the Housing Ombudsman.

Understanding damp and mould

Damp and mould are more than cosmetic issues, they’re health hazards. Mould spores can irritate the lungs, trigger asthma, and worsen existing respiratory conditions.

Common signs of damp and mould

Black or green patches on walls and ceilings.
Musty odours or persistent condensation.
Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint.
Damp clothes or bedding even after drying.
Visible mould on furniture, especially near exterior walls.

If you notice any of these, report them immediately. Early reports help landlords act before the issue worsens.

How to report damp and mould

You have the right to report any damp, mould, or unsafe housing conditions, and your landlord must respond. Follow these steps to protect yourself and create a clear record.

Step 1: Record the problem

Take clear, date-stamped photos or videos showing where the problem is.
Note any smells, leaks, or condensation, and record health symptoms (such as coughing or chest irritation) that may be linked.

Step 2: Report in writing

Send an email or letter to your landlord, housing officer, or managing agent.
Describe the issue clearly, include your evidence, and request an inspection.
Keep a copy of everything you send.

Step 3: Keep a log

Maintain a simple log of dates: when you reported the issue, when the landlord responded, and any appointments or delays.
A written record is your strongest protection if the matter escalates.

Step 4: Follow up

If there’s no action within 10 working days, send a polite follow-up email referencing your original message.
If still nothing happens, start a formal complaint.

Step 5: Escalate if needed

If repairs are delayed or ignored, you have the right to escalate:

Formal complaint

Request your landlord’s complaints policy and follow it. They must acknowledge and respond within their stated time (usually 10–15 working days).

Contact your local council

If unresolved, contact your local authority housing or environmental health team. They can inspect your home and issue enforcement notices requiring repairs.

Housing ombudsman

If your landlord is a social housing provider and has failed to act even after a complaint, contact the Housing Ombudsman Service.
They can investigate, enforce repairs, and recommend compensation.

Tenant responsibilities and health awareness

Awaab’s Law encourages shared responsibility between landlords and tenants. While landlords must act quickly, you can help prevent problems and protect your health by staying proactive.

Tenant responsibilities

Report issues promptly – don’t wait for problems to worsen.
Allow access – landlords can’t fix what they can’t inspect.
Ventilate regularly – open windows briefly or use extractor fans daily.
Avoid blocking air vents or trickle vents.
Use heating consistently in colder months to avoid condensation build-up.
Keep records of your reports and responses.

Health awareness

Prolonged exposure to mould can cause: persistent coughing, skin irritation, fatigue, and headaches.

If symptoms develop, contact your GP and mention the mould problem. Your doctor can record it in your notes which is useful evidence if you need to prove health impact later.

How Ideal Response helps tenants

While Ideal Response works mainly with landlords and housing providers, our mission is to help ensure every tenant lives in a safe, healthy home.
When your landlord appoints us, you can trust that every inspection and treatment will be carried out professionally, safely, and with respect for your space.

Our role in tenant safety

Independent damp and mould surveys

Our certified surveyors conduct in-depth investigations to identify exactly what’s causing the issue, whether it’s leaks, poor insulation, or inadequate ventilation.
We provide landlords with regulator-ready reports and clear action plans.

Safe, certified remediation

We use HEPA filtration, containment barriers, and antimicrobial treatments to remove mould safely.
Our team isolates work zones and tests air quality before and after treatment to ensure your home is safe to return to.

Transparent communication

We explain what’s being done, when it will happen, and how we’re keeping you safe throughout.
Our goal is to make remediation stress-free for residents.

Why tenants trust Ideal Response

Certified & safe: Accredited technicians using professional containment and cleaning methods.
Health-Focused: Every project aligns with Awaab’s Law safety principles.
Clear communication: Updates at every stage of inspection and remediation.
Respectful service: We work carefully and cleanly, with minimal disruption.
Trusted nationwide: Over 20 years improving housing conditions across the UK.

Act early. Reduce risk. Protect your home.

Why property owners nationwide recommend Ideal Response

Discover why property owners nationwide trust Ideal Response for expert leak detection, damp surveys, hoarder cleaning, mould removal, and flood or fire restoration. Our clients consistently praise our rapid response, technical precision, and compassionate service that makes recovery stress-free.

FAQs: Tenant rights under Awaab’s Law

Does Awaab’s Law apply to private tenants?

Not yet. Awaab’s Law currently applies to social housing providers from October 2025. However, the Renters’ Rights Bill (2026–27) is expected to bring similar timelines and enforcement powers to private rentals. If you rent privately, it’s still wise to report and record damp or mould issues following Awaab’s Law standards because they’re rapidly becoming best practice across the UK.

What counts as an emergency under Awaab’s Law?

Emergencies include any issue that poses an immediate risk to health or safety, such as active leaks, severe black mould, or electrical hazards caused by damp. Under the law, landlords must make the situation safe within 24 hours, even if full repairs take longer. They must also provide temporary accommodation if the home cannot be made safe right away.

What if my landlord blames me for condensation or mould?

Landlords can no longer dismiss mould complaints as “tenant lifestyle issues” without proof. Awaab’s Law requires them to investigate all structural or ventilation causes first, using proper inspections or surveys. If they can’t show clear evidence that the issue is due to misuse, they remain responsible for remediation.

Can Ideal Response inspect my property directly?

Yes, if your landlord authorises it, Ideal Response can perform an independent mould and damp survey. Our certified technicians provide detailed, unbiased reports explaining the root cause of the issue and what needs fixing. These reports are often used by housing officers, insurers, and ombudsman cases as professional evidence.

Can I stop paying rent if my landlord ignores mould?

You should not stop paying rent without formal advice, as doing so could breach your tenancy agreement. Instead, follow the correct escalation process; report, log, complain, and contact your local council or the Housing Ombudsman. If your landlord fails their legal duties, you may later be eligible for compensation or rent reimbursement through official channels.

Will my landlord get in trouble for not fixing damp quickly?

Yes. Social landlords who ignore damp and mould can face Ombudsman investigations, regulatory enforcement, and reputational damage. Private landlords risk improvement notices, fines, and rent-repayment orders once the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force. Failure to act on damp or mould is now treated as a serious housing breach, not a minor maintenance issue.

Can I arrange my own survey or inspection?

Yes. If your landlord isn’t responding, you can commission an independent damp or mould survey yourself. This gives you professional, impartial evidence to present to the council or Ombudsman. Ideal Response regularly provides such reports to support both tenants and housing officers in resolving long-standing disputes.

How long should mould removal take once repairs start?

Minor cases can often be resolved in a few days, while larger projects involving leaks or wall drying may take longer. Under Awaab’s Law, landlords must start remediation within five working days once the problem is confirmed. They must also keep you updated on progress and expected completion timelines.

What if the problem keeps coming back after repairs?

Recurrent mould usually means the underlying cause wasn’t fixed, for example, poor ventilation, insulation gaps, or hidden leaks. You should report the recurrence immediately and request a new inspection. Your landlord remains responsible for ensuring a permanent solution, not just surface cleaning.

Who can I contact for independent help?

These organisations can advise you on your rights, support escalation, and help ensure your landlord complies with Awaab’s Law.

Shelter: Free housing advice and legal support
Citizens Advice: Guidance on tenants’ rights and housing law
Housing Ombudsman Service: For unresolved complaints against social landlords
Local Council: Environmental Health or Housing Enforcement can inspect and issue notices

Need support with mould or damp?

Disclaimer

This page reflects draft guidance as of October 2025. Final details may change; always check the latest Government publications.