The implementation of Awaab’s Law marks a significant development for the protection of social housing tenants in England, introducing firm deadlines for addressing mould and damp problems.
Landlords are now required to carry out investigations within ten working days, complete repair work within five, and act immediately within 24 hours for urgent health risks.
The legislation is named after Awaab Ishak, who passed away in 2020 following long-term exposure to mould in his family’s social housing accommodation. His death prompted widespread demands for reform.
However, AirFresh Mould Removal raises concerns that, although the law improves response timing, it does not require professional competency in mould remediation. This omission could potentially lead to ineffective or unsafe work being carried out across the sector.
“Urgency Without Effectiveness Is False Reassurance”
“Awaab’s Law rightly forces landlords to act fast – but speed means nothing if the work isn’t done properly,” says Jo, Director at AirFresh Mould Removal. “We’re already seeing companies calling themselves ‘mould specialists’ with no real training or understanding of the science behind remediation. Urgency without effectiveness is false reassurance. True safety means treating the cause of mould, not just the visible symptoms.”
AirFresh warns that poorly handled mould remediation can be as dangerous as inaction – spreading spores, worsening contamination, or causing respiratory harm through improper chemical use.
AirFresh is calling on the government, housing associations, and local authorities to go further by embedding IICRC S520, the global Standard for Professional Mold Remediation, into UK practice guidelines.
The IICRC S520 standard sets out rigorous procedures for identifying moisture sources, containing contaminated areas, using HEPA filtration, following PPE and health & safety protocols, and verifying that affected areas are truly safe before re-occupation.
“Painting over mould isn’t remediation – it’s concealment,” says Jo. “The IICRC S520 standard exists to protect health and ensure long-term results. The UK needs to adopt it across social housing and the wider property sector if we’re serious about ending this problem for good.
Since Awaab’s death, awareness of mould as a housing hazard has increased dramatically – but AirFresh says enforcement must extend beyond response times to technical performance and verification.
The company urges local authorities and housing providers to vet contractors carefully, checking qualifications, containment procedures, and health & safety compliance before work begins.
“Right now, there’s no regulation preventing untrained firms from calling themselves ‘mould specialists’,” Jo adds. “That’s a loophole that puts lives at risk. We want to see mandatory training and certification brought in line with recognised international standards.”
