What is Awaab's Law?
A new law will be coming next month called Awaab’s Law, and it sets fixed timelines that social landlords must follow when repairs are reported to ensure that homes are safe. If you see damp or mould in your home, you should be listened to and helped quickly.
It was created after the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, who suffered from respiratory issues after a social landlord failed to deal with growing mould that was forming in his home. The law was designed to stop this from ever happening again.
We will provide you with links to the website for you to do more research into Awaab’s Law. We advise you to do this so you can familiarise yourself with this upcoming law and so you know what changes are being made and what rights you have when it comes to emergency repairs, etc.
What does Awaab's Law mean for you?
From 27 October 2025 , Partners Foundation must meet strict deadlines for damp, mould and other dangerous hazards. In simple terms:
Emergencies (something dangerous that needs to be dealt with right away): the landlord must investigate and make the home safe within 24 hours.
Significant hazards (a serious risk): the landlord must investigate within 10 working days, send you a written summary within 3 working days, and start safety work within 5 working days of finishing that investigation.
If work can’t start within 5 days, it must start as soon as possible and within 12 weeks. If the home can’t be made safe in time, we must provide suitable temporary accommodation. GOV.UK
These duties become an implied term of social tenancies under Awaab’s Law regulations (part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act reforms). Legislation.gov.uk
Why this matters?
Damp and mould can affect anyone. But they can be extra harmful if you have asthma, breathing problems, or other health conditions. Awaab’s Law tells landlords to consider your circumstances and vulnerabilities when they first hear about a hazard, and to keep you updated in writing.
So, it is very important that when you do see mould appearing in your home, even if it’s just a little bit, you must inform us straight away by ringing the office.
How to report mould to Partners Foundation?
- Tell us as soon as possible. Ring the office straight away when you find mould growing in your home. Please do not use the online repair forms when reporting mould.
- Provide as much information as you can. Tell us where the mould is growing, how long it has been there, and if you know where it could have come from (Most likely condensation and damp)
- Share photos or videos. If you can provide photos to help us get a better understanding.
- Ask for further information about how to maintain it and avoid making it worse.
Visit this link for more information (Condensation & Mould)
What happens after you report it?
- If it’s an emergency, we will investigate and make it safe within 24 hours. If we can’t, we arrange temporary accommodation.
If it’s a significant hazard, we will investigate within 10 working days. When that investigation ends, you receive a written summary within 3 working days, and we start safety work within 5 working days (or as soon as possible, and within 12 weeks at the latest, where an immediate start isn’t possible).
What's does 'make safe' mean?
“Making safe” can include cleaning or removing visible mould safely, fixing leaks, improving ventilation, providing dehumidification, temporary heating, or other urgent actions that reduce the risk to your health while longer repairs are arranged. Landlords must then complete all works within a reasonable time and tackle the root cause (for example, a leak or broken extract fan).
Simple tips you can try while we act
These tips can help reduce moisture while we investigate and fix issues:
After baths or cooking, open a window or use the extractor for around 20 minutes.
Try to keep rooms at a steady temperature (around 18–19°C) if you can.
Wipe away moisture on windows and sills in the morning.
If drying clothes indoors, keep the door closed and a window slightly open.
