Awaab's Law is a new law that came into force on 27 October 2025. It means social landlords must fix reported damp, mould and emergency repairs within strict timeframes.
Who Awaab’s Law applies to
Currently, the law only applies to social housing tenants (council and housing association homes).
It does not apply to private rented homes or supported accommodation.
What social landlords must do
Social landlords must:
- investigate and start work on emergency damp or mould within 24 hours
- investigate significant damp or mould within 10 working days
- begin repairs within 5 working days after an investigation confirms the issue
How to report damp and mould
The new timeframes for dealing with damp, mould and emergency repairs start once you have formally reported a problem to your landlord.
You should:
- submit your report or complaint in writing or use your landlord’s official reporting system
- keep evidence: copies of emails or letters, dated photos and notes of when you reported the issue - this will help if you need to prove that your landlord didn't act within the required timeframe.
If your landlord doesn’t act
- Follow your landlord’s complaints process.
- If unresolved, escalate to the Housing Ombudsman or take legal action if necessary.
The Housing Ombudsman will investigate complaints and order landlords to pay compensation or make service improvements.
The law strengthens your rights, but you’ll still need to take proactive steps to enforce them.
How we can help
We can:
- offer guidance and support complaints to the Housing Ombudsman if your landlord fails to act
- investigate serious and urgent damp and mould issues
If you have ongoing issues like damp, mould, disrepair or problems with your landlord contact us:
- email pshousing@elmbridge.gov.uk
- call 01372 474 622
After you contact us
If you report a serious and urgent damp and mould issue, our team will:
- investigate whether your landlord is complying with Awaab's Law or other housing regulations
- inspect your home and assess damp, mould or other housing health and safety hazards in your home
- instruct your social landlord to take action to fix any damp, mould or hazard found in your home
- take action if your landlord fails to act
Get help and advice
- For complaints about your social landlord go to Housing Ombudsman Service or call 0300 111 3000.
- For free housing advice for renters go to Shelter or call 0808 800 4444.
- For local support for housing, benefits and legal issues go to Citizens Advice Elmbridge or call 0808 278 7879.
- For training and advice for social housing residents go to Tenant Participation Advisory Service
- Contact the Social Housing Regulator who regulates and holds social landlords accountable.