Newark and Sherwood District Council has announced plans to invest more than £250,000 to address damp and mould issues in its housing stock, in preparation for the introduction of Awaab’s Law, a new legal requirement that will set strict timescales for addressing health hazards in social housing.
Awaab’s Law is set to form a key part of the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, which is expected to receive royal assent later this year. Once the bill is passed, there will be a lead-in period before full legal enforcement begins, giving landlords time to prepare and comply with the new obligations.
Although Awaab’s Law will initially apply only to social housing providers from October 2025, local authorities are likely to apply similar standards across all tenures, including the private rented sector with the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill. For this reason, EMPO encourages all landlords and letting agents across the East Midlands to take note of these developments and review their current damp and mould management procedures.
Sharp Increase in Damp and Mould Reports
Newark and Sherwood District Council has experienced a 500% increase in reports of damp and mould in its council-owned homes. Between April and early December last year, the council recorded:
- 811 repairs related to damp, mould, and associated issues
- 795 inspections into damp and mould concerns
To meet future legal obligations and manage the surge in reports, the council is forming a specialist damp and mould team made up of:
- Additional Damp and Disrepair Surveyors
- Skilled Trade Operatives
- A new Customer Service Advisor
- A Supervisor to manage the team
- Additional painting staff to complete remedial work efficiently
The aim is to improve response times and provide a better service to tenants, both in line with Awaab’s Law and to address growing public health concerns.
What Awaab’s Law Will Require
Once the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law, Awaab’s Law will place the following responsibilities on all landlords:
- Investigate reported hazards, such as damp and mould, within a specified timeframe
- Carry out any necessary repairs within specified legal timeframes
- Cover the cost of alternative accommodation if the property cannot be made safe in time
- Allow tenants to escalate unresolved complaints to the Housing Ombudsman or through legal channels
The law is named in memory of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who tragically died due to prolonged exposure to mould in a social rented home. His death prompted national concern and legislative reform around housing safety and accountability.
Private Landlords Should Take Note
While these legal duties are aimed at the social housing sector, local authorities will be expected to reduce risk across all housing types, including privately rented homes. EMPO anticipates that councils across the East Midlands, including Newark and Sherwood, will be increasingly proactive in inspections, enforcement, and responding to tenant complaints about damp, mould, and other hazards.
EMPO’s Guidance for Members
To stay ahead and protect tenants’ health (as well as avoid potential enforcement action), EMPO recommends members take the following steps:
- Inspect properties for signs of damp, mould, or condensation related issues
- Address tenant reports quickly and effectively, keeping written records of actions taken
- Ensure ventilation systems are functioning and inform tenants about correct usage
- Avoid delays in repairs, especially where children, elderly, or vulnerable tenants are involved
- Educate tenants on how to reduce moisture indoors and spot early signs of mould
With increased public awareness and heightened scrutiny, housing conditions will continue to be a key focus for local enforcement teams.
EMPO Summary
Whether or not your property is directly affected by Awaab’s Law, the broader shift toward stricter regulation of rental housing safety is something all landlords and agents should prepare for. The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill and associated reforms mark a new era in accountability for property standards across the UK.
For those with properties in Newark and Sherwood, or elsewhere across the East Midlands, this is a timely reminder to act early and ensure your homes are free of avoidable health hazards.
If you’d like support with property inspections, tenant communications, or damp and mould management, please get in touch with the EMPO team who can refer you to one of our trusted suppliers for guidance.