Awaab’s Law – Damp, Mould and Condensation
Awaab’s Law – damp, mould and other hazards
The introduction of Awaab’s Law in October 2025 set new standards for social housing landlords around damp, mould and emergency hazards.
As a responsible social housing landlord, we are fully committed to meeting the new standards to keep you and your family safe in your homes.
Our newly updated leaflet on Awaab’s Law covers:
- what causes mould
- our timetable for action when you report damp and mould to us
- some simple tips to help you manage everyday condensation, and
- the expansion of Awaab’s Law from 30 November 2026.
Click here to download the leaflet.
Awaab’s Law (Phase 1): Damp and mould
What causes mould?
Mould grows in damp homes. Your damp problem could be caused by:
- a fault with the building that needs to be repaired – such as a leak or a fault with the structure, or
- (more commonly) too much condensation.
In either case, we are ready to investigate, make any repairs that are needed and offer simple tips about the way you use your home.
What we will do about damp and mould
In line with new legal deadlines, when you report damp or mould to us, we will follow this up within 24 hours.
If we assess your problem to be an emergency, because a large area of your home is affected, or someone’s health is affected, we will start repairs within 24 hours – and we may rehouse you temporarily while we do this.
Otherwise, we will:
inspect your home within 10 working days
send you a summary report within three working days of the inspection
fix any damp and mould that could harm your health or safety, within five working days of the inspection
if we cannot start work within five days, do so as soon as possible and within 12 weeks
complete all repair works within a reasonable time period, and
check back with you in six months.
If your home is affected by any other emergency hazards, we will investigate and make safe within 24 hours – in line with our emergency repairs target.
Managing condensation
When we investigate mould in your home, we may find that the problem is caused by condensation. Condensation is the moisture that forms when warm, damp air touches a cold surface.
Our investigation will look at ways to help you manage condensation. We will start by checking that your heating and any built-in fans are working properly.
To reduce everyday condensation in your home, we may then advise you to take four simple steps:
- make less moisture
- remove condensation
- keep rooms well aired, and
- keep your home warm.
We explain these tips in more detail in our leaflet.
Awaab’s Law (Phase 2)
From 30 November 2026, Phase 2 of Awaab’s law comes into force. Phase 2 expands the list of hazards covered by the Awaab’s Law timescales so that it also includes:
- damp and mould
- excess cold
- excess heat
- fall risks
- structural collapse
- fire and explosions
- electrical hazards, and
- domestic hygiene.
For examples, see the back page of our leaflet.
We are expected to use our best judgement in each case, and to take your household circumstances into account, when judging whether any problem you report is an emergency or significant hazard.
If we decide the hazard is an emergency, we will attend and make safe within 24 hours or move you to temporary accommodation. We will start the works within 5 days, or within 12 weeks for work that will take longer.
For significant hazards, we will investigate within 10 days. We will start the works within 5 days of the investigation, or within 12 weeks for work that will take longer.
To report a problem with damp, mould or another hazard, contact us, so that we can investigate.
Let us know if you need this leaflet in large print or an alternative language.