How Ventilation Can Help Homes Comply with Awaab’s Law
A pivotal shift is happening in UK housing policy with the introduction of Awaab’s Law — a new legal framework designed to protect tenants from dangerous living conditions, particularly those caused by damp, mould, and poor air quality.
The law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who tragically died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing. His story sparked national outrage and prompted urgent reform across the housing sector.
Now, that reform is here — and it’s reshaping how landlords, housing providers, and building professionals approach indoor health and safety.
What Is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law sets strict deadlines for social landlords to investigate and resolve health hazards in tenants’ homes. It applies to local authorities and housing associations across England, and it’s automatically included in tenancy agreements — meaning tenants now have legal rights to take action if these standards aren’t met.
Key Deadlines for Landlords
The law differentiates between emergency hazards and significant hazards, each with its own investigation and repair timeline.
Emergency Hazards (e.g. exposed wiring, severe leaks)
- Investigate and make safe: within 24 hours
- Written summary of findings: within 3 working days
- Longer-term repairs arranged: within 5 working days
- All work started: within 12 weeks
- Significant Hazards (e.g. damp, mould, fungal growth)
- Investigation begins: within 10 working days
- Written summary of findings: within 3 working days
- Make the home safe (if hazard confirmed): within 5 working days
If a home cannot be made safe in time, landlords must offer suitable alternative accommodation to protect tenants’ health.
Legal Power for Tenants
Because Awaab’s Law is automatically written into tenancy agreements, tenants can now take legal action if landlords fail to comply with the deadlines or leave hazardous conditions unresolved.
This represents one of the most significant shifts in tenant rights and housing accountability in recent decades.
What Happens Next?
The government plans to roll out Awaab’s Law in phases to address different types of hazards over time:
- Phase 1 (2025): Damp, mould, and emergency hazards
- Phase 2 (2026): Fire risks, cold/heat, structural issues
- Phase 3 (2027+): Remaining health and safety hazards (excluding overcrowding)
From Legislation to Lasting Change: How BPC Ventilation Supports Healthier Homes
At BPC Ventilation, we believe that a healthy home starts with clean, balanced air.
While Awaab’s Law targets the visible symptoms of poor housing — such as damp and mould — we focus on addressing the root causes: moisture, poor ventilation, and inadequate air circulation.
Mould doesn’t simply appear overnight — it develops where warm, moist air cannot escape.
That’s why proper mechanical ventilation is critical, not only for compliance but also for long-term comfort and health.
Our range of solutions includes:
- MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems for continuous, balanced airflow
- MEV (Mechanical Extract Ventilation) for effective moisture control in wet rooms
- Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units to reduce humidity and condensation
- Extractor fans and window vents for targeted moisture management
- These systems help:
- Prevent condensation and mould growth
- Reduce indoor humidity levels
- Improve overall indoor air quality
- Maintain energy efficiency and consistent temperature control
- Support compliance with Awaab’s Law and wider housing standards
Why Ventilation Matters More Than Ever
As Awaab’s Law raises expectations for landlords and housing providers, ventilation is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Proper airflow prevents the conditions that allow mould, mildew, and damp to thrive, safeguarding both buildings and occupants.
For property managers, local authorities, and housing associations, investing in ventilation upgrades can mean the difference between compliance and costly remediation.
For more insights into the importance of air quality, explore:
- What Is Indoor Air Quality and Why It Matters
- How MVHR Systems Help Prevent Damp and Mould
- Guide to Ventilation Requirements in Social Housing
Work With BPC Ventilation
We are ventilation specialists, providing expert advice, system design, and supply for homes, landlords, and housing developers across the UK and Ireland.
If you’re looking to future-proof your properties and ensure compliance with Awaab’s Law, our team can help specify the most effective solution for your project.
📞 Contact us today to learn more about our full range of ventilation products and services:
📧 info@bpcventilation.com
☎️ 028 2827 5150
💻 www.bpcventilation.com
