What Awaab’s Law Covers Today

As of now, Awaab’s Law applies only to registered social housing providers. The law sets strict timelines for identifying and fixing damp, mould and other Category 1 hazards, including emergency works within 24 hours. While private landlords are not legally bound by Awaab’s Law at this stage, the direction of policy is clear. Tenant campaigners and legal professionals are calling for equivalent standards in the private sector.

In fact, the Renters Reform Bill — currently moving through Parliament — is expected to introduce tighter health and safety obligations, with specific language around the treatment of damp, mould, and disrepair.

Why Private Landlords Should Care

While legal requirements may still be catching up, public expectations and legal risk are already here. According to Letting Agent Today, an estimated 1.2 million PRS homes in the UK are affected by damp and mould. That’s one in four.

A recent Landlord Zone article noted that the courts are already siding with tenants in damp-related disputes under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. The risk is not just reputational — it’s financial. Failure to act on mould could result in rent repayment orders, local authority enforcement, or even criminal penalties in extreme cases.

Best Practices for Private Landlords Right Now

Regardless of whether the law formally applies yet, smart landlords are already adapting. That means logging and responding to all damp and mould complaints promptly, providing written updates to tenants, and using qualified professionals to diagnose and treat the problem at the source. According to Goodlord, documentation and communication will be key in protecting your position if things escalate.

You should also monitor how Awaab’s Law is enforced in the social sector. The standards set there will likely shape future legislation in the PRS, and early movers will be better prepared.

Legal Risk is Already Here

Landlords who ignore reports of damp or delay repair action are already at risk of violating laws under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

A growing number of tenant-focused legal firms, such as those cited by Landlord Today, are encouraging renters to take legal action when landlords fail to resolve damp-related issues. The pressure is rising — and ignorance is no longer a defence.

Conclusion

Awaab’s Law might not apply to private landlords yet, but the writing is on the wall. The housing sector is moving toward higher standards and tighter timelines, and tenants know their rights better than ever. Whether it's mandatory or not, meeting the expectations set by Awaab’s Law is simply the smart thing to do. For landlords who want to protect their tenants — and their investments — the time to act is now.