"Homemade solutions aren't as tough on mould as targeted cleaners, which means scrubbing at the mould. It's advised not to scrub at mould, as it can release particles into the air, which can cause adverse health effects for those living in the home"
- John Zentveld- HG
Awaab's Law, which came into effect on 27 October 2025, requires social housing landlords to address safety hazards detrimental to residents' health, including mould and damp. The legislation has raised awareness of mould dangers, with online searches for "is mould in the house dangerous" increasing by 22% from last year.
Specialist cleaning brand, HG, has outlined renters' rights regarding mould and damp, along with prevention tips.
For landlords, the new timeframes create strict operational obligations that could impact property management costs and procedures. Social housing landlords must investigate and fix emergency and significant hazards within defined periods after an issue is reported. Private landlords, while not directly affected by Awaab's Law, still face existing regulatory requirements.
Tenants should notify their landlord immediately upon spotting signs of mould or damp in their home.
Social housing landlords must fix and investigate emergency hazards, such as dangerous electrical faults, major leaks or damaged external doors or windows, within 24 hours of being made aware of the issue. They must investigate dangerous mould and damp within 10 working days and make the area safe within a further five working days.
Private landlords should note that while Awaab's Law doesn't directly apply to them, tenants can still pursue action for mould and damp issues. Response times depend on problem severity and whether any household members are vulnerable.
Private landlords are required to fix structural problems or faulty installations that cause mould and damp, including leaking internal pipes, broken boilers and heating systems, and cracked walls and rotting window frames. Landlords must be permitted entry to assess the severity of mould and damp.
Both private and social landlords must adhere to regulations or risk financial penalties or prosecution. First-time non-compliance with Awaab's Law carries fines of up to £7,000, while repeated or serious non-compliance can result in penalties of up to £40,000 or prosecution with unlimited fines.
For buy-to-let investors, these regulations add another layer of compliance costs and management responsibility, potentially affecting returns on older properties more susceptible to damp issues.
"Mould can be detrimental to your health, and renters should notify their landlords of any signs of mould and damp in their home," said John Zentveld at HG. "Whilst mould and damp could arise from deeper, structural issues, there are plenty of ways to prevent mould build-up in places such as bathrooms."
Zentveld recommends opening windows after using the shower or bath to prevent humidity buildup. Leaving a window open or an extractor fan on for 10 to 15 minutes after bathing can prevent mould growth.
He suggests using a squeegee to remove excess water from shower screens and tiles after bathing. This eliminates conditions for mould growth and removes soap scum buildup, keeping bathrooms fresher for longer.
Landlords should ensure bathrooms remain adequately heated, even on low settings, as warmer air holds more moisture than cold air.
"Products like mould spray effectively target mould on multiple surfaces, such as bathroom tiles, kitchens, sheds and even balconies," Zentveld explained. "Ensure you follow directions on the bottle and wear protective gloves. Some homemade remedies, such as using white vinegar or baking soda on mould, cause more harm than good."
"Homemade solutions aren't as tough on mould as targeted cleaners, which means scrubbing at the mould. It's advised not to scrub at mould, as it can release particles into the air, which can cause adverse health effects for those living in the home."
Some instances require landlord or professional involvement to properly treat mould and damp. Tenants should contact their landlord upon spotting any signs of mould for advice on next steps.
