Damp and mould in rented homes: landlord duties and Awaab's Law explained
Updated 6 November 2026 · By the Mould Cleaning team
Awaab's Law timescales for social landlords in England
| Requirement | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Investigate significant damp and mould | Within 10 working days of being made aware |
| Give the tenant a written summary of findings | Within 3 working days of the investigation |
| Make the home safe where there is a significant hazard | Within 5 working days of the investigation |
| Emergency hazards | Within 24 hours |
Where a home cannot be made safe in time, the landlord must offer suitable alternative accommodation. The rules are being extended to further hazards in later phases.
Private landlords
Private landlords in England already have duties under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, under which damp and mould growth is a recognised hazard that councils can take enforcement action over. The Renters' Rights Act includes powers to apply Awaab's Law and a Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes, with dates confirmed separately by the government.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own housing standards, such as the fitness for human habitation rules under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and the Repairing Standard in Scotland, which also cover damp.
What good practice looks like
- Respond quickly to every report of damp or mould and inspect promptly
- Find and fix the cause, not just the visible mould
- Keep photos and records of reports, inspections and work done
- Check extractor fans, trickle vents and heating are working
- Give tenants clear, practical advice on reducing condensation without blaming them for the problem
Related guides
- How much does mould removal cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
- Condensation mould: causes, how to tell it from damp, and how to prevent it
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