Dealing with Damp, Mould and Condensation
Understanding Awaab’s Law and Our Commitment to Tackling Damp and Mould
In December 2022, the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home shocked the nation. In response, the UK government introduced Awaab’s Law, which enshrines stronger obligations for social landlords to respond promptly to issues of damp and mould in tenants’ homes.
At Mansfield District Council, we take this responsibility seriously. We are fully committed to complying with Awaab’s Law and ensuring that no one has to live in unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law is a legal reform introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It requires social landlords to:
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Investigate hazards such as damp and mould within a specified timeframe once a complaint is made.
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Begin repairs within a clearly defined period.
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Complete the work within a reasonable and enforceable timescale.
This law aims to ensure that tenants’ complaints about hazardous conditions—especially those affecting health—are not ignored or delayed.
How We Monitor Our Performance
To meet and exceed the standards set out in Awaab’s Law, we have implemented a robust damp and mould response policy and procedure. Here’s how we monitor and improve our performance:
|
Cat |
Indicator
|
Frequency |
|
|
Case Volume |
|
|
KPI |
Number of new reported D & M cases reported per 1000 properties
|
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number of Cat 1 D & M cases reported per 1000 properties |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number of Cat 2 D & M cases reported per 1000 properties |
Monthly |
|
|
Compliance and Responsiveness |
|
|
KPI |
Number / % of D & Mould cases inspected within 10 working days |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number / % of repairs initiated to make safe within 5 working days after inspection |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number / % of emergency D & M cases investigated within 24 hours |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number / % of emergency D & M repairs actioned within 24 hours |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number / % of repairs initiated to resolve D&M within 12 weeks following the investigation |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number / % of D & M cases fully resolved within the legal timeframes (from initial report to fix) |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number / % of follow-up visits conducted within 6 weeks of the repair being completed |
Monthly |
|
|
Tenant Communication and Engagement |
|
|
KPI |
Number / % of tenants informed of outcome within 3 working days of the inspection |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
% of tenants satisfied with the handling and resolution of D & M cases |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
Number / % of D & M cases escalated to a formal complaint |
Monthly |
|
|
Data transparency and Accuracy |
|
|
KPI |
Number / % of hazards categorised correctly on first report |
Monthly |
|
KPI |
% of cases with complete documentation |
Monthly |
|
|
Quality of Remediation |
|
|
KPI |
Number / % of cases where the same hazard reoccurs within 6 months |
Monthly |