James Kane of EnviroVent discusses the latest updates to the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and gives some crucial advice to social landlords on how to remain compliant and provide a healthy environment.
Awaab’s Law, formally known as Section 42 of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, was officially introduced in 2023. The secondary phase of legislation which mandates that landlords investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould in homes, within set time periods, as well as repairing all emergency hazards within 24 hours, became legislation on 27 October 2025.
As has been widely reported, this legislation came about following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in December 2020, which was attributed to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s rented home. His parents’ pursuit of justice highlighted the need for legislative reform to protect vulnerable tenants from a similar fate. Awaab’s Law, the first stsge of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, came about as a direct response to this tragedy, which aims to enforce accountability among landlords and ensure that social housing occupants live in safe, habitable conditions.
Meeting Awaab’s Law
Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords are required to investigate and remedy reported hazards within the following timeframes:
- Emergency hazards must be addressed within 24 hours
- Landlords are required to investigate complaints within two weeks and begin repairs within seven days if there is a significant risk to health or safety.
Importance of efficient ventilation systems
Having an effective mechanical ventilation system in a home helps to prevent issues caused by condensation and mould, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions, such as asthma. It also leads to an improved level of indoor air quality, which is better for the health of occupants, particularly vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly.
By investing in efficient mechanical ventilation systems, social housing providers can significantly mitigate the risks associated with damp and mould, ensuring they remain compliant and protecting the health of occupants for the long term.
Future updates to Awaab’s Law
While Awaab’s Law is a significant step forward, it is not the end of the journey. Future updates to the legislation are anticipated, which will expand the scope of hazards that landlords must address.
In 2026, the law is expected to include timeframes for non-emergency repairs related to various hazards, including excess cold and heat, structural collapse, fire hazards and electrical faults.
By 2027, the law will extend to all remaining hazards, as defined by the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005, excluding overcrowding. This progressive approach underscores the Government’s commitment to improving housing standards across the board.
Ensuring compliance
To comply with Awaab’s Law and enhance tenant safety, there are a number of actions that social landlords are recommended to take. First of all, it is essential to introduce a programme of regular home inspections – the aim of which is to help identify potential hazards before they escalate and to focus on areas prone to damp and mould.
Secondly, as many social landlords have done in recent months, it is advisable to invest in effective mechanical ventilation systems throughout the housing stock. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units and heat recovery ventilation (MVHR) systems help to regulate moisture levels and improve indoor air quality by extracting moisture laden air from the home and removing it to the outside. Many social landlords have recognised the need to collaborate with ventilation manufacturers who can provide the expertise on correct system specification, design, installation and maintenance.
Many are also addressing resident education when it comes to preventing damp and mould, by proactively providing ventilation advice and information. Essential guidance for residents includes the use of extractor fans while cooking and showering, avoiding drying clothes indoors, and keeping lids on pans when cooking.
In addition, as regulatory and legal standards rise, so too does resident awareness. Residents are more informed and more likely to challenge poor living conditions – and social landlords must be prepared to respond.
These changes, combined with the critical Housing Ombudsman report released in 2021, have triggered a much more proactive approach from the sector and a realisation that prevention is not just preferable, but essential.
Supporting competency
Meeting these new standards means developing the skills needed to deliver high-quality installations, through accredited training programmes such as our NICEIC-approved Domestic Ventilation Training & Assessment Course.
Of course, training is just one part of the picture – the products themselves must be robust, effective and suitable for the realities of social housing.
PIV solutions
For whole-house solutions, PIV is ideal – especially in properties where major renovation isn’t viable. Typically installed in the loft, PIV systems introduce filtered air throughout the home, diluting pollutants and displacing moisture laden air. This reduces condensation and prevents mould from gaining a foothold, creating healthier, safer living environments.
Use of technology to ensure compliance
Advances in technology can assist social landlords in meeting the requirements of Awaab’s Law. Smart monitoring systems can provide real-time data on indoor air quality, enabling landlords to be proactive should any issues arise.
A commitment to improvement
The implementation of Awaab’s Law represents a pivotal moment for social housing in the UK. The legislation aims to protect vulnerable tenants and improve living conditions, driving up standards in the ventilation of the UK housing stock.
Social landlords now need to demonstrate that they can comply with the law by investing in effective ventilation solutions, whilst monitoring and responding quickly to any issues within their housing stock. There will be mutual benefits to both residents and social landlords, as it helps to drive up standards in indoor air quality, protecting the health of tenants and the fabric of the properties.
James Kane is head of social housing at EnviroVent