From October 2025, new housing regulations under Awaab’s Law will significantly increase landlord responsibilities around property hazards, emergency repairs, electrical safety, and ventilation.
Introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, who was exposed to severe damp and mould in his home, the legislation is designed to ensure landlords act quickly and effectively when properties pose a risk to tenant health.
While damp and mould are central to the legislation, the wider implications affect electrical safety, fire risk, ventilation systems, and emergency response times. For landlords and property managers, understanding these responsibilities now is essential to avoid legal action, financial penalties, and costly emergency call-outs.
What Is Awaab’s Law and When Does It Start?
Awaab’s Law comes into force on 27 October 2025, initially applying to social landlords. However, future phases will expand the scope of the law, and many local authorities already enforce similar standards across private rented properties.
The direction is clear: faster repairs, safer homes, and greater landlord accountability.
Emergency Repairs: 24-Hour Legal Requirement
Under Awaab’s Law, any emergency hazard that presents an immediate risk to health or safety must be repaired within 24 hours of being reported.
Emergency hazards may include:
- Dangerous electrical faults
- Fire safety risks
- Structural instability
- Severe damp and mould
- Loss of essential services
If damp or mould is serious enough to impact health, it will meet the criteria for emergency repair.
Landlords must have reliable contractors in place who can respond quickly and provide compliant documentation.
Damp, Mould and Ventilation: Why Prevention Matters
Poor ventilation is one of the leading causes of damp, condensation, and mould growth — particularly in rental properties.
Without adequate airflow, moisture builds up, leading to:
- Persistent mould issues
- Damage to electrical installations
- Increased fire risk
- Health complaints from tenants
- Repeated emergency call-outs
From an electrical safety perspective, excess moisture can cause deterioration of wiring, accessories, and consumer units, creating hazards that may trigger the 24-hour emergency repair requirement.
Improving ventilation is often one of the most effective preventative measures landlords can take.
Ventilation Services That Help Landlords Stay Compliant
We install and maintain a range of ventilation solutions designed to reduce damp, mould, and condensation — helping landlords meet their legal obligations while protecting their properties.
Continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV)
dMEV systems use low-energy extractor fans in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, running continuously to remove excess moisture and stale air.
Best suited for:
- Flats and apartments
- HMOs
- Properties with recurring condensation or mould
- Social and private rental housing
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)
PIV systems provide whole-house ventilation, gently introducing fresh, filtered air into the property to dilute moisture and pollutants.
Commonly installed in:
- Houses with widespread condensation
- Older properties with limited natural ventilation
- Family homes experiencing mould in multiple rooms
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
MVHR systems supply fresh air while recovering heat from extracted air, making them ideal for energy-efficient or newly refurbished properties.
Ideal for:
- New-build homes
- Major refurbishments
- Landlords improving EPC ratings while controlling moisture
Which Landlords and Properties Are Most at Risk?
Certain properties are more likely to fall foul of Awaab’s Law, particularly where ventilation and electrics have not been upgraded.
Higher-risk properties include:
- Older housing stock
- Flats and basement properties
- HMOs with shared kitchens and bathrooms
- Poorly insulated homes
- Properties with sealed windows or limited airflow
- Homes with recurring damp or mould complaints
Landlords managing multiple properties or social housing portfolios face increased scrutiny and should prioritise preventative upgrades.
What’s Changing in 2026?
From 2026, additional hazards will be included where they present a significant risk of harm, such as:
- Excess cold or heat
- Falls on stairs and floors
- Structural collapse and explosions
- Electrical hazards and fire risks
- Domestic hygiene and sanitation
Electrical safety and ventilation will be critical in meeting these expanding requirements.
2027: Full HHSRS Hazard Coverage
By 2027, Awaab’s Law will cover all Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards that present serious risk.
This represents a shift toward preventative maintenance, rather than reactive emergency repairs — particularly for damp, mould, ventilation, and electrical systems.
Why Acting Early Makes Sense for Landlords
Landlords who invest in preventative measures now benefit from:
- Fewer emergency repairs
- Lower long-term maintenance costs
- Improved tenant wellbeing
- Easier compliance with evolving legislation
- Reduced risk of enforcement or compensation claims
Ventilation upgrades are often far more cost-effective than repeated call-outs and remedial works.
How We Support Landlords and Property Managers
We help landlords meet their responsibilities through:
- Emergency electrical repairs within 24 hours
- Identification and rectification of electrical hazards
- Design, installation, and upgrading of ventilation systems
- Support for damp, mould, and condensation issues
- Clear documentation for compliance and audits
Our approach is practical, compliant, and focused on long-term safety — not unnecessary upselling.
Final Thoughts: Staying Compliant Without the Stress
Awaab’s Law places clearer expectations on landlords to act quickly when hazards arise — particularly those involving damp, mould, electrical safety, and ventilation.
Landlords who plan ahead and invest in preventative solutions will find compliance easier, tenants happier, and properties safer.
Need Advice on Ventilation or Electrical Safety?
If you’re unsure whether your property is at risk or want to prevent future issues, we’re happy to help.
We offer practical advice, inspections, and tailored ventilation solutions to help landlords stay compliant and protect their investments.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your property or portfolio.
