How Smart Monitoring Can Help Landlords Avoid the Next Tragedy

The Government has now confirmed that Awaab’s Law will come into force in October 2025, requiring social landlords to repair dangerous damp and mould within strict timeframes, and address emergency hazards within 24 hours. This is a major shift in landlord responsibilities, and a wake-up call for the entire housing sector.

Awaab’s Law isn’t just another regulatory tick-box. It’s a direct response to the tragic and avoidable death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old child exposed to deadly mould in a Rochdale flat. His story captured national attention and laid bare the shocking failings of housing providers to address life-threatening issues.

With this law looming, inaction is no longer an option. But smart technology can help to offer a path forward.

The Legal Pressure Is Mounting

Currently, tenants already have some legal avenues if their health is put at risk by poor housing conditions, including complaints to the Housing Ombudsman and legal claims. However, Awaab’s Law adds serious weight.

Once enforced, it will be easier for tenants to win legal cases for:

• Specific performance, which forces landlords to fix damp and mould.

• Personal injury compensation, particularly where legal timeframes are missed.

This legislation will raise the bar for what counts as "reasonable action". Landlords who delay repairs, even by days, could be held liable for damage to health.

The Scale of the Problem

Government data estimates that:

• 1–2% of social homes (up to 80,000 properties) have serious damp and mould problems.

• A further 3–4% (160,000 homes) have notable damp and mould issues.

These are not minor numbers. They reflect an issue that needs solutions. While legal changes will help tenants hold landlords to account, preventing these issues in the first place must be the priority.

Landlords Need a Smarter Response, Not Just More Repairs

Responding to a tenant’s complaint after their health is already at risk isn’t enough anymore.

The housing sector needs to move from reactive to proactive, and that’s where smart IoT environmental monitoring comes in.

Invisible Systems provides real-time, automated monitoring solutions that:

• Detect damp, mould risk, high humidity, and temperature fluctuations before they become dangerous.

• Alert housing providers immediately when readings exceed safe thresholds.

• Store historical data for compliance reporting and evidence if claims arise.

• Help prioritise maintenance and inspections based on actual risk, not guesswork or tenant complaints alone.

With Awaab’s Law looming, this isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a vital risk management tool.

Avoid Litigation. Protect Tenants. Save Time and Money.

Housing disrepair claims are expensive – not just in compensation, but in legal costs. Many landlords have already seen a surge in claims since the Fitness for Human Habitation Act came into force. Awaab’s Law will increase that trend.

Smart monitoring reduces that risk by:

• Providing evidence of due diligence.

• Helping landlords act within prescribed timeframes.

• Avoiding the need for lengthy inspection delays.

• Reducing emergency callouts by addressing risks early.

Prepare Now. October 2025 Will Come Fast.

Some housing providers may believe they have time. The truth? They don’t.

Campaigners and legal professionals argue that housing associations have had over a year’s notice. When October 2025 arrives, courts may take the view that there are no excuses for non-compliance.

This is the time to act:

• Train your teams to recognise and escalate mould-related risks.

• Build a diverse contractor network so you're not left waiting for urgent repairs.

• Deploy smart monitoring to catch and address hazards early, before a claim lands or a tragedy occurs.

“It’s Not Lifestyle.” It’s a Landlord’s Responsibility.

The Housing Ombudsman’s 2022 report, It’s Not Lifestyle, makes clear that blaming tenants for damp and mould is no longer acceptable.

Damp caused by structural issues, poor ventilation, or inadequate heating must be fixed, and now, within a legally defined timeframe. Housing providers need tools that detect, track, and prove they've acted responsibly.

The Future Is Compliance Through Prevention

With smart monitoring technology, you can:

• Get instant alerts on damp and mould conditions.

• Generate compliance-ready reports.

• Cut legal costs.

• Protect your tenants and your organisation’s reputation.

We’re here to help you do that.

Contact Us today to learn how our smart environmental monitoring can support your compliance strategy, protect your tenants, and prevent another tragedy like Awaab’s.