With Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law coming into force on 30 November 2026, social housing landlords are preparing for wider requirements to address hazards that put residents’ health and safety at risk. For maintenance teams and specifiers, effective ventilation remains an important consideration when investigating damp, mould and indoor environmental conditions.
Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 following prolonged exposure to mould in his family's social rented home.
Phase 1 came into force on 27 October 2025, requiring social landlords in England to address significant damp and mould hazards, alongside all emergency hazards, within specified timeframes.
From 30 November 2026, Phase 2 will extend the requirements to additional significant hazards, including excess cold, excess heat, falls, structural collapse, fire and explosions, electrical hazards and domestic hygiene.
The legislation places greater emphasis on timely investigation and action when hazards are identified. Landlords must assess the circumstances of each case, take account of residents' needs and ensure that the underlying problem is addressed appropriately.
Damp and mould can arise for a range of reasons, including inadequate ventilation, excess moisture, building defects and insufficient insulation. Identifying the underlying cause is essential to selecting the right remedial action.
Where an investigation identifies inadequate ventilation as a contributing factor, upgrading the ventilation provision may form part of an effective response.
For social housing maintenance teams, this means considering not only how to address visible mould, but also whether the property's ventilation system is operating correctly and providing adequate extraction and air supply.
Effective ventilation can help control moisture build-up and support healthier indoor conditions. However, it must form part of an appropriate solution to the identified problem, rather than being treated as a universal remedy for every damp or mould issue.
The most appropriate ventilation system will depend on the property, the existing installation and the findings of the investigation.
Decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) can be a practical option for targeted refurbishment and maintenance projects where improved extraction is required in individual rooms.
Titon’s Ultimate dMEV range provides a solution for projects where the ventilation strategy calls for continuous mechanical extract ventilation. It may be considered when reviewing existing extract provision in kitchens, bathrooms and other wet rooms, subject to the requirements of the individual property.
For RMI teams, a targeted upgrade may be appropriate where the existing system is inadequate, defective or no longer performing as intended.
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) provides a different approach, supplying fresh air to habitable rooms while extracting stale air and recovering heat from the outgoing air.
Where a comprehensive ventilation upgrade is appropriate, MVHR can form part of a wider refurbishment strategy focused on ventilation performance, indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
The decision to install MVHR will depend on the property's layout, existing ventilation arrangements, available space, installation requirements and the scope of the refurbishment. It is not necessarily the most appropriate option for every maintenance issue.
Awaab’s Law reinforces the importance of addressing hazards effectively rather than relying on temporary measures that leave the underlying problem unresolved.
For ventilation-related issues, this means checking the condition and performance of existing systems, investigating possible causes of moisture build-up and ensuring that any replacement or upgrade is suitable for the property.
Ventilation should also be considered alongside other relevant factors, including insulation, heating, building fabric, air supply and resident use of the home.
Selecting an appropriate solution can help landlords address the causes of recurring problems and support the longer-term condition of their housing stock.
As social housing providers prepare for Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law, ventilation is an important consideration within a wider approach to property maintenance, hazard prevention and resident wellbeing.
Titon offers ventilation solutions for a range of residential applications, from targeted mechanical extract upgrades to whole-house ventilation with heat recovery.
By selecting systems appropriate to the building and the problem identified, social housing providers and their contractors can make informed decisions about ventilation improvements as part of their RMI programmes.
Find out more about Titon’s ventilation solutions
Legislation and guidance referenced in this article apply to social housing in England. This article is intended as general information, not legal advice. Product selection should be based on the property's requirements, relevant regulations and a competent assessment of the identified hazard.