Awaab’s Law

A shift for public sector housing

February 25, 2025

The UK government has recently introduced Awaab’s Law. This piece of legislation is designed to prioritise tenant safety and well-being, by mandating prompt action from social housing landlords to address health-related hazards, especially damp and mould (Gov.uk, 2024).

The introduction of this law follows the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing flat. His passing highlighted critical failings in the system meant to protect vulnerable tenants and underscored the need for urgent change (BBC, 2023).

Key provisions of Awaab’s Law

Set to come into effect in October 2025, Awaab’s Law will require social landlords to:

Address emergency hazards within 24 hours: Health hazards such as severe damp and mould must be repaired immediately to prevent risks to tenants’ health (Bevan Brittan, 2024).
Investigate reported issues within 14 days: Landlords must initiate investigations into health hazards promptly and begin necessary repairs within seven days of identifying the problem (Gov.uk, 2024).
Implement phased regulations: While damp and mould are initial priorities, further hazards, including structural defects and electrical faults, will be included by 2026, with complete implementation expected by 2027 (Inside Housing, 2024).

These timelines ensure that health risks are not left unaddressed, promoting a culture of accountability within public sector housing authorities (BBC, 2023).

Implications for public sector housing authorities

With the introduction of Awaab’s Law, housing authorities must adopt a more proactive approach to maintenance and compliance. The legislation will reshape how public sector bodies manage housing conditions, placing new pressures on resources and timelines (Bevan Brittan, 2024). Compliance and repairs specialists will be crucial in meeting these demands.

Increased demand for compliance and repair specialists

The need for specialists who can navigate complex legal requirements and ensure timely responses to tenant concerns will surge (Inside Housing, 2024). These professionals must:

Understand and apply the legal framework governing tenant safety (Gov.uk, 2024).
Implement efficient, responsive repair and maintenance strategies (BBC, 2023).
Foster a culture of transparency and accountability to meet legal standards (Bevan Brittan, 2024).

Proactive maintenance strategies

Regular inspections and preventive measures will be key. By identifying and resolving issues before they pose health risks, housing authorities can ensure compliance with Awaab’s Law while safeguarding tenant well-being.

The road ahead

Awaab’s Law marks a transformative period for public sector housing in the UK (Gov.uk, 2024). Authorities must be prepared to adapt, ensuring strong systems are in place to meet legal standards and protect residents. The role of compliance and repair specialists will become more critical than ever (BBC, 2023).

If you’re developing your hiring roadmap for the upcoming financial year, now is the time to prioritise compliance and regulation experts. Their expertise will be vital in ensuring that housing authorities not only meet the stringent requirements of Awaab’s Law but also provide safe, healthy living environments for all residents (Bevan Brittan, 2024).