Landlords must prepare for Awaab’s Law rollout, says Birketts

Named in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died following prolonged exposure to mould in his home, the new law introduces strict deadlines for landlords to investigate and resolve serious hazards.

Emergency issues such as damp and mould must be addressed within 24 hours, with further hazards including excess cold, fire and structural risks phased in by 2027.

While the reforms have been widely welcomed as a vital step forward for tenant safety, Birketts’ social housing team warns that many landlords may struggle to meet the new requirements without significant operational changes. Structural issues linked to damp and mould often require major works and not all providers have the resources to respond within the mandated timeframes.

Jonathan Hulley, Partner and Joint Head of Social Housing at Birketts said: “Awaab’s Law rightly places tenant safety at the centre of social housing, but the scale and speed of implementation will be challenging for many providers. The risk of non-compliance is real, and landlords must act now to ensure they are ready. This is not just about regulation – it’s about protecting lives.”

To support the sector, Birketts’ social housing team has developed a free practical guide to help landlords navigate the new requirements. The guide includes a detailed flowchart outlining each step from hazard report to resolution, with prompts to consider tenant-specific factors such as health vulnerabilities and living conditions. It is designed to help providers meet legal deadlines confidently and consistently, while keeping tenant safety front and centre.