Published by Yorkshire Damp & Mould
Awaab's Law is the name given to new legal duties on social housing landlords in England to deal with hazards in their homes within set timescales. Damp and mould are at the centre of it. This guide sets out the key points as they have been reported, so landlords and tenants know what to look for. It is a plain summary, not legal advice, and because the rules are being phased in you should always check the latest government guidance on gov.uk before acting on anything here.
Who it applies to right now
The law came into force for social housing landlords in England on 27 October 2025. That covers councils and housing associations. The first phase deals with emergency hazards and with damp and mould hazards, which is why it has been so widely discussed by anyone responsible for older or hard-to-heat homes.
The reported timescales
As reported, the duties for damp and mould work in two stages. First, a landlord must investigate a damp and mould hazard within 10 working days of becoming aware of it. Second, once an investigation confirms a significant risk, the landlord must make the property safe within 5 working days.
Emergency hazards are treated more urgently still, and must be fixed within 24 hours. The detail of what counts as an emergency, and what making a home safe involves, is set out in the official guidance, which is another reason to read it on gov.uk rather than relying on summaries.
What is planned next
The government has said the law will widen in stages. Phase two, planned for 2026, brings in excess cold and heat, fire and electrical risks. Phase three, planned for 2027, covers the remaining hazards assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Dates and scope can change, so treat these as planned rather than fixed.
Private landlords
At present the duties apply to social housing. On 9 October 2026 the government opened a consultation on extending similar requirements to private landlords, closing on 18 December 2026. No start date has been confirmed. Private landlords in Yorkshire may want to keep an eye on the outcome and read the consultation papers on gov.uk.
Good practice for any landlord
Whatever the legal position for a particular property, the practical steps that help are much the same:
• Make it easy for tenants to report damp, mould or leaks, and acknowledge reports promptly.
• Keep a dated record of each report, every visit, the photos taken and the work carried out.
• Arrange a proper inspection so the cause is identified, not just the visible mould.
• Fix the source, whether that is a defect in the building, poor ventilation or a plumbing fault, then deal with the surface damage.
• Tell the tenant what was found, what will happen next and roughly when.
Cleaning or painting over mould without finding out why it formed tends to mean a second report a few months later. A clear diagnosis at the start usually saves time for everyone.
Health concerns
Mould can affect some people more than others, including those with asthma or other breathing problems. If a tenant or anyone in the household has symptoms, they should follow NHS guidance and see a GP. A landlord's job is to deal with the hazard in the home; medical questions belong with health professionals.
How we can help
Our damp and mould surveys use moisture meters, thermal imaging and temperature, humidity and dew-point readings to establish whether the problem is condensation, penetrating damp, rising damp or a leak. You receive a written report and a quote for the work needed, which gives you a clear record of the investigation. We work with landlords, homeowners and tenants across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Harrogate.
If you have had a damp or mould report and want it looked at properly, call us on 07518 705555 or send an enquiry through the form and we will arrange a survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Awaab's Law come into force?
It came into force for social housing landlords in England on 27 October 2025. The first phase covers emergency hazards together with damp and mould. Because the rules are being introduced in stages, check the current position on gov.uk.
Does Awaab's Law apply to private landlords yet?
Not at the time of writing. The government opened a consultation on 9 October 2026, closing on 18 December 2026, on extending similar duties to private landlords, and no start date has been confirmed.
Which hazards are planned for the later phases?
Phase two, planned for 2026, covers excess cold and heat, fire and electrical risks. Phase three, planned for 2027, covers the remaining hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
Can a damp survey help a landlord respond to a report?
Yes. A survey records moisture readings, thermal images and the likely cause, and gives you a written report and quote. It is not legal advice, but it gives you clear evidence of what is wrong and what will fix it.
Related help
If this sounds like your home, our damp and mould surveys service explains how we diagnose and treat it in practice. You may also find Damp and Mould in a Rented Home: What Tenants Can Do and Damp or Condensation? How to Tell the Difference useful.
Need help with this?
Our team covers Leeds and across Yorkshire. Call 07518 705555 or find out more about our service.
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