Keeping homes warm has become more difficult for many households as energy costs continue to rise. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of colder homes is damp and mould, which are becoming increasingly common problems across the UK.
This issue affects both residents and landlords. Research by Uswitch found that 60% of people in the UK have experienced mould in their homes, with almost a third still struggling with it today. Beyond the inconvenience, mould can cause real harm. Around 22% of people affected reported health issues, while 37% said mould made them want to leave their home altogether.
The NHS is estimated to spend around £1.4 billion each year treating illnesses linked to damp and mould. In the most serious cases, mould can be life-threatening. In 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak tragically died from prolonged exposure to mould in his home. His death prompted the government to take faster and tougher action to address mould in social housing, introducing what is now known as Awaab’s Law.
What is Awaab’s Law?
From 27 October 2025, new rules mean that social landlords in England must act quickly when damp and mould are reported.
- Hazards like damp and mould must be inspected within 10 working days.
- Any issues identified must be made safe within five working days of inspection.
- Serious hazards, such as gas leaks, broken boilers, or damp and mould affecting health, must be inspected within 24 hours.
If landlords cannot meet these deadlines, they will be required to offer tenants alternative accommodation. Tenants will also have the right to take legal action or raise a complaint if landlords fail to act.
At present, this law applies only to social housing (for example, council homes or housing association properties). It does not yet cover the private rental sector, which accounts for 4.6 million households in England. However, the government has said it plans to extend Awaab’s Law to private rented homes in the future.
How can PECT’s Home Energy Team help?
At PECT, we know how worrying and stressful it can be to deal with damp and mould. So if you are worried about damp or mould in your home, or if you’d just like advice on how to cut your energy bills while keeping your home warm, please get in touch with our friendly team.
We offer free energy advice calls and home visits and we cover households across Fenland, Huntingdonshire, Cambridge City, and East Cambridgeshire. We can advise you on practical steps to reduce or eliminate damp and mould, as well as ways to make your home warmer and more energy efficient.
If you’re located in Peterborough – please head to our subsidary company Green Energy Switch – who offer a similar service.
Check out our resources for posters to put up in your community, posts for social media, or download our Home Energy Guide.