1. Awaab’s Law – Protecting Against Damp & Mould
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Born from the tragic death of toddler Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law mandates swift action on damp and mould in social housing.
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Phase 1 (from 27 October 2025):
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Emergency hazards addressed within 24 hours.
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Investigations into mould/damp begin within 10 working days.
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Findings communicated within 3 working days.
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Repairs completed within 5 working days, with alternative housing offered if unsafe.
Chartered Institute of HousingGOV.UK
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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.
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Consultation open 2 July to 10 September 2025.
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New proposals include:
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A firm requirement for homes to be free from damp and mould.
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Updating standards around heating, insulation, window security, flooring, and accessibility.
GOV.UKconsult.communities.gov.ukNorthern Housing Consortium
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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
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From November 2025 (new tenancies) and May 2026 (existing tenancies), social landlords must:
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Perform electrical safety checks (EICR) every five years.
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Supply tenants or new occupants with the inspection report within 28 days.
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Conduct Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and fix any hazards within 28 days.
GOV.UKTrowers & Hamlins
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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
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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
| Reform / Law | Scope & Timing | Why It Matters for Aspergillosis Patients |
|---|---|---|
| Awaab’s Law – Phase 1 | From 27 Oct 2025 | Ensures damp/mould issues are addressed fast |
| Decent Homes Standard Consultation | 2 Jul – 10 Sep 2025 | Influences future standards to protect lung health |
| Electrical Safety Regulations | From Nov 2025 / May 2026 (depending on tenancy) | Mitigates fire/electrical risks in homes |
| Gas Safety Standards | Ongoing requirement | Prevents gas-related hazards in vulnerable patients |
| Building Safety & Part P Rules | Already in effect | Ensures electrical works meet safety compliance |
| Energy Efficiency Initiatives | Proposed for 2030+ | Promotes warm, dry living conditions |
What You Can Do
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Submit to the DHS consultation by 10 September, sharing your stories of how damp or poor heating affects your lung health.
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Report damp or mould to your landlord and ask for Awaab’s Law protections—mention the upcoming deadlines.
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Ensure safety checks are done—ask your landlord for the EICR or gas safety certificate.
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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!
The Times
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