Awaab’s Law comes into force

27 October 2025 marked the introduction of Awaab’s Law, a landmark piece of legislation designed to protect social housing residents from unsafe and unhealthy living conditions.

The new law sets strict timeframes for social landlords to fix reported damp and mould problems and remedy emergency hazards, ensuring tenants are not left waiting in hazardous homes.

Named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who tragically died in 2020 from prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s flat, the legislation represents a vital step forward towards safer housing standards.

Initially, the law will focus specifically on issues of damp and mould, which have been linked to serious health risks, particularly for children. In 2026, the law’s scope will expand to cover additional housing hazards, setting a new national standard for the maintenance and safety of social housing. It is also due to be extended in the future to the private rented sector.

The government has published detailed guidance to help tenants in social housing understand their new rights.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/awaabs-law-guidance-for-tenants-in-social-housing