Tackling Damp, Mould & Condensation Feature


Tackling Damp, Mould & Condensation 29


Make indoor air quality a key priority


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.


A


waab’s Law, formally known as Section 42 of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, was offi cially introduced in 2023. T e secondary phase of legislation which mandates that landlords investigate and


fi x 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 fi rst 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 signifi cant risk to health or safety.


IMPORTANCE OF EFFICIENT VENTILATION SYSTEMS Having an eff ective 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 effi cient mechanical ventilation systems, social housing


providers can signifi cantly 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 signifi cant 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, fi re hazards and electrical faults. By 2027, the law will extend to all remaining hazards, as defi ned by the


Housing Health & Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005, excluding overcrowding. T is 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


While Awaab’s Law is a signifi cant 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


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 eff ective 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 specifi cation, 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.


Housing Management & Maintenance December/January 2026


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