Landlord Regulations, Damp, Awaab’s Law, Property Management

Awaab’s Law Changes in 2026: What They Mean for Landlords – And Why You Should Act on Damp Now

With Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law coming into force on 30 November 2026, the pressure on landlords to identify and fix hazards – especially damp and mould – is intensifying. Now is the time to get ahead of the curve, and a proactive damp survey with Kent Damp Specialists could be the difference between smooth compliance and costly enforcement action.

What’s Changing Under Awaab’s Law in 2026?

Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in social housing. Phase 1, which took effect in October 2025, forced social landlords to respond quickly to damp and mould and other emergency hazards, with strict deadlines to investigate and make homes safe (gov.uk).

From 30 November 2026, Phase 2 significantly widens the scope. Landlords must now respond within set timeframes not only to damp and mould, but also to other “significant hazards”, including:

• Excess cold and excess heat

• Risks from falls – on the level, on stairs, or between levels

• Structural collapse or falling elements

• Fire, explosions and electrical hazards

• Domestic hygiene, including personal hygiene and food safety

Emergency hazards still require action within 24 hours, and significant hazards must be investigated and made safe within tight, legally defined timescales (gov.uk). Failure to comply can lead to complaints to the Housing Ombudsman or even court action for breach of contract.

Why This Matters for Landlords – Including the Private Sector

While Awaab’s Law currently applies directly to social housing, it is setting the benchmark for what “reasonable” landlord behaviour looks like across the sector. The government has already signalled that private landlords will face similar obligations through the Renters’ Rights Act and related regulations, expected to mirror Awaab-style duties on hazard response timelines in the coming years (MoneyWeek).

For anyone managing a portfolio – whether you are a housing association, local authority, or private landlord – the message is clear: hazards like damp and mould are no longer “nice to fix”; they are urgent legal and reputational risks. Regulators and Ombudsmen are already scrutinising call logs, inspection records and repair histories to judge whether landlords have acted promptly and reasonably under the new framework.

💡 Key Point: Awaab’s Law effectively turns slow responses to damp, mould and other hazards into potential breaches of contract – and, in serious cases, into headline-making failures.

Why You Should Prioritise Damp and Mould Surveys Now

Damp and mould remain at the heart of Awaab’s Law. Phase 1 already required landlords to investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days and make homes safe within a further 5 (gov.uk). As Phase 2 adds yet more hazards and complexity, demand for competent surveyors and contractors is only going to increase.

Acting now delivers several advantages:

• You identify hidden damp issues before tenants report them – reducing the risk of complaints, Ombudsman referrals and legal claims.

• You spread remedial works over time, rather than scrambling to meet statutory deadlines when Awaab-style duties bite harder across the sector.

• You demonstrate a clear, documented commitment to tenant safety – vital if your decisions are ever scrutinised by a regulator or court.

Early damp surveys turn hidden moisture problems into manageable, planned maintenance.

Why Choose Kent Damp Specialists as Your Damp Partner

To meet Awaab’s Law expectations, landlords need more than a quick visual check. You need robust, evidence-based surveys and reliable remedial work. This is where Kent Damp Specialists stand out for landlords across Kent.

Their damp surveys use advanced tools such as moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the source of moisture accurately, without unnecessary damage to finishes. The resulting reports are clear, jargon-free and suitable for mortgage or insurance purposes (Kent Damp Specialists). For landlords, this means you gain both technical insight and documentation you can rely on if your decisions are ever challenged.

Crucially, Kent Damp Specialists don’t just treat symptoms. Their services include:

• Damp proofing solutions – from chemical damp proof course injections to tanking systems and specialist replastering, tailored to the age and construction of your properties.

• Rising and penetrating damp treatments – addressing issues like tide marks, peeling paint, porous brickwork and failed pointing, with long-term guarantees for peace of mind.

• Timber treatment – tackling rot and woodworm where moisture has affected structural elements, ensuring the property is safe and compliant.

📌 Key Takeaway: By partnering with Kent Damp Specialists, you gain a single, trusted point of contact for diagnosis, reporting and remedial works – exactly what you need to evidence compliance under Awaab-style regulation.

Get Ahead of the Demand – Act Before the Deadlines Bite

As Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law goes live and similar expectations extend further into the private rented sector, demand for competent damp surveyors and contractors will rise sharply. Landlords who wait until tenants complain – or until regulators start asking questions – may find themselves competing for limited survey slots and facing higher costs for urgent work.

Booking proactive damp surveys now with Kent Damp Specialists allows you to:

• Map damp and mould risks across your portfolio before they escalate.

• Plan remedial works in an orderly, budgeted way – rather than in emergency mode.

• Demonstrate to tenants, lenders and regulators that you take your responsibilities seriously and are aligned with the spirit of Awaab’s Law.

In a regulatory environment where response times, documentation and tenant safety are under the microscope, having a specialist damp partner in place is no longer optional – it is a strategic necessity. For landlords in Kent, Kent Damp Specialists offer the combination of technical expertise, clear reporting and long-term guarantees that make compliance not only achievable, but manageable.

If you are responsible for social or private rented homes and want to stay ahead of Awaab’s Law, now is the time to act. Arrange a damp survey with Kent Damp Specialists, identify your risks early, and put yourself firmly on the front foot before the next phase of regulation arrives.