Awaab’s Law: What to Expect -and Why Being Proactive Matters

It’s been over four years since the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak shocked the nation. The tragedy—caused by untreated mould in a social housing property—spurred urgent calls for reform.

Thanks to the tireless campaigning of Awaab’s parents, Awaab’s Law is now a legal reality, forming a key part of the Social Housing Regulation Act passed in 2023.

From October 2025, social landlords will face new statutory duties to act swiftly on damp and mould issues, with further responsibilities phased in through to 2027. But while the legislation sets a clear legal framework, the question for housing providers is: how can we get ahead of the curve, rather than chasing compliance deadlines?

What’s Changing - and When?

The government’s implementation timeline is as follows:

• October 2025: All social landlords must fix damp and mould hazards within fixed timescales and respond to emergency health hazards within 24 hours.

  
  

• 2026: The remit will expand to cover a wider range of hazards—including excess cold/heat, fire risks, electrical safety, and structural issues.

  
  

• 2027: Full coverage of hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

  
  

Failing to comply won’t just mean poor outcomes for tenants—it will carry legal consequences for landlords.

The Warning Signs Are Clear

The Housing Ombudsman recently recognised some positive shifts: more investment into repairs, better use of technology, and changing attitudes in housing management. Encouraging signs, yes—but not enough.

Landlords are still being warned not to delay. As Richard Blakeway put it, "extend the discipline of Awaab’s Law to other hazards as soon as possible."

Waiting until October 2025 to start isn’t just risky—it’s already too late.

The Real Opportunity? Be Proactive, Not Reactive

At GovMetric, we’re seeing how early adopters are getting ahead, rolling out bulk tenant feedback campaigns three months after repairs - especially where damp and mould were involved. This isn’t a tick-box exercise; it’s a chance to check in, hear from tenants directly, and identify new or recurring issues before they become hazards again.

Proactive campaigns like these do more than demonstrate compliance - they help rebuild trust, strengthen accountability, and create a cycle of continuous improvement.

And crucially, by collecting and analysing feedback at scale, landlords can prioritise resources where they’ll have the biggest impact. The alternative? Waiting for complaints, legal claims, or headlines to force your hand.

What’s Next?

Awaab’s Law is a turning point - but not just in a legal sense. It’s a reminder that data, feedback, and early action are essential tools in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of tenants.

If your service isn’t already taking steps to prepare - through proactive campaigns, system-wide data capture, and genuine tenant engagement - it’s time to act.

Because for tenants, this isn’t about policy. It’s about having a safe place to call home.

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