AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION
Awaab’s Law: why ventilation infrastructure matters
When Awaab’s Law came into force in October 2025, it marked one of the most significant shifts in regulation for registered social landlords (RSLs) in over a decade. For the first time, landlords are legally bound to strict timeframes for investigating and addressing damp and mould hazards – with further hazard categories being phased in through 2026 and 2027
F
or RSLs managing large and varied housing portfolios, this has accelerated the need for proactive asset management, robust ventilation strategies, and tamper resistant building components that support healthier homes. While no electrical accessory can deliver compliance on its own, the right infrastructure can make it easier for landlords to maintain safe, well ventilated properties - and respond quickly when issues arise.
A new regulatory landscape for damp and mould Awaab’s Law requires RSLs to:
• Investigate damp and mould within 10 working days
• Provide written findings within 3 working days
• Complete repairs within 5 working days after investigation
• Address emergency hazards within 24 hours
This has placed ventilation firmly in the spotlight. Poor airflow is one of the most common contributors to condensation, damp, and mould – and one of the most preventable. RSLs now need installations that maintain continuous ventilation, prevent unauthorised disabling of fans, allow safe isolation for contractors, and support consistent standards across varied stock. This is where Click’s modular approach offers practical value.
A tamper resistant solution for continuous ventilation
Click’s Lockable Fan Isolation Plate, built using the GridPro® system, helps landlords maintain airflow where ventilation is critical. Combining a 10A 3-Pole Fan Isolation Keyswitch Module, 13A Fused Connection Lockable Module and 2-Gang GridPro Frontplate, it provides a durable, clearly labelled isolation point. The solution supports safe maintenance while preventing tenants from disabling fans, helping address Awaab’s Law expectations around damp and mould prevention. Awaab’s Law makes it clear that landlords must not attribute damp and mould to tenant lifestyle. Everyday activities such as cooking, bathing and laundry inevitably generate moisture, and ventilation systems must be designed to manage this consistently. For landlords, this creates a practical challenge: fan isolators are intended for maintenance, not for
routine user control. When isolators are switched off or fuses removed, airflow drops - and damp and mould can quickly return. Tamper resistant isolation therefore plays a meaningful role in keeping ventilation active and reliable.
Why tamper resistance matters
RSLs frequently report issues where fans are disconnected, fuses are removed, isolators are switched off, or ventilation is bypassed during tenant repairs. These small actions can lead to big problems - including recurring damp, mould regrowth, and repeat callouts. A lockable isolation plate helps landlords maintain consistent airflow, reduce avoidable repairs, minimise repeat visits, and support healthier indoor environments.
The Lockable Fan Isolation Plate benefits from the wider GridPro® platform, including: • 25 year warranty for long term reliability • Antibacterial & antiviral certification for healthier environments
• Laser etched markings that won’t fade • BSI Kitemarked components for independently verified safety
• Modular design that simplifies maintenance and stock management
It also complements the existing electrical accessories typically installed within RSL dwellings, supporting consistency across upgrades, planned maintenance and damp and mould improvement programmes.
A flexible, future proof
option for landlords The product is supplied as a bespoke configuration, giving RSLs the flexibility to specify exactly what they need for each property type. This is particularly valuable as Awaab’s Law expands to cover additional hazards - including excess cold, electrical safety, structural risks, and fire safety - through 2026 and 2027. A modular, adaptable electrical infrastructure helps landlords stay ahead of these changes. Awaab’s Law has reshaped expectations
around damp and mould management. While ventilation is only one part of the solution, ensuring fans remain active, safe, and tamper resistant is a practical step Housing Associations can take today.
Solutions such as Click Scolmore’s Lockable Fan Isolation Plate offer a simple, robust, and future proof way to support healthier homes – and to help landlords meet the operational demands of this new regulatory era.
Retrofit ready for existing stock
Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement Scolmore Group comments: “While many ventilation upgrades are introduced during new build programmes, RSLs also need practical options for existing homes. Our solution can be retrofitted by simply replacing a standard fan isolator switch, making it a cost effective addition to planned maintenance works or damp and mould improvement programmes.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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