Welcome back to our monthly scroll-sized update where we talk all things ventilation in a way that (hopefully) makes sense…

This month, we’re discussing an incredibly important topic: Awaab’s Law.

So, what is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law is named in memory of a 2-year-old boy, Awaab Ishak, who tragically lost his life in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home. The incident sparked widespread public concern around the conditions that people, particularly children, are living in through social housing.

His parents had repeatedly raised concerns with their housing provider about the damp and mould, but no meaningful action was taken. Over a period of time, Awaab developed a severe respiratory condition that was linked directly to the poor living conditions.

The new piece of legislation is changing how landlords deal with damp and mould. If you’re a contractor, installer, wholesaler, or even a landlord yourself, now is the time to pay attention.

What does Awaab’s Law involve?

The UK Government has confirmed that the law is to come into force from October 2025. It will require social housing landlords to investigate and fix problems such as damp and mould within strict timeframes. Landlords will have just 14 days to investigate a reported issue, with necessary repairs and work to be carried out in the following 7 days.

This new 21 day turn around significantly reduces the risk of tenants becoming unwell due to damp and mould in the future.

Why is this a ventilation issue?

In most cases, damp and mould is caused as a result of poor ventilation and airflow issues.

When homes do not have adequate ventilation, moisture from everyday activities like cooking, showering, or drying clothes builds up. This accumulation of moisture and humidity creates the ideal environment for condensation and mould.

Whilst there are temporary measures to get rid of mould, improving ventilation is the long-term, necessary fix.

What does the law mean for landlords, contractors, and installers?

With tighter legal obligations coming into force, the spotlight has now turned to prevention, and ensuring that adequate ventilation is installed from the beginning. Installing a single intermittent extract fan in the bathroom just doesn’t cut it anymore; there needs to be greater awareness and education around the full range of domestic ventilation solutions available.

Extract rates are something to really pay attention to, because even if you have the best extract fan on the market, it is not going to be effective enough if it’s not moving enough air. Part F of the Building Regulations tells us exactly how much air needs to be extracted from bathrooms, kitchens, and WCs to prevent these issues, and advises on systems needed to meet or exceed those standards.

For landlords and housing providers, this is a chance to shift from reactive maintenance to proactive protection. For contractors and wholesalers, it’s an opportunity to take responsibility and offer expert guidance and long-lasting solutions that can prevent the damp cycle before it’s too late.

What next?

Although Awaab’s Law is currently focussed on social housing, it is expected to come into effect for the private sector not too long after. This means that now really is the time to start assessing ventilation and getting educated on how to prevent damp and mould.

Some questions that can help are:

• Is the right ventilation system in place?

• Does it meet the required minimum airflow rates?

• Are they being maintained and tested properly and regularly?

• Are tenants being educated on how to use them?

We’re here to help you answer all of the above…

We’re passionate about ventilation, and particularly about educating the wider industry and public on how good air quality can transform homes and lives.

If you’re a landlord needing quick advice, a contractor planning your next install, or a wholesaler looking for the best products to stock to combat these issues, we are here to help you get ahead of the regulations and keep mould where it belongs…

Out of sight, out of mind, and out of the home!