Are you ready for Awaab’s Law?
New legal standards are coming and landlords will be expected to fix damp and mould problems quickly, or face enforcement action. Richardson & Starling is here to help you stay compliant, protect your tenants, and act fast when it matters.
What Is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law was introduced after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died from prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing flat.
From October 2025, all social housing landlords will be legally required to:
- Investigate and fix serious damp and mould hazards within set timeframes
- Complete emergency repairs (damp-related or otherwise)
- Provide clear records of actions taken
- Communicate clearly with tenants about risks and repairs
From 2026–2027, the law will extend to cover additional health risks such as extreme temperatures, fire and electrical hazards, and structural issues. Private landlords are also likely to face similar obligations under upcoming rental reform legislation.
Why Richardson & Starling?
We’re already helping landlords prepare and we’re ready to support you too.
- Over 90 years of experience in property care
- Fully PCA-accredited damp and mould specialists
- Clear, detailed compliance reports
- Discreet, tenant-friendly service
- National coverage with local teams across Scotland and the North of England
Services include expert damp and mould inspections, emergency repairs, long-term prevention, tenant support, and compliance reports for Awaab’s Law.
Housing (Scotland) Bill
As part of ongoing housing reform, the Scottish Government has introduced the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which strengthens tenants’ rights and reinforces the duty of landlords to maintain properties to a safe and habitable standard. While Awaab’s Law addresses the urgent need for damp and mould to be treated within strict timeframes in England, the Housing (Scotland) Bill reflects Scotland’s commitment to improving housing conditions through enhanced enforcement powers and a clearer focus on tenant safety.
A Proven Compliance Framework
To support housing providers in meeting the new legal requirements, Richardson & Starling has developed the SMART Process, a five-step approach to ensure timely, effective, and compliant damp and mould remediation.
- Survey: Conduct detailed assessments using our enhanced checklist within 14 days
- Mitigation: Undertake localised cleaning and disinfection, remove contaminated material using safe and certified methods.
- Apply: Remedy underlying damp sources, install ventilation, insulation and apply anti condensation coatings.
- Reassure: Complete post-inspection and tenant handover with SMART completion pack
- Track: Monitor conditions using environmental sensors and provide data-driven updates
Ready to Talk?
Let’s take the pressure of your team. Whether you manage one home or hundreds, we’ll make sure you’re covered. We work with private landlords, social housing providers, and local councils and housing authorities to ensure full compliance of Awaabs Law.