Awaab’s Law: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry — Is Your Damp Proofing Up to Standard?
- sienna2272
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
In the wake of growing concerns around housing standards and health, the UK government introduced Awaab’s Law — a vital piece of legislation designed to combat damp and mould in social housing.
Named in memory of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who tragically died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home, the law has triggered a much-needed shift in how landlords, contractors, and developers approach damp-related issues.
At SCL, as a leading hire and sales yard for damp proofing products, we recognise the significance of this law and the responsibility it places on housing providers and construction professionals. More importantly, we’re here to help the industry meet and exceed the new compliance standards.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Effective from July 2023 under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, Awaab’s Law mandates that:
Housing providers must investigate and fix damp and mould issues within specific timeframes, set by the Secretary of State.
Tenants must receive faster responses to health hazards like damp and mould.
There is zero tolerance for neglect or delay in addressing indoor environmental risks, particularly in social housing.
Timeframes are expected to be strict — with initial inspections required within 14 days, repairs started within 7 days of confirmation, and completed within a further 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity. These requirements are now enforceable.
Why This Law Matters — Not Just for Social Housing
Although the law is currently aimed at social housing, the ripple effects will influence private landlords, property managers, developers, and maintenance contractors. This is not just about legal compliance — it’s about duty of care, quality assurance, and risk reduction.
Damp and mould are not cosmetic issues. They pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues. The tragedy of Awaab’s death exposed systemic failure — and Awaab’s Law ensures that such failures are never repeated.
What This Means for the Industry – And How We Can Help
As regulations tighten, the demand for reliable, high-performance damp proofing solutions is set to grow. That’s where we come in.
At SCL, we provide top-tier damp proofing products (membranes, DPCs, DPMs, water repellents, and more)
We work closely with housing associations, contractors, and facilities managers to ensure their damp proofing systems are compliant, effective, and future-proof.
Key product types & how they help
Here are the common product categories you’ll likely need and their role:
Problem | Product type | Role / function |
Rising damp (moisture from ground) | Cream DPC, Rods (electro‑osmotic or galvanic) | Create a horizontal barrier to stop moisture rising into walls |
Penetrating damp / external leaks | Tanking slurry, waterproof coatings | Seal walls, prevent water ingress |
Condensation / mould | Anti‑condensation coatings, breathable paints | Help reduce surface condensation and mould growth |
Replastering / finishing | Damp‑resistant plaster | Provide new plaster that resists moisture |
Staining / discolouration after damp | Stain‑sealer / isolating coat | Lock in stains so they don’t bleed through new paint |
Using these correctly, with proper diagnosis and workmanship, will support compliance under Awaab’s Law (for example, fixing hazards within required timeframes). But product use alone isn’t enough — you still need structural repairs, good ventilation, insulation, and moisture control.
Example products from Wykamol & Safeguard Europe
Here are some of our products you might purchase or specify when doing remedial works:
How to use / integrate these in compliance works
To use them effectively and in a way that supports meeting Awaab’s Law standards (i.e. doing works swiftly, avoiding repeat failures):
Diagnose correctly
Determine whether moisture is due to rising damp, penetrating damp, leaks, condensation, etc.
Use moisture meters, surveys, inspect exterior walls, gutters, roof, drainage, etc.
Fix the source first
Repair roof leaks, broken gutters, faulty flashing, damaged plaster, leaking pipes.
Improve insulation, ventilation (extractor fans, trickle vents) to reduce indoor humidity.
Apply remedial products carefully
For rising damp: drill injection holes and use DPC cream (e.g. Ultracure or Dryzone).
For external walls / basements: apply tanking slurry or waterproof render.
For condensation: use anti‑condensation coatings, breathable finishes.
Replaster with damp‑resistant plaster and finish with sealed paint.
Allow drying time
After applying damp treatment, walls must dry before full finishing.
Use dehumidifiers or controlled heating if needed.
Quality control & warranties
Use products with good backing, test after treatment, monitor moisture.
Document all steps for landlord / social housing compliance.
Speed & prioritisation
Under Awaab’s Law, landlords must respond quickly (emergency hazards within 24 hours, significant hazards in set working‑day timelines) GOV.UK+2South Holland District Council+2. So any remedial scheme must be deliverable swiftly and reliably.
The Bottom Line: Proactivity is Now a Legal Obligation
Awaab’s Law has changed the landscape. It’s no longer acceptable to delay action on damp and mould. This is your opportunity to:
Future-proof your properties
Avoid costly legal issues
Protect tenant health and your business reputation
Need Help Staying Compliant?
Whether you’re responding to urgent repairs or planning long-term damp management strategies, SCL is your trusted supplier for high-quality damp proofing products and expert support.
📞 Get in touch today for product recommendations, trade pricing, or technical advice.📦
Supplying the tools to meet new legal standards — and protect lives.
Let’s not wait for legislation to remind us of our responsibilities. With Awaab’s Law in effect, now is the time to act — and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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