What is Awaab's Law? 

Awaab's Law is a new housing law which comes into effect on 27th October 2025. The law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who tragically died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home. It has been introduced to ensure social landlords respond quickly and effectively to serious housing hazards, especially damp, mould and emergency repairs. 

 

Implementation of Awaab's Law

Phase 1 - From 27th October 2025 

Social landlords must: 

• Investigate significant damp and mould hazards within 10 working days. 
• Provide written findings within 3 working days of the investigation concluding. 
• Make the home safe within 5 working days if a health risk is confirmed. 
• Complete follow-up repairs within 12 weeks if immediate action is not possible.
• Respond to emergency hazards (e.g. unsafe electrics, fire risk) within 24 hours. 

Phase 2 - Expected in 2026

The law will expand to cover a wider range of housing hazards including: 

• Excess cold and heat
• Falls
• Structural collapse
• Fire risk
• Electrical hazards
• Hygiene related hazards

Social landlords will be expected to meet similar time bound duties for these issues, though details are still being finalised by Government. 

Phase 3 - Expected in 2027

Awaab's Law will extend to cover all remaining hazards listed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), except overcrowding. 

 

What the law means for you

As a tenant, you now have new legal protections and stronger rights under Awaab's Law. If your home has a potential hazard such as damp or mould, or an emergency safety issue, the Council must follow specific, legally-enforced timescales to investigate and resolve the problem. 

 

Your responsibilities 

While MDH is responsible for identifying and fixing hazards, your cooperation is essential to help us act quickly and effectively: 

• Allow access: Please provide access to your home for inspections and repair work. Missed appointments can delay action and increase risk. 
• Cooperate with guidance: Follow any advice given by our teams or contractors to help prevent or reduce issues. For example, using ventilation systems properly or reporting early signs of damp. 
• Report promptly: Don't wait - if you notice mould, leaks, or any other hazard, let us know as soon as possible. 

 

How to report a potential hazard and what happens next

1. Contact the Repairs team by calling 01884 255255 or emailing repairs@middevon.gov.uk 
2. Provide your name and address, daytime contact number, a description of the issue including where it is in your home, photos can also be submitted and will help us assess the situation. It's helpful at this stage if you let us know of any vulnerabilities within your household. 
3. Once we're aware of the hazard, we'll carry out an investigation within 10 working days. If the issue poses an immediate and serious risk to health or safety, we'll respond within 24 hours to make the property safe. 
4. Within 3 working days of completing the investigation, you will receive a written summary of our findings. This will confirm whether a hazard was identified and explain the next steps we'll take to resolve it. 
5. If the hazard presents a significant risk, we will take action to begin this repair work within 5 working days of the investigation concluding. If we cannot repair the hazard at this time, we will take temporary measures to make your home safe. If we cannot make your home safe, we will provide suitable alternative accommodation until your home is habitable again. 

 

Steps you can take if you are dissatisfied with our response

We aim to resolve all housing hazards quickly and fairly. However if you feel that the issue has not been investigated properly, repairs haven't been completed within the expected timeframes or you haven't received clear communication or updates you have the right to raise a concern. You can do this by: 

1. Following our official complaints procedure. We will review your complaint and respond within our published timescales. 
2. If you're not satisfied with our final response you can escalate your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman, who provides independent support for social housing tenants. 
3. If MDH fails to meet its legal duties under Awaab's Law, and this results in a breach of your Tenancy Agreement, you may have the right to take legal action. 

 

Need help? 

If you're concerned about damp, mould or repairs in your home, please contact us: 

• 01884 255255
• repairs@middevon.gov.uk
• Visit us at Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, EX16 6PP.