What Awaab’s It Means for Landlords, and What Tenants Should Know

What is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law is part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and came into effect in October 2025. It’s a law designed to protect tenants from damp and mould by forcing landlords to respond quickly when issues are reported.

The law applies to registered social landlords and council housing providers, and it sets strict timeframes for inspecting and repairing damp, mould, and related hazards.

What Landlords Must Do

Under Awaab’s Law, landlords are required to:

• Investigate damp and mould complaints within 14 days

• Start necessary repair work within 7 days of identifying the issue

• Complete the work within a reasonable timeframe

• Record and document every step of the process

That means landlords can’t ignore complaints or delay repairs. The law is designed to prevent the long-term damage and health risks associated with damp and mould.

What Counts as Damp and Mould Under the Law?

Awaab’s Law focuses primarily on damp, mould, and serious housing hazards that affect residents’ health and wellbeing.

Common examples include:

• Condensation and mould

• Leaking pipes

• Damp caused by poor ventilation or blocked air bricks

Why Act Now?

Awaab’s Law isn’t just guidance – it’s a legal requirement. Local authorities and regulators now have powers to enforce compliance, and landlords who delay repairs or ignore damp complaints could face serious consequences.

In Liverpool’s older housing stock, damp and mould can escalate quickly, and what starts as a small issue can become a major repair problem if left untreated. Waiting for the problem to worsen not only puts your tenants at risk, it also increases the cost of the eventual repairs.

Acting early protects you, your tenants, and your property.

How Solvex Can Help

We work with landlords and housing providers across Liverpool and Merseyside to:

• Identify the root cause of damp and mould

• Provide full damp and timber surveys and diagnostic reporting

• Advise and explore the best solutions for any issues present

• Install and advise on ventilation improvements Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)

• Deliver reports and repairs that meet compliance requirements

With our experience in Liverpool’s unique housing stock and our specialist damp technicians, we provide practical solutions that meet the standards expected under Awaab’s Law.

To support landlords and tenants, it’s helpful to include links to guidance.

Useful sources include:

• GOV.UK guidance for social landlords

• Housing Ombudsman Awaab’s Law guidance

• Guidance on damp and mould hazards

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  This article is part of our Guides & Advice section, where we explain common damp and timber issues in homes. You can explore all our guides and get more detailed information on related topics Guides & Advice Hub.