In response to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, the UK Government has introduced new legal protections for social housing tenants. Known as Awaab’s Law, these measures aim to ensure all homes – including those in Flintshire – are safe, healthy, and free from damp and mould.
If you're a tenant in Flintshire, here’s how to find out whether your home meets the new standards, and what steps to take if it doesn't.
What Is Awaab’s Law?
Although the full legislation is still being finalised, Awaab’s Law forms part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It introduces strict time limits on social landlords to investigate and resolve damp and mould complaints, and sets expectations around ventilation, repairs, and tenant safety.
It applies to all council and housing association homes – and serves as a benchmark for private landlords too.
Key Checks for Tenants
Here’s what you can do to check if your property complies with Awaab’s Law:
1. Check for Persistent Damp or Mould
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Look for black mould on walls, ceilings, or windowsills.
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Note any musty smells or visible condensation.
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Identify damp patches on plaster or wallpaper, especially at low level or around corners.
If mould reappears after cleaning, it suggests an underlying issue.
2. Assess Ventilation
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Are there extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom?
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Do they switch on with the light and run after you leave the room?
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Are there trickle vents on your windows to allow background airflow?
Poor ventilation is one of the biggest causes of condensation-related mould.
3. Request a Damp or Ventilation Survey
If your landlord hasn't addressed a problem, ask for a formal inspection. Weather Wise Solutions works with qualified surveyors to assist landlords and tenants in identifying the cause and advising on remedial actions.
What to Do If Your Home Isn’t Compliant
If you've reported mould and it's been ignored or not resolved within a reasonable timeframe, you can:
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Contact Flintshire Council’s housing standards team.
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Log your complaint through the Housing Ombudsman.
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Keep a diary of all reports and photos as evidence.
Your landlord is legally required to act. Awaab’s Law is not just guidance – it will be enforceable once fully implemented, and local authorities already expect action under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
How Weather Wise Solutions Can Help
While we do not offer formal legal surveys, our team can:
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Identify signs of poor ventilation and mould.
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Advise landlords on compliant upgrades.
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Install Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems, extractor fans, and trickle vents to improve indoor air quality.
We are members of the Federation of Damp, and all our damp specialists hold a CPD qualification in Dampness in Buildings. We’re here to help social landlords across Flintshire stay compliant and protect tenants.
Need Advice?
If you're unsure whether your home meets current mould and ventilation standards, or you're a landlord wanting to ensure compliance with Awaab’s Law – contact us today for friendly, expert help.