The Introduction to Anwaab's Law and What it Means for Landlords in the Rented Sector

The UK government is introducing new legislation to enforce stricter repair deadlines for landlords in social housing. Known as Awaab’s Law, this reform establishes legally enforceable response times for landlords to fix urgent maintenance issues that could pose health risks. While the primary focus is on damp and mould prevention, the Law also has significant implications for water hygiene and Legionella testing—particularly in properties with communal water systems.

At Thermometer Shop, we provide reliable water temperature monitoring solutions, moisture meters, and humidity meters that help landlords and housing providers meet these new legal obligations. Ensuring water systems are maintained at the correct temperatures and identifying damp conditions early are key preventative measures against Legionella bacteria and mould growth, which can pose serious health risks.

Understanding Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law was introduced by the UK Government following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old child who died due to prolonged exposure to mould in social housing. This legislation prevents similar incidents by holding landlords accountable for maintaining safe and habitable living conditions.

Under the new Law, landlords in social housing must meet strict deadlines for repairs:

• Emergency repairs (posing an immediate health risk) must be resolved within 24 hours.
• Non-urgent but hazardous repairs must be fixed within seven days.
• Proactive maintenance is required to prevent hazards from developing.

While much of the focus is on dampness and mould, water hygiene is another critical health risk that social landlords must now address.

Awaab’s Law and Legionella Risk Management
Legionella bacteria thrive in stagnant or poorly maintained water systems and can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Social housing properties—particularly those with communal water tanks, older plumbing systems, or low-occupancy flats—are at higher risk of Legionella contamination.

With Awaab’s Law now in place, landlords must:

✔ Conduct regular Legionella risk assessments to prevent outbreaks.

✔ Respond quickly when tenants report issues such as discoloured water, lack of hot water, or malfunctioning water heaters.

✔ Implement proactive measures such as flushing stagnant water, maintaining the correct water temperatures, and using water temperature monitoring devices.

✔ Monitor moisture levels in properties to detect and address damp conditions before they lead to mould growth.

✔ Use humidity meters to ensure indoor air quality is safe, preventing condensation-related issues contributing to mould and water damage.

Failure to address water hygiene risks promptly could result in legal action, fines, and serious health consequences for tenants.
 

At Thermometer Shop, we offer a range of thermometers, moisture meters, and humidity monitors designed to help landlords comply with Awaab’s Law and ensure safe water and air management:

Recommended Products:
✅ Legionella Thermometer Kits – Ideal for testing water temperatures in storage tanks, outlets, and pipework.

✅ Water Temperature Probes – Accurately measure hot and cold water temperatures to ensure they meet safety standards.

✅ Infrared Thermometers – Provide a contact-free method of monitoring water temperatures, perfect for high-usage areas.

✅ Digital Thermometers with Surface Probes – Ensure accurate temperature readings of pipes and external surfaces of water storage systems.

✅ Moisture and Damp Meters – Detect excess moisture in walls, ceilings, and floors to prevent damp issues before they become serious.

✅ Humidity Meters – Measure indoor air humidity levels to prevent condensation and mould growth, ensuring a healthier environment for tenants.

Compliance and Best Practices for Social Housing Providers
To remain compliant with Awaab’s Law, landlords and housing providers should follow these best practices:

✔ Conduct regular Legionella risk assessments (at least annually or when system changes occur).

✔ Monitor water temperatures consistently using professional thermometers and probes.

✔ Monitor moisture levels with damp meters to detect and address potential damp conditions early.

✔ Use humidity meters to maintain healthy indoor air quality and reduce condensation risks.

✔ Flush unused water outlets regularly to prevent stagnation.

✔ Use Legionella test kits for ongoing monitoring and early detection.

✔ Train maintenance staff on Legionella prevention, water hygiene management, and damp prevention.

Awaab’s Law is a significant step forward in improving tenant safety in the social rented sector. While primarily addressing damp and mould issues, it reinforces the critical need for Legionella risk management and moisture control. Thermometer Shop provides high-quality water temperature monitoring, moisture detection, and humidity control solutions to help landlords comply with Awaab’s Law and protect tenant health. Browse our full range of Legionella prevention and moisture control products today to ensure safe and compliant housing conditions.

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