Sheffield City Council says it has already taken major steps to protect tenants and tackle damp and mould as the first phase of Awwab’s Law comes into force today (27 October 2025).

The new law sets strict timeframes for social landlords to address all emergency hazards, as well as damp and mould problems that pose a serious risk to tenants’ health.

It follows the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in 2020, which exposed dangerous failings in housing standards.

In preparation for the legislation, the Sheffield City Council has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould, ensuring that all reports are investigated and resolved within the timeframes now required by law.

The authority has also trained specialist staff to respond within 24 hours to reported cases, equipped building pathologists to carry out in-depth moisture testing, and introduced new in-house testing for mould spores using safe biocides.

AN inter-agency review board has also been set up to manage complex cases and support vulnerable tenants.

Councillor Douglas Johnson, Chair of the Housing Policy Committee, said: “We are proud of the work put in by our dedicated officers to get to this point as the law is implemented. But the work does not stop here. We have to ensure we now stay on top of reports and repairs.”

Welcoming the new law, the council has joined with other local authorities in calling on the Government to provide additional funding to help meet the costs of new regulatory requirements.

Through its Future of Council Housing campaign, Sheffield City Council continues to advocate for a reset in national housing finance and support for a “Green and Decent Home Standard”.

Residents can find more information about Awwab’s Law and advice on reporting damp and mould on the Council and Housing Ombudsman Services websites.