Urging landlords to get ahead now

Jake Clarke, Chief Executive at Kenwood Damp Proofing, looks back on the important topics and insights raised during the recent Luton Landlords’ Conference where the Kenwood team were headline speakers, sharing insight into common property preservation issues and the solutions available now for residential landlords to get ahead. The bad news is there are some big challenges coming for landlords both big picture and granular; the good news is that help is available.

It was a privilege to be in a room packed full of professional residential landlords and the event really brought home the scale of the challenges the sector is facing, including The Renters Rights Bill and Awaab’s Law. I could feel the passion during the day as landlords came together to learn, educate and collaborate in order to step up to ensure the legal requirements for healthier and safer homes across the UK. These are real challenges that impact people’s lives so the entire supply chain needs to work together to ensure change. But rather than waiting until legislation comes into force, there was a real feeling that we all need to act sooner rather than later.

Learning from a tragedy: Awaab’s Law – the most significant landmark reform in over a decade

The UK housing sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of Awaab’s Law in October 2025 to social housing landlords (with expected later extension to private landlords), a landmark piece of legislation designed to protect tenants from unsafe living conditions. Prompted by the 2020 death of Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old who tragically died due to prolonged exposure to damp and mould, this law imposes strict requirements on landlords to address such hazards promptly. Damp, mould and condensation are all going to be firmly under the scrutiny of the Social Housing Regulator who as we speak, is aggressively growing its team for capacity to enforce the new safety standards.

While the law is a crucial step toward improving housing safety, it presents several challenges for landlords, particularly in terms of compliance, financial burden, and operational efficiency.

1. Stricter Compliance Requirements – Under Awaab’s Law, social housing landlords must:

• Investigate damp and mould complaints within 14 days.
• Provide written findings within 48 hours.
• Commence repairs within 7 days.
• Resolve emergency hazards within 24 hours, or relocate tenants if necessary.

For our clients, managing agents and property landlords who look after large and varied housing stocks, the challenges multiply.

2. Financial Burden – The cost of damp and mould remediation can range from £500 to £10,000 per property, while legal disrepair claims now average £5,000 per case. For landlords with extensive portfolios, these expenses can quickly add up, making compliance financially challenging. Additionally, failure to meet the law’s requirements could result in fines, court action, and reputational damage.

3. Increased Regulatory Pressure – Housing regulators will have greater enforcement powers, ensuring landlords who fail to act face legal consequences. This means landlords must not only comply with the law but also maintain detailed records of inspections, repairs, and tenant communications to avoid disputes.

4. Expected Expansion to Private Rentals  – Currently, Awaab’s Law applies to social housing, but the government has indicated plans to extend it to the private rented sector through the Renters’ Rights Bill. If this happens, private landlords will face the same stringent requirements, further increasing the pressure on the rental market.

What Private Landlords Should Expect:

• Stage 1 (2026): Likely to include requirements to fix damp, mould, and emergency hazards quickly.
• Stage 2 (2027): Expected to expand to cover a broader range of hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

So while Awaab’s Law doesn’t yet apply to private landlords, it soon will, and preparations should begin now to ensure compliance when it does.

Public Health Threats: the clock is ticking

To reflect the content of the disturbing presentation by Dr. R. Shahid, damp and mould are not cosmetic issues—they are public health threats with physical and mental impacts, especially for vulnerable groups, younger children and the elderly.

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 – A Call for Accountability

While social landlords are facing the challenge from Awaab’s Law, the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 is set to bring sweeping changes to the UK’s private rental sector, aiming to enhance tenant protections while reshaping landlord responsibilities. Adapting to these multiple new demands will be challenging but we need to see them as a way of doing the right thing, not about compliance because we have to.

With the abolition of Section 21 evictions, a shift to periodic tenancies, rent increase controls, and increased regulatory compliance including requirements for damp and mould prevention, landlords must now prioritise property standards and tenant wellbeing. The Bill represents another major shift in the rental landscape, requiring landlords to adapt quickly.

 The clock is ticking: proactive repair and maintenance strategies and their fast implementation are required now in order for landlords to navigate this new landscape effectively.

 Partners in prevention

I was heartened to speak to many landlords during the conference who could immediately see the benefits of partnering with Kenwood to help navigate the new landscape, keep their tenants safe and their operations compliant – and importantly in a cost-effective way.

With a 40+ year heritage in Property Preservation and part of the Property Care Association, Kenwood is the expert partner for any landlord struggling with already addressing damp and mould, and who are now faced with even more responsibility.

• We provide expert damp surveys, targeted treatment plans, and long-term prevention solutions to protect homes and health.
• We partner with landlords, housing associations, and local authorities to ensure properties meet the highest standards—quickly, efficiently, and affordably.
• We respond urgently to reports of damp and mould. Our team is trained to identify root causes, not just treat symptoms which will be core to the sector delivering on the new legislation.
• As an accredited CHAS organisation, members of the Property Care Association and a Chartered Building company, we have built our reputation on operational excellence and collaborative partnering.
• Our Qualified Surveyors and technicians visit a property, identify issues and provide comprehensive written reports with tailored recommendations for remedial repairs.

As CEO I am so proud to be able to state with honesty and integrity that the Kenwood team is not just a service provider. We’re a partner in prevention and have been leading the way since 1982. We work hard to educate residents and landlords, and deliver solutions that are safe, effective, future proofed and that offer residents the homes they deserve.

But the clock is ticking. Capacity to help support on the challenges faced this year by landlords is filling fast and organisations simply can’t wait until October.

I urge landlords, both private and public sector, to contact us now get the support they need to navigate the pitfalls, challenges and opportunities of the new rental world.

Call us on 01923 242441 or visit https://www.kenwoodplc.co.uk/ find out more about our damp mould and condensation solutions available in the Midlands and South.