Awaab’s Law

Awaab Ishak was a two-year-old boy who tragically died in 2020, due to prolonged exposure to mould in the social housing home where he lived. As a result of Awaab’s death, the government introduced Awaab’s law.  
Awaab’s Law comes into force on 27 October 2025 and aims to protect residents from serious health and safety hazards in their homes.   
At Watmos, we have introduced a new policy and procedures to ensure that we meet the requirements under Awaab’s law and keep our residents safe.

What does Awaab’s law mean? 

Social housing landlords like Watmos must respond promptly when significant or emergency hazards are reported or identified. A significant hazard is one which poses a significant risk of harm to the health and safety of residents.  
Awaab’s law will initially apply to damp and mould and emergency hazards only and will later be expanded to cover other hazards. Under Awaab’s law:

  • Emergency hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours of being reported.
  • Significant hazards must be investigated within 10 working days.
  • A written summary of the investigation findings must be sent to residents within 3 working days of the investigation.  
  • If a hazard is found, safety work must begin within 5 working days. If this timescale cannot be met, the work must begin as soon as possible, and no later than 12 weeks.
  • If the hazard cannot be resolved within set timescales, the landlord must provide suitable alternative accommodation at no cost to the resident.
  • Residents must be kept informed throughout the process.

Further information on Awaab's Law can be found here. 

What Hazards Are Covered? 

The law will be introduced in phases:

  • Phase 1 (from October 2025): Damp, mould, and emergency hazards.
  • Phase 2 (from 2026): Additional hazards such as excess cold / heat, fire, electrical safety, and structural risks.
  • Phase 3 (from 2027): All remaining hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) with the exception of overcrowding.

The HHSRS assesses 29 housing hazards and their effect on the health and safety of current or future tenants of the property.  

The HHSRS refers to Category 1 and 2 hazards, however we will always take a person’s individual circumstances into account when assessing the impact of a hazard. 

To report a repair or to speak to us about damp, mould or condensation in your home please contact us.