Damp and mould

Awaab’s Law

Awaab’s Law came into effect from 27 October 2025. It has been named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died after being exposed to mould in his home. 

Under this new legislation, social landlords like Runnymede Council must investigate and repair serious damp and mould within set timeframes and fix emergency issues. 

Our Commitment 

The Council is fully committed to following Awaab’s Law and ensuring your home is safe, warm and healthy. 

Report Damp and Mould online

If you’ve noticed damp or mould in your home, you can now report it quickly and easily by emailing our dedicated address: AWAABSLAW@runnymede.gov.uk

Tell us where the problem is, and our repairs team will arrange for an inspection and take action to fix it as soon as possible.

When you report damp or mould to the Council we will ask you a few questions to understand how quickly we need to act. We will book an appointment to treat any mould and investigate the cause.

Timescales

• emergency hazards (for example, dangerous electrical faults, damaged external doors or windows and major leaks) will be investigated and made safe within 24 hours.
• significant damp and mould hazards will be investigated within 10 working days of it being reported to the Council, and then made safe within 5 working days of the investigation finishing. 
• After our investigation, we will send you a written summary within 3 working days of our visit.  This will detail everything we found and explain what happens next.
• If more work is needed to stop the hazard from coming back, we will start the work or make plans for the work to begin within 5 working days of the investigation finishing. All work will begin within 12 weeks. 
• If your home cannot be made safe in time, we will find you somewhere else to stay, for free, while the works needed to make your home safe for you to return are completed.

Related documents

• Housing repairs

Condensation

During the winter months many properties suffer from damp and mould growth due to condensation.

Causes and signs of condensation

Air can hold moisture - the warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold.  If moist air is cooled by contact with cold surfaces, such as walls, windows or mirrors, the moisture condenses into water droplets (known as condensation).

Mould often occurs because of condensation.  It appears as pinpoint black spots, usually on the side surfaces of external walls, in corners and in poorly ventilated spaces, such as behind cupboards and wardrobes.

The control of condensation requires a combination of sufficient heating, ventilation and insulation.

Heating

By introducing low level heating the temperature of internal surfaces will rise. This will reduce cooling of any moisture-laden air and as a result the amount of condensation.

Ideally low level background heating should be continuous, as any short bursts of heat may not result in a suitable rise in surface temperatures.

Insulation

Thermal insulation such as loft or cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and double glazing, will help to reduce the amount of heat lost from a property. This will not only help keep internal room temperatures higher but will also help to keep fuel bills down.

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation is essential to allow moisture-laden air to escape from the home before condensation occurs. Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom can prove very effective in reducing condensation especially when fitted with an effective humidistat control.

How to reduce condensation

• pull wardrobes and furniture away from walls, and keep tops of wardrobes clear, to allow air to circulate
• close doors and open windows when cooking
• keep lids on saucepans when cooking
• keep bathroom doors closed when bathing, and open windows slightly afterwards
• do not dry clothes on radiators, unless ventilation is increased
• only use Liquid Petroleum Gas or paraffin heaters in ventilated rooms, as these fuels produce water vapour during combustion

Extreme cases

In extreme cases try the following

• a dehumidifier, which extracts moisture from the air, can be bought or hired
• wipe down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth
• mould can be removed by washing the surface with a disinfectant or a fungicidal wash. This must be used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.

Mould-inhibiting paints and sprays can also help to reduce the effects of condensation.

A damp house can cause timber frames in windows and doors to rot and can lead to respiratory health issues.

Some damp is caused by condensation. Condensation is where water collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air comes into contact with it. You notice it in the bathroom after a shower/bath on mirrors or tiled surfaces.

Condensation often occurs during cold weather and in areas of the home where there is little ventilation.

Have you reported serious issues with your home including damp or mould since October 2025?

Since October 2025, new rules in England mean social landlords must act quickly when problems in your home could affect your health. This includes serious issues like damp and mould. Landlords now have strict timeframes for checking these problems and putting things right.

Verian, an independent social research company, is working with the UK Government to understand tenants’ experiences during the first few months of these new rules, known as Awaab’s Law.

If you have reported any serious issues with your home, including damp or mould to your landlord after 27 October 2025, we want to hear from you.

• Quick and confidential
• If you are selected for an interview, you will receive a £50 voucher as a thank you

Complete eligibility survey

This research being undertaken by Verian on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). Your responses will be confidential and used to improve housing policy and services.