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Awaab’s Law – What Landlords and Property Managers in UK Need to Know
Awaab’s Law sets strict new rules for how quickly landlords, letting agents, and block management companies in Dorset and Hampshire must respond to damp, mould, and condensation problems. In this guide, we explain what the law means, the risks of non-compliance, and how Proofterior’s damp proofing and mould removal services can help you stay fully compliant while protecting your tenants and properties.
What is Awaab’s Law and Why Does it Matter?
Awaab’s Law, introduced in 2023, requires social landlords to investigate and fix damp, mould, and housing hazards within strict timeframes. The law was created after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who was exposed to dangerous levels of mould in his home.
Under the law, landlords must act fast: emergency hazards must be investigated immediately and made safe within 24 hours, while significant hazards must be investigated within 10 working days. Tenants must also be provided with written updates and, if repairs cannot be completed in time, suitable alternative accommodation.
For landlords, letting agents, and block management companies across Dorset and Hampshire, this means you need to have a reliable plan in place for damp surveys, mould treatment, and ongoing damp proofing to avoid legal and reputational risks.
The Risks of Non-Compliance for Landlords
Failing to meet Awaab’s Law deadlines puts tenants at risk and exposes landlords to serious consequences. These include:
Legal action and fines for not addressing damp and mould hazards.
Reputational damage, especially with local councils, tenants, and the wider community.
Increased property costs, as untreated damp and condensation quickly lead to structural damage and higher repair bills.
In areas like Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, and across Dorset and Hampshire, damp and mould are common due to older housing stock and coastal climate conditions. Acting quickly not only keeps you compliant with Awaab’s Law, but also protects your property investment.
Overcoming Barriers to Awaab’s Law Compliance
Many landlords and property managers in Dorset and Hampshire hesitate to act on damp, mould, and condensation problems because they worry about the cost of repairs, tenant disruption, or the complexity of meeting strict deadlines. But delaying action often leads to bigger problems: escalating repair bills, unhappy tenants, and the risk of legal penalties under Awaab’s Law.
At Proofterior, we make compliance simple and stress-free. From the moment a tenant reports an issue, our specialists handle the process for you—carrying out damp surveys within 10 working days, starting emergency works within 24 hours, and providing tenant-ready written reports within 3 days. We also deliver all required safety works within the legal 5-day and 12-week deadlines, while keeping tenants informed and minimising disruption.
The benefits of working with Proofterior.
Cost certainty – Transparent pricing prevents unexpected bills later.
Time savings – We manage the entire process, freeing you to focus on running your properties.
Legal protection – Our detailed reports, photos, and communication records give you the evidence of “reasonable steps” required under the law.
Tenant satisfaction – Fast action, clear communication, and professional service improve trust and reduce disputes.
Long-term protection – With our damp proofing, mould treatment, and waterproofing solutions, you avoid repeat issues and protect the value of your properties.
In short: compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. With Proofterior by your side, you’ll save time, reduce risk, and keep both your tenants and your investment safe.
Awaab’s Law: Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Awaab’s Law apply to?
Awaab’s Law currently applies to social landlords, including housing associations and local authorities across England. However, private landlords and letting agents in Dorset, Hampshire, and the wider South of England are also encouraged to follow these standards as best practice, as local councils are increasing enforcement around damp and mould issues in rental homes.
What counts as an “emergency hazard” under Awaab’s Law?
An emergency hazard is any issue that poses an immediate risk to tenant health or safety—such as severe mould growth, water leaks causing electrical danger, or structural collapse. Landlords must investigate immediately and start make-safe works within 24 hours, or provide suitable alternative accommodation.
What is a “significant hazard”?
A significant hazard includes damp, mould, or disrepair that does not pose an immediate danger but still risks tenant health. In these cases, landlords must investigate within 10 working days, provide a written summary within 3 working days, and if confirmed, start repairs within 5 working days and complete further works as soon as possible (no later than 12 weeks).
What happens if I don’t comply with Awaab’s Law?
Non-compliance can lead to legal action, financial penalties, reputational damage, and increased repair costs. Tenants can escalate complaints to the Housing Ombudsman, and local authorities can take enforcement action if deadlines are missed.
How can Proofterior help landlords and agents in Dorset & Hampshire?
Proofterior offers damp surveys, mould removal, condensation control, and waterproofing solutions designed around Awaab’s Law deadlines. We provide emergency response within 24 hours, full surveys within 10 working days, and compliance-ready reports for tenants, giving you peace of mind and a complete audit trail to prove you’ve taken all reasonable steps.
Why Working with Proofterior Makes Compliance Simple
Proofterior makes Awaab’s Law compliance simple. We deliver fast damp surveys in Dorset & Hampshire within 10 working days, start emergency mould repairs in 24 hours, and provide tenant-ready compliance reports in just 3 days. With our damp proofing and waterproofing services, landlords gain peace of mind, legal protection, cost certainty, and long-term property protection.
Get the full details and step-by-step compliance guide.
