What Landlords Need to Know from October 27th

On 27th October 2025, Awaab’s Law Phase 1 comes into effect. This is the first stage of a new legal duty for social housing landlords in England. Designed to ensure landlords and tenants act faster on damp, mould, and emergency hazards in their properties. 

It is a direct response to the tragic death of 2 year old Awaab Ishak in 2020. Caused by terrible living conditions resulting from prolonged mould exposure in a Rochdale flat.

Landlords can no longer delay or downplay these risks. Under the new law, clear timeframes are set for inspection, communication, and repair. This means landlords will need a proactive approach to prevent health or safety hazards before they reach dangerous levels.

What Phase 1 Requires

From 27th October 2025, social housing sector landlords must:

• Acknowledge reports within 14 days and carry out an initial investigation.
  
• Fix damp and mould hazards within 14 days, unless specialist work is needed. In which case a clear timetable must be given. Or suitable alternative accommodation provided
  
• Make emergency hazards safe within 24 hours and repair them fully as quickly as possible. All inline with the housing regulation act 2023
  
  
• Communicate clearly with tenants about what is being done and in what time period. With a set timeline clearly stated for when repair work will be completed.
  

This law is about urgency and accountability. No tenant should live with untreated damp or mould. With this new law, no landlord can afford to ignore the health risks as part of social housing health and safety guidelines. 

The social housing regulation act, coupled with the renters rights bill and the new Awaabs law. Are all designed to hold landlords accountable. Shining a spotlight onto the social and private rented sectors. With failure to comply resulting in a breach of contract between landlords and the tenants. 

How A PIV Unit Can Help Landlords Stay Compliant

One of the biggest causes of mould growth is poor ventilation. Even if repairs are made quickly, damp can return if the underlying issue is not addressed. This is where Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) makes a difference.

A PIV unit works by gently introducing filtered air into a property. This creates air movement, reduces humidity, and stops condensation from forming on cold surfaces. In turn, this cuts off the conditions mould needs to grow.

For landlords, the benefits of a PIV unit installation are clear:

• Prevent damp and mould before they develop into a hazard. Maintaining a high health and safety rating for their rental properties.
  
• Protect tenants’ health and avoid breaches of Awaab’s Law. Also avoiding fines and in extreme cases prosecution.
  
• Reduce repair bills by stopping costly damage to plaster, paint, and woodwork. All of which can occur resulting from condensation and black mould.
  
• Show compliance with a long-term solution that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

By installing a PIV system, landlords can demonstrate that they are taking active steps to safeguard their tenants and protect their properties. With Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law now setting strict timeframes, prevention is the best strategy.

FAQs

What is Awaab’s Law?
It is a new legal duty requiring social landlords to fix damp, mould, and other hazards within strict time limits. This law comes into play from 27th October 2025.

Does it apply to private landlords?
At this stage, it applies to social landlords in England. But, there is growing pressure for private landlords to be held to similar standards.

How long do landlords have to fix damp and mould?
They must act within 14 days, unless complex work is required. In which case a timetable must be provided.

How can PIV help with compliance?
By reducing humidity and preventing condensation. A PIV unit stops mould forming in the first place. This helps landlords avoid hazards, tenant complaints, and breaches of the law.

Is a PIV unit expensive to run?
No. Most systems run on low energy, Most units cost less than £10 per year in electricity. This makes them a cost-effective solution.