Awaab’s Law Phase 2 Is Coming — And It Goes Much Further Than Damp

Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law came into effect in October 2025, addressing serious damp and mould hazards with strict investigation and repair deadlines. Housing providers have spent the months since organising processes. Many believe they are in a reasonable position.

Phase 2 will test that.

The legislation now addresses a broader spectrum of housing hazards, including excess cold, heat, fire, electrical risks, structural problems, falls, and more. The original 10-working-day investigation period and 5-day make-safe rule remain in effect but now apply to many more types of defects. For providers continuing to perform reactive, ad hoc repairs, managing the expanded scope will be very challenging.

Excess cold rarely occurs alone. It is often linked to issues like poor insulation, insufficient ventilation, or failing fabric. A damp home is typically also cold, drafty, and structurally fragile. Addressing just one symptom without fixing the root cause won’t meet legal requirements or protect the tenant.

Spectra collaborates with housing providers across the UK on damp and mould remediation, as well as thermal insulation and energy efficiency upgrades, since these are the issues that actually occur on site. If your Phase 2 response plan remains mostly theoretical, it’s a good time to stress-test it.