What this topic is
- Awaab's Law applies to social landlords from 27 October 2025. It does not currently apply to private landlords. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 contains powers to extend it to the private rented sector, but no implementation date has been confirmed. The associated Decent Homes Standard will apply to the private rented sector from 2035.
- It is named after Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 from prolonged exposure to mould in a social rented home in Rochdale.
- Rollout is phased. Phase 1 covers emergency hazards and damp and mould. Later phases expand to additional HHSRS hazards including excess cold, excess heat, falls, fire, electrical hazards and structural risks.
Why it matters to landlords, letting agents and homeowners
- Awaab's Law was introduced for social housing by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. The Renters' Rights Act 2024 extends Awaab's Law style hazard timescales to private landlords, with detailed timeframes set out in regulations under phased commencement.
- Private landlords, letting agents and homeowners should treat damp, mould and other serious hazards as a priority risk now, rather than wait for the legal duty to follow.
- Evidence trails matter. Dated tenant reports, inspection notes, photographs and records of remedial action all help demonstrate that hazards are being acted on within reasonable timescales.
How it connects to property safety and compliance
- Damp and mould growth is a recognised HHSRS hazard category.
- Slow or absent response to tenant reports is a significant compliance, safety and reputational risk.
- Hazard awareness, prompt inspection and clear written records sit at the heart of the law.
How Sunderland Landlord Compliance can help
- Coordinate visiting trades where an inspection or remedial works are needed via SLC's vetted contacts.
- Keep certificate and renewal records visible against each property to support an evidence trail.
- Provide a single point of contact for arranging EPC, Gas Safety and EICR work where these support hazard mitigation.
Relevant SLC services and pages
Official sources
General awareness only
This page is published for general awareness and education. It is not legal advice and does not replace formal advice from a solicitor, surveyor or your local authority. Sunderland Landlord Compliance is a compliance coordination service and does not act as a legal adviser, local authority, enforcement body, surveyor, solicitor or housing inspector. SLC does not guarantee compliance.