Key Points
- Brent Council has approved a new zero-tolerance policy on damp and mould in its social housing.
- The policy is designed to align with the requirements of Awaab’s Law.
- Emergency reports must be responded to within 24 hours.
- Inspections must take place within 10 days of a report.
- Repair work must begin within five days of inspection.
- More extensive remediation work should be completed within 12 weeks where necessary.
- Brent Council said it has around 320 active damp and mould cases.
- The council receives an average of 34 new reports each week, with numbers expected to rise in winter.
- The policy places emphasis on prevention, early intervention, improved communication and a risk-based approach for vulnerable residents.
- Council members said damp and mould should be treated as a public health issue, not only a maintenance problem.
- The policy will be funded through the council’s Housing Revenue Account.
Brent (North London News) August 3, 2026 – Brent Council has set out a new housing response policy on damp and mould as it prepares to meet the standards of Awaab’s Law. The move was approved by the council’s Cabinet this week and sets tighter timescales for action in its social housing stock of about 12,000 homes.
According to the council, emergency reports will now require a response within 24 hours, while inspections are expected within 10 days. Repair work must start within five days of inspection, and where more substantial remediation is needed, the work should be completed within 12 weeks.
Why is Awaab’s Law important?
As reported in the council’s announcement, the policy is linked to Awaab’s Law, which is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak. He died in 2022 after developing a severe respiratory condition linked to prolonged exposure to black mould in his home.
Brent said the new policy is intended to raise housing standards and improve conditions for tenants. The council also said the measures are meant to give residents clearer guidance and more accountability when problems are reported.
How many cases does Brent currently have?
Brent Council said it currently has around 320 active damp and mould cases. It also said it receives an average of 34 new reports every week, and that number is expected to rise during the winter months.
The council said the new approach is built around prevention, early intervention and better communication with tenants. It also said it would avoid assuming that damp and mould problems are caused by residents’ lifestyles.
What did councillors say?
As reported by the council, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Cllr Robert Johnson said the policy would give residents greater confidence and accountability. He said:
“These standards provide residents with clear guidance and greater assurance and accountability, while helping us identify and address issues before they escalate.”
He added that Brent would use a risk-based approach and provide extra support to residents who are most vulnerable.
Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health Cllr Liz Dixon described damp and mould as a serious public health issue rather than only a housing maintenance matter. She said:
“We know they have serious consequences for residents, particularly children, older people, pregnant women, disabled residents and those with respiratory conditions.”
She also said the policy adopts a zero-tolerance approach and makes clear the council will not unfairly attribute damp and mould to residents’ lifestyles.
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How will the policy be funded?
The council said the policy will be funded through its Housing Revenue Account, which is used to meet its responsibilities as a social landlord. Council Leader Muhammed Butt said the measures were intended to ensure residents can live in safe, decent homes.
He said:
“It’s not about apportioning blame to anyone. It’s about making sure we’re taking our responsibilities seriously and responding in a timely manner when issues are raised. It’s about people being able to live good-quality, decent lives in good-quality accommodation.”
Background of the development
Awaab’s Law was introduced in response to the death of Awaab Ishak, whose case drew national attention to the dangers of untreated mould in social housing. The law has since become a reference point for landlords and councils that are reviewing how quickly they respond to reports of damp, mould and other serious housing hazards.
For Brent, the policy marks a formal tightening of internal housing standards at a time when winter pressures are expected to increase the number of complaints. It also reflects a broader shift in housing policy towards treating damp and mould as a health and safety issue as well as a repairs issue.
Prediction
For Brent tenants, the policy may mean faster inspections and clearer timelines when damp or mould is reported. That could be particularly important for households with children, older people, pregnant women, disabled residents and tenants with respiratory conditions, who the council says are most at risk.
If the policy is carried out consistently, it may also improve trust between residents and the council by reducing delays and uncertainty. However, the impact will depend on whether Brent can handle rising winter demand while meeting the 24-hour, 10-day, five-day and 12-week targets it has set for itself.
