The introduction of Awaab’s Law marks one of the most important shifts in UK housing regulation. While designed for the social housing sector, its influence will extend to private landlords and letting agents too. The message from Government and regulators is clear: no tenant should live in a property that’s unsafe due to damp or mould.
At Bradwell Maintenance, we work with landlords, letting agents, and housing providers across the North West of England to help them meet these new standards. This guide explains what Awaab’s Law means, what your responsibilities are, and how we can help you keep your properties safe and compliant.
What Is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law was introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale. His death, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s flat, highlighted serious failings in how damp and mould issues were handled by social landlords.
In response, Awaab’s Law now requires social landlords to investigate and fix hazards such as damp and mould within specific legal time limits once tenants report them. The aim is to ensure that every tenant has a safe, healthy home — and that landlords are held accountable if they fail to act.
Although the law currently applies to social housing, experts expect similar standards to be introduced for the private rental sector. That means all landlords and letting agents should start preparing now.
Why Awaab’s Law Matters to Landlords and Letting Agents
Even before Awaab’s Law, landlords were legally responsible under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) for keeping properties free from hazards. Damp and mould have always been considered serious risks — particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems.
The difference now is enforcement.
Awaab’s Law introduces clear deadlines, greater transparency, and stronger powers for the Regulator of Social Housing. Local authorities are also taking a tougher stance against poor housing conditions in the private rented sector.
For letting agents and landlords, this means:
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- Responding promptly to any report of damp or mould
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- Keeping written records of inspections and repairs
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- Working only with qualified contractors
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- Taking a proactive rather than reactive approach to maintenance
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- By acting early, landlords can prevent damage to their properties, avoid costly legal disputes, and protect their reputation.
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- Understanding the Causes of Damp and Mould
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- To manage and prevent damp, you first need to understand what causes it. Common types include:
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- Penetrating damp – water entering through leaks in roofs, gutters, or external walls.
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- Rising damp – moisture moving up through walls from the ground due to a failed damp-proof course.
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- Condensation damp – moisture caused by poor ventilation or lack of heating.
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- Plumbing leaks – hidden pipe damage or failed seals leading to trapped moisture.
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- Left untreated, these issues can damage plaster, timber, and paintwork — but more importantly, they can cause serious health risks. Mould spores can trigger asthma, allergies, and breathing problems, which is why Awaab’s Law demands quick, professional intervention.
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- Your Responsibilities Under Awaab’s Law and HHSRS
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- Whether you’re a housing association, letting agent, or private landlord, your legal and moral duties are similar:
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- Act quickly – respond immediately when tenants report damp or mould.
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- Inspect regularly – schedule regular property checks, especially during winter months.
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- Keep detailed records – document every report, inspection, and repair with photos and dates.
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- Communicate clearly – keep tenants updated about what actions are being taken.
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- Prevent problems – invest in preventative maintenance, ventilation upgrades, and roof checks.
Failure to meet these expectations can result in enforcement action, fines, or reputational harm — especially once Awaab’s Law expands into the private sector.
How Bradwell Maintenance Helps You Stay Compliant
At Bradwell Maintenance, we provide a full range of property maintenance services designed to help landlords, letting agents, and housing providers prevent and resolve damp and mould issues.
We serve customers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, and Lancashire, combining expert workmanship with clear reporting and fast response times.
Our core services include:
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- Roofing repairs and maintenance – preventing penetrating damp by fixing leaks, gutters, and flashing.
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- Damp surveys and treatments – identifying root causes and delivering permanent solutions for rising or penetrating damp.
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- Plastering and decorating – restoring properties to a re-let standard after damp or repair work.
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- Window replacement and ventilation improvements – helping reduce condensation and improve indoor air quality.
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- Drone roof inspections – cost-effective roof surveys without scaffolding, ideal for large or high-rise buildings.
We understand the pressure of compliance under Awaab’s Law — that’s why we provide detailed reports, photographic evidence, and completion certificates for every job. You’ll have the documentation needed to show that you’ve acted promptly and professionally.
Preparing for the Future of Housing Compliance
Awaab’s Law represents a turning point in housing management.
It’s not just about repairs — it’s about prevention, accountability, and care for residents.
For social landlords, it’s now a legal requirement. For private landlords and letting agents, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and get ahead of future regulations.
By partnering with Bradwell Maintenance, you can:
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- Identify risks before they escalate
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- Create an inspection and maintenance schedule
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- Respond quickly to tenant concerns
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- Keep accurate records for compliance and peace of mind
Safe, well-maintained homes protect both tenants and investments. Acting now means fewer emergencies later — and greater trust from residents and regulators alike.
Work With Bradwell Maintenance
If you’re a landlord, letting agent, or social housing provider in the North West, now is the time to prepare for the expectations set by Awaab’s Law.
Bradwell Maintenance can help you deliver compliant, healthy, and well-maintained homes through expert roofing, damp treatment, plastering, decorating, window repairs, and drone inspections.
Call us on 0161 711 0997
Email: info@bradwellmaintenance.co.uk
Visit: www.bradwellmaintenance.co.uk
Let’s work together to protect your tenants, your properties, and your reputation — today and for the future.