Awaab's Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his family's social housing flat in Rochdale. The law, introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 for social housing, is being extended to the private rented sector under the Renters' Rights Act.
What is Awaab's Law?
Awaab's Law requires landlords to investigate and fix reported hazards within strict timeframes. The law applies to all types of hazards, but is particularly focused on damp, mould, and other conditions that can affect tenants' health.
The Timeframes
Emergency hazards: Must be investigated and emergency work begun within 24 hours of the report.
Hazardous conditions: Must be investigated within 14 days of the report. If a hazard is identified, repair work must begin within a further 7 days and be completed within a reasonable timeframe.
Other repairs: Must be investigated and a response given within 14 days of the report.
What Counts as an Emergency?
Emergency hazards are those that pose an immediate risk to the health or safety of tenants. Examples include:
Documenting Compliance
Landlords must keep records of all hazard reports and the actions taken in response. This documentation is essential if a tenant or local council challenges the landlord's response.
RentersComply's Awaab's Law Compliance Manager automatically logs all hazard reports, tracks response times, and generates a complete audit trail of all actions taken.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Awaab's Law can result in fines of up to £40,000. In serious cases, where a tenant's health has been affected by the landlord's failure to act, criminal prosecution is possible.
Practical Steps for Landlords
1. Create a clear reporting channel. Tenants must know how to report hazards and what to expect in response.
2. Respond promptly. Even if you cannot fix the problem immediately, acknowledge the report and explain what you are doing.
3. Document everything. Keep records of every report, every inspection, and every repair.
4. Act on damp and mould immediately. This is the most common hazard and the one most likely to result in enforcement action.