Awaabs Law and How This Affects Landlords

Awaab’s Law: What Landlords Need to Know and How Bates & Co Can Help

In response to growing concerns over poor housing conditions in rental properties, the UK government has introduced Awaab’s Law—a crucial piece of legislation aimed at protecting tenants from unsafe living conditions, particularly damp and mould.

But what does this new law mean for landlords? How will it impact rental property management? And most importantly, how can Bates & Co help landlords stay compliant while maintaining high-quality rental properties?

Who Was Awaab Ishak? The Tragic Story Behind the Law

Awaab Ishak was a two-year-old boy from Rochdale who tragically passed away in December 2020 due to prolonged exposure to severe mould in his family’s housing association flat. Despite his parents repeatedly raising concerns about the hazardous conditions, their complaints were ignored. His death was a wake-up call, highlighting the dire consequences of neglecting damp and mould issues in rental homes.

Following widespread public outcry and a government investigation, Awaab’s Law was introduced to ensure landlords take timely action on serious health hazards in their properties.

What Does Awaab’s Law Require from Landlords?

The law, set to come into effect in October 2025, applies primarily to social housing landlords, but private landlords should also take note, as stricter enforcement on property standards is expected to follow.

Key requirements under Awaab’s Law include:

• Mandatory Timelines for Repairs: Landlords must investigate complaints about damp, mould, and other serious hazards within a fixed time frame. If a hazard is confirmed, repairs must be carried out swiftly to prevent health risks to tenants.
• Emergency Response Obligations: Any urgent hazards that pose an immediate health threat—such as severe damp, black mould, or structural issues—must be addressed within 24 hours.
• Accountability & Legal Consequences: Landlords who fail to comply with the law may face fines, enforcement actions, and potential legal proceedings.

While Awaab’s Law currently applies to social housing, it signals a shift towards tighter regulations across the entire rental sector. Private landlords must prepare for possible future changes and ensure their properties meet high living standards.

‍How Bates & Co Can Help Landlords Stay Compliant

At Bates & Co, we understand that navigating new legislation can be challenging. That’s why we offer tailored property management services to help landlords remain compliant while maintaining high-quality homes for tenants. Our services include:

‍1. Proactive Property Inspections: We conduct regular six-monthly property inspections, complete with full photographic and written reports, to identify and address damp and mould issues before they escalate.

‍2. Fast-Tracked Maintenance & Repairs: Through our network of trusted contractors, we ensure that urgent repairs are completed within legal timeframes, preventing costly legal consequences and protecting tenants' health.

‍3. Compliance & Legal Guidance: Keeping up with new regulations can be overwhelming. We provide up-to-date advice and ensure that landlords meet all health and safety standards set by Awaab’s Law and future legislation.

‍4. Streamlined Tenant Communication: With our tenant management app, renters can report maintenance issues instantly. This allows landlords to act quickly, preventing small issues from turning into major compliance problems.

‍Why Acting Now is Essential

‍With increasing scrutiny on landlords and growing enforcement of property standards, taking proactive steps now is the best way to stay ahead. At Bates & Co, we help landlords avoid penalties, protect their investments, and provide safe, compliant homes for tenants.

To learn more about how we can help you comply with Awaab’s Law, contact our expert lettings team today:📞 01323 844845
📧Lettings@batesandco.co.uk