When Awaab’s Law comes into force for social housing landlords on October 27, with the private rented sector expected to follow, it will mark a significant moment for the sector. For the first time, legislation will impose strict deadlines for investigating and repairing reports of damp and mould.
Failure to act swiftly will carry legal, financial and reputational consequences. But it also represents a shift in how landlords should manage their properties, moving the focus from reactive fixes to preventive care.
Lasting remediation
As well as investigating and responding quickly to potential hazards, this legislation highlights the need for lasting remediation. Social landlords must now demonstrate not only that action has been taken, but that it has been effective. When it comes to tackling mould, quick cosmetic repairs do not suffice – painting over a patch of mould or applying a temporary sealant won’t meet the requirement to provide lasting remediation.
The combination of legal obligation and widespread risk means landlords must rethink their maintenance strategies or risk falling foul of compliance. With around with around 1.2 million privately rented homes in England likely affected by mould and damp, private landlords should take action to future proof their homes.
Why traditional treatments fail
Many conventional ‘off the shelf’ anti-mould paints offer only short-term protection – typically around 18 months before reapplication is needed. They suppress symptoms rather than solving the underlying microbial problem, leading to a costly cycle of mould re-growth followed by repainting, which drives up maintenance costs.
Of course, tenants also need to be reminded of their obligations – ensuring bathrooms are ventilated while in use, not drying clothes on radiators and so on.
Preventive maintenance
Landlords who actively adopt preventative measures will be better placed to manage their risk. This means addressing underlying moisture sources, improving ventilation, and investing in treatments designed to prevent mould growth over the long term. Longer-lasting, scientifically proven solutions such as Inducoat Fungi, which ensures a slow and sustained release that provides extended protection against mould regrowth, can help. By choosing durable, evidence-backed solutions, landlords can spend less time reacting to problems and more time ensuring their properties remain safe and compliant.
A Turning point for the sector
Awaab’s Law is more than a regulatory hurdle; it’s a call to raise standards across the housing sector. For private landlords, it presents the chance to adopt a preventive approach to property management that benefits tenants and protects investments alike.
Bobby Hall is director of Pazco
