New Awaabs Law: Boosting Tenant Rights and Improving Living Conditions

As we transition into the colder months, it's important to be aware that indoor humidity levels tend to rise, especially as we spend more time inside. During the summer, open windows helped ventilate your home, but now, with less natural airflow, moisture can become trapped. This can lead to condensation on windows, peeling paint, and, in worst cases, mould growth. As a tenant, it's crucial to understand your role in managing these issues.

Over the years, the responsibility for maintenance and upkeep has primarily been delegated to tenants, with landlords rarely getting involved. However, this approach is about to change. While tenants are encouraged to handle minor tasks such as maintaining good ventilation, ensuring cleanliness, and reporting issues promptly—actions that help protect their health and preserve the property—the new legislation set to take effect at the end of October will hold landlords accountable for more significant repairs to the property.

Understanding Awaab's Law: What It Means for You as a Social Housing Tenant or a Landlord.

Awaab's Law introduces new legal deadlines for landlords to address urgent repair issues, aiming to ensure everyone lives in safe, decent, and warm homes. Starting from October 27, 2025, social landlords will be required to respond to damp, mould, and emergency hazards within strict timeframes—specifically, a maximum of 15 working days for standard repairs and 24 hours for emergencies.

This law empowers tenants like you by legally obligating landlords to investigate and fix these issues promptly. If your landlord fails to meet these deadlines, you will have the right to take legal action, which helps hold them accountable.

While the initial focus is on damp, mould, and emergencies, the scope will expand from 2026 to include a wider range of hazards, further protecting tenants from dangerous living conditions.

Ultimately, Awaab's Law aims to prevent tragedies like the one that led to Awaab Ishak's death, ensuring that social housing tenants are safeguarded from hazardous environments. It’s important to know your rights and understand how this law supports your safety and well being. 

Here are steps you can take to create a healthy living environment:

• Increase ventilation: Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom to reduce moisture buildup.
• Use dehumidifiers: Place dehumidifiers in damp areas to maintain optimal humidity levels.
• Maintain consistent heating: Keep your home at a steady temperature to prevent condensation.
• Seal drafts and leaks: Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed to minimise moisture ingress.
• Use double-glazed windows: Upgrade to double glazing to improve insulation and reduce condensation.
• Open curtains and blinds: Allow stored heat to circulate and help dry out moisture.
• Avoid drying clothes indoors: Dry clothes outside when possible to prevent excess indoor humidity. Read our guide for drying clothes indoors.
• Recoat your walls with a high-grade lime paint that will naturally fight against mould growth on walls! Read our guide on which paints are best.

Create a Healthy home this Autumn: Top Mould & Damp Busters from Celtic Sustainables.

Keim - Ecosil ME Interior Silicate Paint 

An advanced professional-grade paint that incorporates the MiNox effect to optimise air quality. An advanced paint that increases light reflectivity and is extremely breathable. Its high lime content makes it resistant to condensation. Resistant to mould and fungi growth.

Beeck - Maxil Pro Interior Silicate Paint

A highly breathable paint that regulates indoor humidity, boosting air quality.

This paint is absolutely excellent. It provides good coverage, high breathability, and mould resistance, with an approximate pH of 11.

Auro 327 Natural Anti-Mould Paint is an organic lime paint that outperforms others due to its active biocide. It is easy to apply using a brush or roller, breathable, and free of solvents. Samples are available.

Auro 344 Natural Lime Paint and Slaked Lime Paint (Interior & Exterior) are first choice for new builds and renovation of historic buildings. Offers excellent adhesion on all mineral substrates, is breathable, and easy to apply. Helps inhibit the growth of viruses, mould, spores, and bacteria.

Effective Insulation: Your Shield Against Mould and Condensation

Insulation can also contribute to creating a healthy home environment and controlling moisture.

Wool insulation is one of the most effective tools for mould prevention because it helps keep the space warmer. Condensation is less likely to form on warm surfaces, so insulating an entire property reduces this risk. If space allows, interior walls can be insulated with Warmshell Woodfibre Insulation Boards. At Celtic Sustainables, we also offer a selection of natural insulation systems, such as sheep’s wool and hemp, which aid in regulating humidity within your home. 

Lime Plastering Can Prevent Damp, Condensation and Mould in Your Home

If you're experiencing issues with your property's plaster, especially when it begins to deteriorate, crumble, or peel away, consider upgrading to lime plaster. Insulated lime plasters are highly effective in addressing mould problems due to their unique properties: they are breathable, alkaline, and provide insulation. These qualities enable moisture to escape, help maintain a consistent indoor climate, and create an environment that discourages mould growth.

Main Benefits:

• Moisture Regulation: Porous lime plaster buffers excess humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture.
• Breathability: Permits vapour passage, preventing dampness and decay.
• Alkaline Properties: High pH acts as a natural antifungal agent.
• Thermal Performance: Insulation and thermal mass reduce cold spots and condensation.
• Flexibility: Moves with building settlement, minimising cracks that can harbour mould.

Optimal Uses:

• Renovating historic buildings
• Treating damp and condensation issues
• Enhancing energy efficiency through better insulation
• Lime Green Solo is the top choice if your old plaster has blown and you’re back to the brick.

Shop our insulating renders today, and if you'd like to discuss the lime system, just give us a call! 

For More info on Awaabs law head Here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/awaabs-law-guidance-for-social-landlords

If you'd like to discuss any of our natural fibre insulation products, lime plasters or anti-mould paints just give us a call! We’ve used these products in our own homes and are very familiar with them. Call us at 01239 777 009.