Ventilation plays key role in good indoor air quality claims government

A government minister has stressed the importance of ventilation in homes in maintaining good indoor air quality.

Homelessness Minister Florence Eshalomi says private landlords’ homes must be fit for human habitation, with Awaab’s Law set to extend to the private rented sector in 2027.

This comes alongside the Decent Homes Standard in 2035.

Effective ventilation important role in good indoor air quality

In a written parliamentary answer, Ms Eshalomi said: “Effective ventilation plays an important role in maintaining good indoor air quality. The government sets standards for this mainly through Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations, which applies primarily to new buildings. Approved Document F provides guidance on meeting minimum ventilation requirements, to provide fresh air for occupant health and reduce risks from pollutants, moisture, condensation and mould.

“The government has recently published updates to Approved Document F. These changes include improvements to commissioning, testing and installer competence, and revisions made in response to concerns about design flexibility, ensuring systems work as intended once homes are occupied. The changes will come into force in March 2027 for non-Higher Risk Building Work.

“Indoor air quality in existing properties is addressed separately. Awaab’s Law requires social housing landlords to investigate and remedy damp and mould hazards within set timescales. Private landlords are already required to provide homes that are fit for human habitation, and local authorities must take enforcement action where the most dangerous hazards, including damp and mould, are identified.

“From 2035, the government is strengthening these protections by applying the new Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time.”

Strict rules for social housing landlords

As previously reported by Property118, the government has announced stricter rules for social landlords under phase two of Awaab’s Law.

Coming into force on 30 November 2026, social housing landlords will now be required to fix more dangers such as electrical faults, pest infestations and unsafe stairs, within quicker timeframes.