What is Awaab's Law and how does it affect me?

Awaab's Law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died in 2020 from prolonged exposure to mould in his family's social housing flat. The law, in force since October 2024, sets legally binding timescales for landlords dealing with damp and mould.

The key requirements

• Investigate reported damp and mould hazards within 14 days of the tenant's report
• Provide the tenant with a written summary of the investigation's findings
• Begin repairs within set timeframes where a hazard is confirmed, and act within 24 hours for emergencies
• Keep evidence of each step

It currently applies to social housing, and it is expected to extend to the private rented sector, so private landlords are wise to treat its timescales as best practice now rather than wait to be compelled.

Where a survey fits

The 14-day investigation needs to be a genuine one, and a professional damp and mould survey is exactly that: a dated, documented, expert investigation with photographs, readings, diagnosis, and a prioritised action plan. It satisfies the investigation duty, gives you the written summary the tenant is entitled to, and because we're independent it carries weight if the matter ever reaches a tribunal or ombudsman.