James Kane, Head of Social Housing at ventilation manufacturer EnviroVent, discusses the updates to the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and advises social landlords on how to remain compliant.
“Social landlords will be aware that in October last year, the second phase of Section 42 of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 was introduced. This mandated that they must investigate and fix potentially harmful damp and mould in homes, within set time periods, as well as repairing all emergency hazards within 24 hours.
As has been widely reported, this legislation was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in December 2020, which was attributed to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s rented home. His parents’ pursuit of justice highlighted the need for legislative reform to protect vulnerable tenants from a similar fate.
Meeting Awaab’s Law
Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords are required to investigate and remedy reported hazards within the following timeframes:
- Investigate potential emergency hazards within 24 hours of being aware.
- Undertake relevant safety work for emergency hazards – as soon as reasonably practical after investigation.
- Investigate potential significant hazards – within 10 working days of becoming aware of them.
- Provide written summary of investigation findings to the named tenant – within 3 working days of the investigation concluding
- Take steps to begin works for any significant hazards found in the investigation – within 5 working days of investigation concluding.
- Begin or take steps to begin further required works for significant or emergency hazards – withing 5 working days of investigation concluding: if not possible, begin as soon as possible and physically start work within 12 weeks.
- Satisfactorily complete works – within a reasonable time period.
The importance of efficient ventilation systems
Having an effective mechanical ventilation system in a property helps to prevent issues caused by condensation and mould, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions, such as asthma. It also leads to an improved level of indoor air quality, which is better for the health of occupants, particularly vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly.
By investing in efficient mechanical ventilation systems, social housing providers can significantly mitigate the risks associated with damp and mould, ensuring they remain compliant and protecting the health of occupants for the long term.
Ensuring compliance
To comply with Awaab’s Law and enhance tenant safety there are a number of actions that social landlords are recommended to take. First of all, it is essential to introduce a programme of regular home inspections – the aim of which is to help to identify potential hazards before they escalate and to focus on areas prone to damp and mould. Our training department offers specialist Condensation and Mould workshops for social housing providers, which have been well received.
Secondly, as many social landlords have progressed with in recent months, it is advisable to invest in effective mechanical ventilation systems throughout the housing stock. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units and heat recovery ventilation (MVHR) systems help to regulate moisture levels and improve indoor air quality by extracting moisture-laden air from the home and removing it to the outside.
Meeting these new standards means social housing providers developing the skills needed to deliver high-quality installations, through accredited training programmes, such as our NICEIC-approved Domestic Ventilation Training & Assessment Course.
Social housing providers may also choose to undertake CPD-accredited Condensation and Mould workshops, along with CPD-accredited Domestic Ventilation Best Practice training. Our 60 minute workshop gives social housing providers an in-depth explanation of how condensation and mould occurs, informs attendees how to know the difference between damp and mould and looks at long term environmental solutions.
Use of technology to ensure compliance
Advances in technology can assist social landlords in meeting the requirements of Awaab’s Law. Smart monitoring systems can provide real-time data on indoor air quality, enabling landlords to be proactive should any issues arise. To make this even easier, we have partnered with Vericon Systems to ensure social housing providers can gain real-time visibility over environmental conditions within their properties.
Scottish and Welsh Updates
In Wales, an addition is being made to the Welsh Quality Housing Standard relating to hazards, risks and levels of harm alongside suitable timeframes for assessment and reporting of works needing to be undertaken. This will come into force on 01st April 2026.
In Scotland, The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 is being introduced in October 2026. This also involves amends to both the Housing Scotland Act 2006 and the Scottish Secure Tenants (Right to Repair) Regulations 2002 regarding notification of identified damp and mould issues in a property to the landlord, reasonable timeframes for inspection and repair as well as potential compensation should this not take place.
A commitment to improvement
Awaab’s Law represents a pivotal moment for social housing in the UK. The legislation aims to protect vulnerable tenants and improve living conditions, driving up ventilation standards in the UK housing stock.
Our experience in the social housing industry shows that landlords are taking the legislation seriously and complying with the law by investing in effective ventilation solutions wherever possible. At the same time landlords need to show they are monitoring and responding quickly to any issues within their housing stock. The benefits will be seen by both tenants and social housing providers, in terms of improved indoor air quality and homes that are not structurally impacted by the negative effects of damp and mould.”
For more information visit www.envirovent.com
EnviroVent offers a completely free ventilation design service for social housing providers, which includes its specialist design team providing detailed technical drawings to fully comply with Passivhaus methodology, the latest building regulations and SAP.