Havering Council has reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, healthy homes for all residents by implementing robust measures to comply with Awaab’s Law, which came into force on 27 October 2025.
This landmark legislation introduces strict legal timeframes for addressing hazards such as damp and mould in social housing, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020.
Under the new regulations, social landlords must:
- Make emergency hazards safe within 24 hours of becoming aware of them.
- Commit to investigate all damp and mould reported within 10 working days.
- Provide residents with a written summary of findings within three working days following the identification of a significant hazard.
- Complete safety works within five working days of confirming a hazard or offer temporary accommodation if the home cannot be made safe. These requirements aim to protect tenants from serious health risks and ensure timely action on housing hazards.
To meet these obligations, Havering Council has:
- Approved a new Damp and Mould Policy (June 2025) aligned with Awaab’s Law, the Housing Act 2004, and the Decent Homes Standard.
- Introduced a Damp MOT approach, ensuring surveyors attend properties promptly to check for penetrating or rising damp and provide lifestyle advice for condensation prevention.
- Introduced automatic resident notifications with clear timelines and guidance following inspections.
- Established specialist damp and mould repair codes tracked through our Housing Management System for full transparency.
- Committed to pre-inspections within 14 days and prioritised emergency mould cases within 10 days.
- Enhanced resident communication and published guidance online and in print to help households understand causes and prevention of mould growth.
Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing Property and Gooshays Ward Councillor, said:
“Awaab’s Law is a vital step forward in protecting residents from unsafe living conditions.
"Havering Council is fully committed to meeting these new standards and ensuring that no family experiences the devastating consequences of damp and mould.”
Council tenants are encouraged to report any signs of damp or mould immediately via the resident portal or by calling 01708 434000.
More information on mould and damp prevention