The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his home in Rochdale, was a devastating reminder of just how important safe, healthy homes are.
Awaab’s story sparked a national conversation about the dangers of damp and mould and has led to the introduction of Awaab’s Law.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Starting today (27 October 2025), housing associations must investigate serious repair issues within strict timeframes, including 24 hours for emergencies posing immediate risk and 10 working days for extensive damp and mould.
If the issue can’t be resolved immediately, a letter or email will be provided to customers within three working days, detailing findings and next steps.
From 2026, the rules will go beyond damp and mould, covering a wider range of risks like extreme temperatures, fire safety, structural issues and hygiene hazards.
In 2027, Awaab’s Law will extend again to cover a wider range of health and safety issues in homes, based on the national Housing Health and Safety Rating System, excluding overcrowding. It includes pest infestations, lighting issues, acoustic problems and more.
Karbon’s approach to tackling damp and mould
Karbon takes a proactive approach to prevent and respond to damp and mould, including:
- Surveying all homes every five years
- Monitoring homes at higher risk
- Acting on customer reports
- Preventing water from entering homes by replacing doors, windows and roofs when needed
- Improving energy efficiency of homes
- Training teams to better identify and resolve issues
A timeline of some of Karbon’s key actions:
2023
- Reviewed its approach and created an action plan
- Introduced a damp and mould policy
- Launched new training for our teams
- Created a risk rating, ensuring we prioritise any high-risk cases
- Improved customer communications and made them available in multiple languages
- Improved its record keeping
2024
- Recruited more surveyors to do damp and mould inspections
- Invited customers to review Karbon’s overall approach and suggest changes
- Trialled sensors in several homes to better understand causes of damp
2025
- Prepared for Awaab’s Law – making sure it can respond within timescales
- Created a dedicated Damp and Mould Team
- Created a Major Works Team to resolve complex cases
- Introduced technology to check customers are satisfied the issue has been resolved and to help to manage appointments .
Visit its dedicated damp and mould webpage for more information, including every day tips we can all follow to help to manage the issue, here: damp and mould webpage.
Please call Karbon if you’re experiencing damp and mould – Contact Us | Karbon Homes