Introduced in October, Awaab’s Law marks a critical shift in the legal responsibilities of social landlords and housing associations.

The Law was implemented sadly due to the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, from prolonged exposure to damp and mould. This legislation requires emergency and significant health hazards to be assessed and addressed within strict fixed timescales.

Resulting from structural defects, disrepair, inadequate ventilation and insulation, tackling damp and mould is not always straightforward.

IOM support landlords and tenants by providing technical support to investigate the source and extent of mould within properties. Our laboratory can identify the types of mould present, determine potential health effects and provide a risk based approach to remediation.

“One of our clients reported last winter that over 40 of their tenants documented ill health that was subsequently attributed to mould exposure in the home” – Mathew Williams, Operations Team Leader (IOM)

 

What are the legal responsibilities?

Under Awaab’s Law, landlords must now:

• Investigate reports of damp and mould within 10 working days
• Provide written findings to tenants within 3 working days of the conclusion of the investigation
• Begin remedial works within 5 days of confirming the cause
• Address emergency hazards within 24 hours

Failure to meet these deadlines may result in enforcement action, compensation claims, regulatory intervention, and reputational damage.

In addition, landlords must continue to meet broader legal duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and the Housing Act 2004, which require homes to be structurally sound and free from health hazards.

“There is an expectation that all landlords including those in the private rental sector adopt this standard for the promotion of improved housing standards and the protection of health.” – David Flower, Senior Occupational Hygienist (IOM)

 

IOM’s Expertise in Supporting Organisations to Manage Mould risk

Our specialist services enable timely and accurate determination of whether a hazard presents a potential, significant, or emergency issue, eliminating the need for assumption or guesswork. These services include:

Survey Services

• On-site mould and air quality surveys by qualified occupational hygiene professionals
• Air and surface sampling to identify contamination and sources
• Risk assessments covering exposure, property condition, and remediation planning
• Practical recommendations, including ventilation and building performance improvements
• Post remediation reassurance air testing

 

In-House Laboratory Services

• Species-level mould identification
• Total Viable Count (TVC) analysis of air and surface samples
• Bioaerosol testing for airborne contaminants
• Rapid turnaround and comprehensive compliance reporting

 

Next Steps

Discover how IOM can support you with its microbiological and mould risk management service, contact us to arrange a consultation or quote at [email protected] or fill out our contact form here : https://www.iom-world.org/contact-us/