Awaab’s Law Comes Into Effect: How Will It Impact Housing Standards?

On the 27 October 2025, the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025, which is more commonly known as Awaab’s Law, will officially become active. This article aims to explore what Awaab’s Law means for tenant and landlord alike, and explain the premise of the important legislation.

At the back end of 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak passed away from what an inquest determined to be a severe respiratory condition caused by the prolonged exposure to mold in his home. Despite several reports of the unsafe conditions in his family’s social housing, action was never taken by their landlord, ultimately leading to Awaab’s death. The mold present in the Ishak family home was described as ‘extensive’, with the walls and ceilings in both the kitchen and bathroom reportedly covered with the dangerous presence of fungus. His death brought conversation to the forefront about social housing, and essentially revolutionised the way landlords must deal with issues raised by their tenants.

What is Awaab’s Law and How Does It Affect Different Parties?

Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords will be required to investigate reported hazards within strict deadlines, and take prompt, effective action to resolves them. Whereas before when there was no specific deadline for landlords to fix reported issues, Awaab’s Law forces them to be acted on within 14 calendar days. If this initial inspection confirms that there is a hazard, work to treat this must commence within 7 working days of this discovery, or in 24 hours should it be deemed an emergency repair. Tenants must also be kept informed of the progress, ensuring transparency, and that the landlord is accountable at every stage.

In additional to these requirements, Awaab’s Law also strengthens the powers of regulators and local authorities to enforce compliance. If a landlord fails to act in appropriate manner, then they can be fined or sanctioned for this lack of action. Essentially, Awaab’s Law aims to ensure that the health of tenants is put above all, and is not overlooked or neglected.

Why Awaab’s Law Matters

The introduction of Awaab’s Law represents a turning-point for the social housing sector in England. For too long, tenants were faced with long waits and administrative barriers when reporting on these issues, but this legislation marks a decisive step towards ending that. For tenants, Awaab’s Law offers a renewed sense of protection and reassurance, by establishing enforceable standards. No longer can hazardous living conditions such as damp and mold be left unresolved for months without consequence. Instead, tenants will have the confidence that their landlord is legally obligated to act promptly to protect their health and safety.

For landlords and housing associations, the law signals a major shift in their accountability. It compels providers to act fast, and keep records of inspections and work to keep tenants as safe as possible. The law reinforces the principle that safe, habitable housing is a basic human right, not a privilege. By placing the health and dignity of tenants at the heart of social housing policy, this legislation serves as a lasting reminder of the need for compassion, responsibility, and action in the provision of homes across the country.

Further Information

Awaab’s Law stands as a crucial step forward in improving safety and accountability in social housing. By enforcing strict timelines for hazards, it ensures that the wellbeing of tenants is prioritised and that preventable tragedies are avoided in the future.

At Test Meter, as a supplier of professional test instruments, we understand the importance of ensuring homes meet the highest safety standards. Regular inspection, testing, and maintenance play a vital role in keeping residents safe and helping landlords remain compliant with evolving legislation like Awaab’s Law.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert sales team should you have any questions, or if you would like to discuss options available when testing for hazards and their causes. Call us on 0113 248 9966, or contact us via email at sales@test-meter.co.uk.

To view the official government legislation regarding Awaab's Law, click here.