The timescales
- Emergency hazards: investigate and make safe within 24 hours.
- Significant damp and mould: investigate within 10 working days of being told; provide a written summary within 3 working days of the investigation; complete safety work within 5 working days of the investigation.
- Where repairs cannot be completed in time, provide suitable alternative accommodation.
Does it apply to me?
Awaab's Law applied to social landlords from 27 October 2025. The Renters' Rights Act extends equivalent requirements to the private rented sector; councils already enforce damp and mould under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Most advisers recommend adopting the timescales now.
How to document compliance
- Date the tenant's report.
- Record the investigation date, method, findings and hazard class.
- Write to the tenant with findings and planned actions.
- Record completion with photos and any certificates.
What Damp Check adds
A dated investigation record, hazard classification, tenant letter template and a fix you can book the same day.
General information for England, not advice on your property. Rules change; we check the current position in every report.