Understanding Awaab’s law in 2024 and what it means for tenants and landlords in the UK

Almost 1 million homes suffer from issues of damp and mould annually in the UK. With further legislative changes implemented in 2024, there’s even more pressure for landlords to address them more urgently than ever before. The 2024 update builds upon Awaab’s Law (2023) to further protect tenants from unsafe homes caused by damp and mould.

In this Ideal Response blog article, we revisit Awaab’s Law and what the updated 2024 UK housing legislation means for both tenants and landlords. The article will answer the following questions:

• What is Awaab’s Law?
• How does the 2024 update impact Awaab’s Law?
• What are the health risks associated with damp and mould?
• What are the causes of mould in homes?
• How can Ideal Response support tenants and landlords?

So, if you are a tenant or landlord, this five-minute read will help to clear up any questions you may have about Awaab’s Law and what the 2024 update means for you.

What is Awaab’s Law?

The tragic passing of Awaab Ishak in 2020 put a spotlight on the serious risks to health that mould-related issues in homes can cause. Awaab’s Law was introduced to mandate significantly stricter timeframes to address mould and damp in properties that are rented. It was integrated within the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. The inclusion of Awaab’s Law is aimed at supporting tenants who raise concerns about potentially unsafe and harmful conditions within their rented property no matter if it is social housing or private rental.

But what is the impact of Awaab’s Law on both tenants and landlords?

Let’s start with landlords.

The impact of Awaab’s Law on landlords

Landlords must act quickly by law

New, stricter timelines for landlords to inspect and remediate issues reported by tenants. Failure to do so, will incur significant financial penalties.

Landlords must be more proactive

This includes ensuring regular property inspections and ensuring adequate ventilation and working heating systems.

Landlords are more accountable

This means that no matter if a social housing landlord or private landlord, they will be more regulated and monitored. For example, by the Regulator of Social Housing.

The impact of Awaab’s Law on tenants

Faster resolution to tenant complaints

Rather than delays of months, landlords need to act quickly as stipulated by the new guidance. This means tenants complaints should be spending less time waiting and more time enjoying the comfort of a safe home.

More power for tenants to hold landlords accountable

Awaab’s Law empowers tenants with the power and backing by law, to hold landlords fully accountable for poor living conditions caused by damp and mould.

Landlords are more accountable

This means that no matter if a social housing landlord or private landlord, they will be more regulated and monitored. For example, by the Regulator of Social Housing.

An uplift in better and healthier homes

The significance of Awaab’s Law will hopefully uplift the quality of the UKs rented housing stock, ensuring that the risks that mould threatens human health is quashed.

How does the 2024 update impact Awaab’s Law?

To ensure that Awaab’s Law continues to be effective, the UK government introduced an update this year which helped to protect tenants further. Outlined below are some of what was introduced.

• By law, landlords must schedule annual inspections of properties that have had historical cases of damp or mould.
• A Damp and Muld Safety Certificate (DMSC) must be given to the tenant to confirm inspection of the property has happened and has no risk from hazards.
• If landlords fail to adhere to the regulated timeframes when addressing any issues such as mould or damp, they can now be fined up to £30,000 or banned from renting any property.
• Tenants can claim compensation if they have been suffering from damp and mould within their property. This is specifically for those with prolonged damp and mould issues.
• Providers of social housing must report to the Regulator of Social Housing on all damp and mould cases which aren’t resolved.

What are the health risks associated with damp and mould?

Before we get into the health risks associated with damp and mould, it’s important to reiterate the magnitude of the problem within England. Here’s three shocking statistics, all of which could easily be avoided.

• Roughly 4% of all households in England are affected by damp and mould.
• Nearly one fifth of tenants of social housing are more likely to experience instances of mould growth.
• It’s estimated that 50% of people who rent their home, have experienced damp and mould in their home.

The risk to health due to damp and mould

According to Public Health England, 20% – 50% of asthma cases in the UK are linked to exposure to indoor mould. But it’s not just respiratory issues that can be affected by damp or mould. The government website also states that other physical effects can include:

• Eye irritation which can lead to allergic conjunctivitis.
• Eczema, and associated conditions.
• Other fungal infections.

Vulnerable people such as the elderly and allergy sufferers are most at risk to the physical effects caused by damp and mould. However, as well as the physical effects, prolonged exposure to damp and mould conditions can have a negative effect on wellbeing. It can cause increased levels of anxiety and depression.

What are the common causes of damp and mould?

There can be several different factors within the building that are causing instances of damp and mould. These include:

Condensation

This is one of the most common causes in the UK. Signs significant condensation is present include the presence of black mould around windows and doors. It’s usually more common in rooms where there is a higher level of water vapour such as bathrooms. Another cause of condensation is lack of adequate heating for the property.

Leaking pipes

Leaking pipes can often be hidden within walls, floors, or ceilings and exceptionally difficult to detect before it’s too late and mould has already started to appear. If you suspect a water leak, you may need a professional water leak detection specialist. They will help identify the cause and location of the leak.

Leaking gutters, downpipes and roofing

Gutters and downpipes can often get blocked and excess water can overflow and stream down the walls of the property causing significant damp patches. Roof leaks are another common cause of damp or mould. A clear sign of a damaged roof is damp patches appearing on the ceiling.

Rising damp

Common in older buildings where the damp-proof course has deteriorated, rising damp can often happen because the moisture from the ground is travelling up through the walls. This can result in damp patches on walls which start from the skirting boards.

Penetrating damp

External defects such as cracks in brickwork can cause rainwater to get into the property. Older buildings in areas exposed to wind-driven rain are most susceptible.

How Ideal Response can support tenants and landlords

No matter if you’re a landlord looking to meet your legal obligations for the removal of mould or a tenant seeking relief from continuous mould issues, we’re here to help.

Any type of mould cleaning and removal requires a deep understanding of not just how to clean it effectively but also, how to remove it permanently. Our comprehensive mould remediation service is available for all property types. It is also backed by a one-year guarantee if you have had a survey prior to any remediation works have taken place.

The typical mould clean-up and remediation process includes:

Damp survey

Undertaken by one of our accredited surveyors, the damp survey will highlight the root cause of any instances of damp or mould. You’ll also receive a comprehensive report which recommends the course of action needed to put things right. There are a range of options, much like a building survey, so you can choose which best fits you.

HEPA vacuum treatment

By using HEPA technology, 99.9% of microscopic mould particles (airborne spores) are captured which reduces the potential spread of instances of mould. And helps reduce any respiratory problems caused by these particles in the air whilst improving air quality.

Manual washdown & fungicidal treatment

A key part of the mould remediation work is to ensure that the mould is killed at the root, so it doesn’t return. That’s why all surfaces are wiped down with a specialist safe fungicidal cleaning solution. Following this, an additional solution is applied which creates a barrier between the surface and surrounding air which protects for longer and helps to prevent any possible future mould growth.

ULV fogging

Usually, the final stage of mould remediation work, ULV fogging technology is used to eliminate any remaining mould spores, decontaminate the air and neutralise any unpleasant odours.

In summary

The introduction of Awaab’s Law is a significant turning point in housing standards across the UK, which protects tenants from the harmful effects of mould whilst holding landlords to account. But just legal compliance is not the answer, proactive prevention and professional remediation are essential to maintaining safe, healthy homes.

If you are either a tenant or landlord and need support in tackling damp and mould if your property, contact one of the Ideal Response team who will happily answer any questions and advise on what the best course of action is to take.