Awaab’s Law: what it means for believe housing customers
Awaab’s Law sets clear timescales for how quickly social housing landlords must investigate and fix certain hazards.
Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law is a new requirement that sets clear timescales for how quickly social housing landlords must investigate and fix certain hazards.
This helps protect social housing tenants and residents from serious health risks caused by issues like damp and mould.
At believe housing, we take this responsibility very seriously.
Strong processes are already in place to identify and resolve emergency repairs and damp and mould, especially where health could be affected. A dedicated Major Repairs Team has been in place since 2021, and all colleagues play a role in spotting and reporting problems early.
We work hard to prevent issues, but we know they can still occur. When they do, we are committed to responding quickly and keeping customers informed.
Awaab’s Law is welcomed because it strengthens tenant rights and supports our ongoing work to ensure homes are safe and healthy.
What are the new legal requirements?
From 27 October 2025, we must:
- investigate potential emergency hazards within 24 hours of becoming aware of them, and if confirmed, start safety work
- investigate significant hazards relating to damp and mould within 10 working days of becoming aware of them
- provide a written summary of the investigation findings to the named tenant within three working days of the investigation ending
- start safety work within five working days if a significant hazard relating to damp and mould is found
- begin or take steps to begin any supplementary preventative work, to prevent a significant or emergency hazard recurring, within five working days; if this is not possible, work must start as soon as possible and no later than 12 weeks
- complete all supplementary preventative work within a reasonable timeframe
- provide suitable temporary accommodation if safety work cannot be completed within specified timeframes
- keep the named tenant updated throughout and share advice on how to stay safe.
further guidance and support
An ’emergency hazard’ is one that poses ‘an imminent and significant risk of harm’ to the health or safety of the occupier in their home.
Examples of this include:
- significant leaks
- broken boilers
- total loss of water supply.
A ‘significant hazard’ is one that poses ‘a significant risk of harm’ to the health or safety of the occupier in their home.
An example of this includes damp or mould that is spreading or is severe.
If you are not sure, report it to us so we can assess it and explain the next steps.
Some issues may not fall under Awaab’s Law, such as:
- small patches of mould, which are not impacting your health, that can be cleaned safely at home
- damp or mould caused by unauthorised alterations or deliberate damage, such as blocking ventilation fans
- minor cosmetic damage.
- Report problems early, do not wait for them to get worse.
- Take simple steps to reduce condensation and prevent damp and mould.
- Clean small patches of mould if safe to do so. Click here to watch our DIY guides for help with this, and other common fixes around the home.
- Ask us for help if you are unsure.
For effective triage and resolution to your concern, we encourage you to report issues such as damp and mould by calling 0300 1311 999.
We will take your concerns seriously and keep you updated every step of the way.
If you are not satisfied with our service, you can make a complaint. We take all complaints seriously and aim to resolve issues quickly and fairly. Find out more here: complaints | believe housing
Under Awaab’s Law, if we fail to meet our obligations, you have the right to take legal action.
You also have the right to request information from us about any health and safety hazards in your home.
We also offer:
- damp and mould advice
- a range of self-help videos
- ReciteMe to translate our information and advice if English is not your first language
- our damp and mould policy.