Awaab's Law is a new law that came into effect on Monday (27 October), setting strict timeframes for social landlords to address serious housing hazards. It ensures issues like damp, mould and emergency risks are dealt with quickly to protect residents' health and safety.
This law was introduced in memory of two-year old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in 2020 from a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his home.
Under Awaab's Law, emergency hazards must be addressed within 24 hours. Damp and mould that pose a significant health risk must be investigated within 10 working days.
H&F's approach
We've already been working to these standards for over a year.
Cllr Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:
What happened to Awaab was tragic and preventable. H&F welcomes this new legislation and remains committed to protecting residents. The Council's dedicated damp and mould team has been working to national standards because everyone deserves a safe home."
What we're doing
We have put in place lots of measures to tackle damp and mould:
- A dedicated damp and mould team.
- Specialist contractors for fast repairs.
- Staff trained with diagnostic equipment to find the root cause of the problem.
- Smart sensors installed in homes with recurring issues.
- Free hygrometers to help residents monitor moisture.
- A resident-developed leaflet with advice and webpage with info and guidance.
- A damp and mould policy outlining our approach.
- Tenancy audits and stock condition surveys to spot problems early.
- Monitoring systems to track progress and performance.
- Support for residents facing fuel poverty.
What you can expect
When you report damp or mould:
- Your report will be logged and then assessed by our dedicated damp and mould team.
- Emergency hazards are addressed within 24 hours.
- If the issue poses a significant health risk, we'll investigate within 10 working days.
- Specialist contractors will carry out repairs as quickly as possible.
- We follow up with you six weeks after the repair to ensure the issue is resolved.
- We aim to keep you informed throughout.
What you should do
If you notice damp and mould in your home, report it immediately so we can act quickly.
Call our contact centre on 0800 023 4499 or report it online.
Prevention tips
You can help reduce condensation and prevent mould by:
- Improving ventilation – open windows, use an extractor fan and use a dehumidifier.
- Draught proofing – seal gaps around windows and doors to keep out the chill.
- Staying warm – keep your home above 15 degrees during colder months.
- Cleaning mould – if small patches form use baking soda, vinegar or bleach to help remove it.
For more tips, visit our damp and mould support and advice page.
We're here to help
Everyone deserves a safe, warm home. Staying warm is essential for your health and it helps prevent damp and mould.
If you are dealing with damp or mould, or struggling to heat your home, please get in touch:
- Call us on 0800 023 4499
- Report issues online
- Request a free hygrometer to monitor moisture in your home
Find out more about our cost-of-living support.
Explore our damp and mould advice page for practical tips and support. We're committed to acting quickly and keeping you informed every step of the way.
