Awaab’s Law – Are You Ready?

Awaab Ishak died in 2020 as a direct result of prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his home.

In response the government has introduced legislation, known as Awaab’s Law, which comes into force on 27th October 2025. The full legislative requirements are being phased in over three years but your TMO needs to be ready now for the first phase.

If you have yet to hold discussions with your landlord we would urge you to do so as soon as possible.

The first phase focuses on emergency hazards and damp and mould hazards. Landlords must investigate potential emergency hazards within 24 hours and begin relevant safety work within that timeframe if confirmed. Whilst the requirements are clear how each landlord intends to implement them is not. Members are advised to check local arrangements and requirements and to ensure that the appropriate reporting arrangements and scalation processes are in place. We would be unsurprised to learn that landlords have not considered how TMOs fit into their reporting arrangements and there must be clarity about who is responsible for actions be they the TMO or landlord.

2026 and 2027 will see the type of hazard covered by the law extended across the range contained in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

For further information please visit the MHCLG website. There are also resources available on the Awaab’s Law Hub on the website of Anthony Collins Solicitors and on the Housing Ombudsman Service website.