Camden Council is preparing to implement Awaab's Law in October 2025 with a new Rapid Response Team to tackle damp and mould issues in council properties.

Awaab's Law, named in memory of Awaab Ishak, will require social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould issues within strict time limits. The law comes into effect on 27 October 2025.

The Hampstead District Management Committee (DMC) discussed the council's preparations for the new legislation at a meeting on Thursday 18 September 2025.

To comply with the new law, Camden Council is implementing an integrated Rapid Response and Damp & Mould Delivery Model. According to the Preparation for Awaab's Law report, this model aims to:

  • Provide a 'within in 24-hours' response to Category 1 hazards
  • Establish a structured, timely approach to managing significant hazards, including investigation, reporting and remedial works
  • Proactively intervene and prevent the root causes of damp and mould
  • Avoid escalation to disrepair claims through timely, resident-focused service
  • Deliver a consistent, accountable delivery model across all teams

The statutory timeframes mandated by Awaab's Law are:

  • Emergency hazards: attended and made safe within 24 hours
  • Significant hazards:
    • Investigation: within 10 working days
    • Written summary to tenant: within 3 working days
    • Safety works start: within 5 working days (or as soon as practicable, with a long stop of 12 weeks for complex cases)

The report stated that the model is centred around a commitment to resident wellbeing.

As part of its Damp & Mould Monitoring Strategy, the council plans to install monitors measuring humidity, temperature and condensation in all void properties at re-let inspection, homes reporting damp and mould issues, and additional units under Camden's M&E retrofit programme.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) and impact measures will be used to track the effectiveness of the new model, including targets for the time taken to commence safety works and complete remedial works, and for resident satisfaction.