Who this applies to
This page is primarily for council tenants and housing association tenants in social housing. It may also help social housing tenants understand what records to keep when damp or mould is reported. Private tenants can use the practical reporting points, but should check separate private-renting repair guidance.
What Awaab's Law is in plain English
Awaab's Law is intended to make social landlords respond more clearly and promptly to serious housing hazards, including damp and mould. The current official guidance sets out phased requirements and repair response expectations. Because guidance can change, tenants should rely on the current GOV.UK guidance and their landlord's published repair and complaints information.
If your issue is not limited to damp or mould, the wider housing disrepair support page explains the types of repair information ClaimGrid asks for at enquiry stage.
What tenants should do when damp or mould is reported
Report the issue in writing and be specific. Say where the damp or mould is, how long it has been present, whether it is spreading, and whether any leaks, heating faults, ventilation faults, or water ingress may be involved. Ask for the matter to be logged and for written confirmation of the next step.
What to do now
- Send a clear written report to the council or housing association.
- Take photos showing the affected rooms and any visible source, such as staining or leaks.
- Ask for a repair reference number and keep it with your records.
- Record inspection dates, missed appointments, and what each operative says.
- Check your landlord's complaints process if the issue is not progressing.
- Use official sources to check the latest Awaab's Law guidance before relying on any timeframe.
Keep a repair timeline
A simple timeline is often more useful than a long complaint. Include the date the problem started, the date it was reported, the reference number, inspection dates, any findings sent to you, and any work carried out. Our guide to reporting housing disrepair in writing can help you structure the first report.
What evidence helps
- Photos or videos of damp, mould, leaks, damaged plaster, or affected belongings.
- Emails, letters, portal messages, and phone-call notes.
- Inspection appointment records and contractor attendance notes.
- Health or daily-life impact notes where relevant.
- Copies of your landlord's responses and complaint acknowledgements.
For a fuller list, use the evidence checklist for tenants.
When to escalate
Escalation may be appropriate if damp or mould has been reported but is not inspected, serious hazards remain, appointments are missed, or the landlord's response does not explain what will happen next. Use the landlord's complaints process first where required. The Housing Ombudsman may be relevant for social housing complaints after the landlord has had the chance to respond through its process.
Useful official sources
- GOV.UK: Awaab's Law guidance for social landlords
- Housing Ombudsman: Awaab's Law learning resources
- Shelter: complain about damp and mould in social housing
Check your housing disrepair situation
ClaimGrid can review the basic facts you share and help you understand what information may be useful for the next step.
Start a Housing Disrepair Enquiry