Awaab's Law and private rented homes
Awaab's Law sets legally binding timescales for investigating and fixing dangerous damp, mould and other prescribed hazards. Extension to the private rented sector makes response speed a compliance duty rather than a customer service ambition.
4 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Awaab's Law sets legally binding timescales for investigating and fixing dangerous damp, mould and other prescribed hazards. Extension to the private rented sector makes response speed a compliance duty rather than a customer service ambition.
The timescales
Once a hazard is reported you must investigate within a set number of days, provide a written summary of findings, and begin repairs within a further short window. Emergency hazards carry much shorter deadlines.
Written findings matter
The obligation is not only to fix but to tell the tenant in writing what you found and what you will do. A phone call leaves you with nothing to produce later.
Damp is usually structural
Treating mould as a lifestyle issue is the most common and most expensive mistake. Investigate the cause — penetrating damp, cold bridging, inadequate ventilation — and record the diagnosis.
Systems, not memory
Log the report date, the investigation date, the written response and the completion date for every hazard. Without timestamps you cannot show compliance with a timescale.
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This guide is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.