Citizen September 2025 - text version - Awaab’s law and why it’s so important

Awaab’s Law: putting safe homes first for everyone in Norwich

When two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in 2020 after prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his home, it shocked the nation.

His death, caused by poor housing conditions and a lack of action by his landlord, should never have happened.

To safeguard against future tragedies, the Government introduced Awaab’s Law in July 2023 as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act. It sets out clear legal responsibilities for social landlords – including councils – to deal with hazards quickly and effectively.

We’re currently in phase one of the new law. Phases two and three will follow in 2026 and 2027, further strengthening standards.

By autumn 2025, landlords will be legally required to:

• Investigate and carry out any emergency repairs within 24 hours.
• Investigate hazards like damp and mould within 10 days.
• Produce a written report to the tenant within three days.
• Start repairs if relevant within a further five days and complete them in a reasonable time.
• Keep tenants informed at every stage.

At the city council we fully support Awaab’s Law – and we’ve already taken action. Over the past year, we’ve improved how we handle damp and mould, strengthened our record-keeping, prioritised inspections, and supported tenants to spot early signs. We are also investing in specialists to help us keep on top of issues so we can work towards our goal of providing safe, well maintained and healthy homes for our residents to live in.

Councillor Beth Jones, the city council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re absolutely committed to providing good quality homes, and we welcome the new legal duties under Awaab’s Law.

“The changes will help hold all landlords to account and give tenants the confidence that their concerns will be listened to and acted on. Safe housing is a basic right – and in Norwich, we’re determined to protect it.”

As landlord to more than 14,000 homes, we know the risks of untreated damp and mould. That’s why we’re working closely with tenants, contractors and community partners to spot problems early and resolve them quickly.

Cllr Beth Jones  – cabinet member for housing
"Safe housing is a basic right – and in Norwich, we're determined to protect it."