Housing Reforms That Matter for Aspergillosis Patients

1. Awaab’s Law – Protecting Against Damp & Mould

• Born from the tragic death of toddler Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law mandates swift action on damp and mould in social housing.

• Phase 1 (from 27 October 2025):

  • Emergency hazards addressed within 24 hours.

  • Investigations into mould/damp begin within 10 working days.

  • Findings communicated within 3 working days.

  • Repairs completed within 5 working days, with alternative housing offered if unsafe.
    Chartered Institute of HousingGOV.UK

For aspergillosis patients, this delivers critical protection—damp environments exacerbate lung disease, and timely remediation can make a real health difference.

2. Decent Homes Standard (DHS) – Public Consultation Open

The government is reviewing and expanding the Decent Homes Standard to include both social and private rented sectors.

• Consultation open 2 July to 10 September 2025.

• New proposals include:

  • A firm requirement for homes to be free from damp and mould.

  • Updating standards around heating, insulation, window security, flooring, and accessibility.
    GOV.UKconsult.communities.gov.ukNorthern Housing Consortium

Why this matters for you: Contributing your experiences—especially how damp or poor insulation worsen aspergillosis—can help shape a standard that better protects lung health.

3. Electrical Safety Regulations for Social Landlords

• From November 2025 (new tenancies) and May 2026 (existing tenancies), social landlords must:

  • Perform electrical safety checks (EICR) every five years.

  • Supply tenants or new occupants with the inspection report within 28 days.

  • Conduct Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and fix any hazards within 28 days.
    GOV.UKTrowers & Hamlins

Why it matters: Safe electrics reduce the risk of fires and power outages, which can be particularly dangerous during respiratory flare-ups or hospital recovery.

4. Other Related Reforms & Building Safety Measures

• Gas Safety: Landlords must continue annual checks of gas appliances and provide tenants with a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
  Wikipedia

• Building Safety Act & Regulations (Part P): Ensures electrical work (like rewiring or EV charger installations) meets safety standards—crucial for safe, modern living environments.
  HomebuildingWikipedia

• Energy Efficiency Reforms: Proposals (not yet enacted) suggest requiring rented homes to reach a C rating on Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) by 2030 to reduce fuel poverty and keep homes warm.
  The TimesThe Guardian

Summary Table

What You Can Do

1. Submit to the DHS consultation by 10 September, sharing your stories of how damp or poor heating affects your lung health.

2. Report damp or mould to your landlord and ask for Awaab’s Law protections—mention the upcoming deadlines.

3. Ensure safety checks are done—ask your landlord for the EICR or gas safety certificate.

4. Highlight your needs—if you have aspergillosis, a doctor’s note can underline the urgency for timely action.

Would you like help drafting a consultation response template or patient-facing summary sheet to guide people through these updates? Just let me know!

Further reading

The Times

Landlords face ban on renting homes that are not energy