Awaab’s Law – keeping you safe
Awaab’s Law came into effect for social landlords such as the council on 27 October 2025. Named after Awaab Ishak, who sadly passed away in 2020 due to mould in his home, the law was introduced to stop tenants suffering from preventable health hazards.
The first phase of Awaab’s Law covers urgent hazards such as damp, mould and other emergency risks. In 2026, phase 2 of Awaab’s Law is expected to also cover hazards such as excess cold or heat, fire risks, electrical safety and structural issues. The final phase is expected to be implemented in 2027 and will
cover all other hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) apart from overcrowding.
Awaab’s Law legally requires us, and all social landlords, to investigate reported damp and mould within 10 working days, and to report our findings to the tenant within 3 working days after our inspection. If a hazard is confirmed, repairs must be started within 5 working days and completed within 12 weeks, if it isn’t possible to take immediate action.
Emergency hazards must be made safe within 24 hours or, if this isn’t possible and the property is deemed unsafe, we must offer the tenant alternative accommodation.
If you have any damp or mould in your home, please report it to us immediately. You can do so via your Housing Online account, on our website folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/council-tenants-leaseholder-service/home-condensation-damp-mould or by phone on 01303 853300.