Awaab's Law: How Proper Ventilation Can Protect Your Property and Tenants

Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who tragically died from respiratory illness caused by prolonged mould exposure, Awaab's Law introduces mandatory timeframes for landlords to address hazardous conditions in rental properties.

The legislation initially applies to social housing from October 2025, but will extend to private rentals under the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill. For landlords, this means:

• 14 days maximum to investigate reported damp and mould hazards
• 7 days to begin repair works after confirming significant risk
• 24 hours to make emergency hazards safe
• Full documentation required for all actions taken

Recent reports indicate that approximately 88,000 social housing properties across the UK face significant risks from damp and mould. However, this issue extends far beyond social housing -- private landlords are equally at risk from properties with inadequate ventilation systems.

The consequences of non-compliance are severe:

• Unlimited fines from regulatory bodies
• Court action from tenants seeking compensation
• Enforcement notices and mandatory property access
• Potential criminal liability in extreme cases

Understanding the Root Cause

Mould thrives in environments where temperature, moisture, and poor airflow converge. Simply treating visible mould without addressing the underlying ventilation issues is like putting a plaster on a broken pipe -- the problem will inevitably return.

Effective ventilation systems prevent mould by:

• Maintaining continuous airflow to prevent moisture build-up
• Controlling humidity levels throughout the property
• Removing stale, moisture-laden air before condensation occurs
• Filtering out pollutants and allergens

The Ventilation Solution

At Flexivent, our Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems provide the comprehensive solution that Awaab's Law demands:

Continuous Moisture Control: Our systems maintain constant airflow, preventing the stagnant conditions where mould develops.

Heat Recovery Technology: While extracting moisture-laden air, our MVHR systems recover up to 95% of the heat, maintaining comfort while preventing condensation.

Whole-House Protection: Unlike basic extract fans that only work in individual rooms, our systems provide coordinated ventilation throughout the entire property.

Energy Efficiency: Meeting ventilation requirements doesn't mean higher energy bills -- our heat recovery technology actually reduces heating costs.

While Building Regulations Part F sets minimum ventilation rates, Awaab's Law requires landlords to think beyond these basic requirements. The tragic circumstances that led to this legislation demonstrate that minimum compliance may not be sufficient to prevent serious health risks.

Professional Assessment is Essential

Every property has unique ventilation needs based on:

• Building size and layout
• Occupancy patterns
• Moisture generation sources (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas)
• Existing structural issues
• Local climate conditions

Our qualified ventilation engineers assess these factors to design systems that don't just meet regulations -- they provide robust protection against damp and mould formation.

Complete Service Package

Design and Specification: Our engineers calculate precise ventilation requirements for your specific property, ensuring optimal performance and compliance.

Professional Installation: Proper installation is crucial for system effectiveness. Our certified installers ensure your system performs as designed from day one.

Commissioning and Testing: We commission all systems to verify they meet design specifications and provide certification documentation.

Ongoing Maintenance: Regular servicing maintains system performance and provides the documented maintenance records that may be required for compliance.

Systems for Every Property Type

MVHR Systems: Ideal for new builds and major renovations, providing whole-house ventilation with maximum energy efficiency.

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV): Cost-effective solution for existing properties, particularly effective against condensation-related mould.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV): Targeted moisture removal for specific high-risk areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Awaab's Law implementation follows a phased approach:

• Phase 1 (October 2025): Damp, mould, and emergency hazards
• Phase 2 (2026): Fire, electrical, structural, and temperature hazards
• Phase 3 (2027): All remaining health and safety hazards

Installing comprehensive ventilation systems now protects against current requirements while preparing for expanded future obligations.

Don't wait for problems to develop. With Awaab's Law now in force, reactive approaches to damp and mould are no longer viable -- and may expose you to significant legal and financial risks.

Contact Flexivent Today

Our experienced team can assess your properties and recommend appropriate ventilation solutions that:

Whether you're managing a single rental property or a large portfolio, we provide tailored ventilation solutions that give you confidence in your compliance and peace of mind for your tenants' health.

Ready to protect your properties and tenants? Contact Flexivent today for a professional ventilation assessment and discover how proper air management can transform your properties from liability risks into healthy, compliant homes.