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Awaabs law poster

Awaab’s Law and what it means for tenants

1st December 2025

Awaab’s Law came into force on 27 October 2025, marking change in how social housing providers must respond to damp and mould. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in December 2020, following prolonged exposure to mould in his Rochdale home, the law ensures that these issues are treated as urgent health hazards rather than routine maintenance.

What this means for you?

We must investigate potential hazards within 10 working days and provide tenants with a written summary of findings within three days of that investigation. 

If you report a hazard in your home:

  • Emergency hazards will be investigated and complete safety work within 24 hours of awareness.
  • Significant hazards will be investigated within 10 working days.
  • We will provide a written summary of our investigation findings within 3 working days of conclusion.
  • Safety work (significant hazards) will be  complete within 5 working days of investigation conclusion.
  • Preventative work will begin (or take steps to begin) within 5 working days; if delayed, we will start as soon as possible and no later than 12 weeks.
  • Alternative accommodation will be provided if safety work cannot be completed on time.
  • We will keep you updated throughout the process and provide information on how to keep safe.

How you can help

  • Report issues as soon as you notice them.
  • Tell us if anyone in your household is elderly, very young, or has health conditions so we can prioritise support.
  • Allow access for inspections and repairs.
  • Follow any safety advice we give while repairs are arranged.

Find out more about this law on the GOV.UK website here. This information is also available in Arabic, Bangla, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, and Urdu.

Why access matters

To meet these new legal duties, Bury Housing Services must be able to access your home promptly. Without access, we cannot investigate, diagnose, or carry out repairs within the strict timeframes required by law. Granting access is essential to protect your health, your family, and your home. If you don’t, it may result in legal action in order to gain access to your home.

Reporting damp and mould

To report damp and mould in your home, please fill out our online form here or call us on 0161 686 8000.

You can find out our advice on how to reduce condensation and how to deal with mould here and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with our month top tips.