Awaab’s Law: What Every Private Landlord Should Know Now

The world of property law is no stranger to reform, but Awaab’s Law is different. The legislation marks a turning point in how landlords are expected to respond to damp, mould, and housing health hazards.

Prompted by the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in a social housing flat in Rochdale, this legislation doesn’t just tighten the rules — it transforms them.

And while the law will initially apply to social housing, the message from Westminster is unambiguous: the private rented sector will follow.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has made her intention clear: Labour would extend Awaab’s Law across the board.

Whether or not you support the politics behind it, the most recent readings reflect the urgency behind the legislation and indeed, many compliant landlords will already be investigating ways to stay ahead of the changes. At ResiSure, we’re committed to supporting landlords take the proactive steps that keep them in a stronger position — legally, financially, and reputationally — than those who don’t.

What Changes Under Awaab’s Law?

At its core, the law enshrines very clear expectations:

• Damp and mould complaints must be investigated within 14 days
• Findings must be shared in writing within 48 hours
• Repairs must begin within 7 days
• Emergency hazards must be resolved in 24 hours, or tenants must be relocated

The intention is to prevent another tragedy like Awaab’s. But the practical reality is that landlords now need systems, not just good intentions.

Gone are the days where “waiting on a contractor” will suffice. If a tenant complains of mould or underheating and nothing happens, that inaction could lead not just to illness, but to legal action, fines, or forced compliance by regulators.

Why Private Landlords Can’t Afford to Wait

The temptation might be to assume this doesn’t apply — yet.

But across forums like Property118, it’s clear: the pressure is mounting. With the Renters Rights Bill gaining traction and mounting public scrutiny around tenant conditions, there is now a growing expectation that every landlord, regardless of property type or tenant profile, will need to prove they are proactive, responsive, and above all, compliant.

For landlords with larger portfolios or HMOs, this is particularly urgent. It only takes one poorly ventilated room, one ignored tenant message, or one mould patch behind a wardrobe to start a chain reaction of costs and complaints. That’s where technology comes in.

How ResiSure Helps Landlords Meet the Standard

At ResiSure, we’ve developed a solution built for today’s compliance landscape.

Our discreet sensors are designed for easy deployment: no mains wiring, no Wi-Fi, and no installation headaches. Once in place, they provide live data every 30 minutes on humidity, air quality, temperature and moisture levels, allowing landlords to catch problems before they become violations.

More importantly, the system creates an automated audit trail. When a tenant raises a concern, you’re not guessing – you have evidence. When an inspector asks for compliance data, you’re not scrambling – you’re ready.

Landlords Have a Choice: Get Proactive Now or React in haste

No landlord wants to be in the headlines for the wrong reasons. And no tenant should be forced to choose between their health and their home. Awaab’s Law changes the playing field—but it also gives responsible landlords a chance to lead.

By acting now, before October, you can avoid rushed decisions, inflated contractor fees, or worse, a legal challenge you didn’t see coming.

And if the law does extend to the private sector, you’ll be ahead of the pack. Prepared, protected, and fully aligned with what good landlords have always known: that safe, warm, well-maintained homes are not just ethical—they’re essential.

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