• A member of Eastlight's Home Solutions Team carrying out a boiler check. He is photographed from behind and is wearing a blue top and an orange-coloured, Eastlight lanyard around his neck.

    Awaab’s Law: Damp and Mould

    The first phase of Awaab’s Law set out strict timeframes for social landlords, like Eastlight, to follow. It makes sure we investigate and fix the causes of damp and mould, whilst communicating with you clearly about what’s being done and when.

  • 2. A member of Eastlight Home Solutions Team carrying a roll of loft insulation outside a resident's home as part of work to improve home warmth and energy efficiency.

    When you report damp and mould to us, our Healthy Homes Team will:

    • Address all emergency issues within 24 hours
    • Investigate other reports of damp and mould within 14 calendar days
    • Clean affected areas, while checking levels of damp, moisture and humidity
    • Complete minor repairs on the spot, if they can, and book any further repairs that cannot be completed
    • Contact you within two days with a summary of their visit and any next steps.
  • Members of Eastlight's Healthy Homes Team pictured at Eastlight's Marks Tey hub. They are gathered together in a group, with the back row of staff standing, and the front row sitting directly in front of them on stalls.

    Last year, residents raised around 1,700 reports of damp and mould.

    Our teams were able to respond to and manage all cases in line with our policy and within target timescales. But soon, Awaab’s Law is expanding to cover a wider range of serious hazards that could occur in your home.

  • A member of Eastlight's Home Solutions Team working on a radiator inside a home, using a screwdriver. He has glasses and is wearing a blue top and an orange-coloured, Eastlight lanyard around his neck. In the background is a sofa and a doorway to another room in the house.

    What is changing this year?

    On 30 November, Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law comes into effect. This means that, as well as damp and mould, Eastlight must act within strict timeframes to promptly address the following hazards under the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS). See below for more details:

  • EXCESS COLD

    Inadequate heating, insulation or indoor temperatures that could lead to hypothermia, cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

  • EXCESS HEAT

    High indoor temperatures that increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration or heat stroke​.‌

  • FALLS ASSOCIATED WITH BATHS, SHOWERS OR TOILETS

    Risk of falling due to poor design, lack of grab rails, slippery surfaces, and poor layout in washing or toilet facilities.

  • FALLS ON LEVEL SURFACES

    Slips and trips caused by uneven floors, loose coverings or poor maintenance.

  • FALLS ON STAIRS AND BETWEEN LEVELS

    Risk of falls due to unsafe stair design, broken steps, poor lighting or missing handrails.

  • STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE, FALLING ELEMENTS OR EXPLOSIONS

    Risk of building failure, falling masonry, subsidence or explosion (e.g. gas-related).

  • FIRE

    Increased likelihood of injury or death from fire due to poor detection, means of escape or fire spread.

  • ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

    Risk of electric shock, burns or fire from unsafe or defective electrical installations.

  • DOMESTIC HYGIENE, PESTS AND REFUSE

    Poor sanitation, pest infestation or refuse storage that can cause infection or disease.

  • PERSONAL HYGIENE, SANITATION AND DRAINAGE

    Lack of adequate washing, toilet or drainage facilities leading to health risks.

  • FOOD SAFETY

    Unsafe or inadequate kitchen facilities affecting safe food storage, preparation or cooking.

Similar to Phase 1, Eastlight must investigate and make all emergency hazards safe within 24 hours. For significant hazards, we must investigate your home and make it safe within 10 working days, scheduling any longer-term repairs quickly.

We will always do our best to ensure you are safe in your home. Please let us know if you are experiencing damp, mould or any of these additional safety issues so that we can act quickly and provide the necessary support. 

Click here for tips on how to manage damp and mould

 

To report damp, mould or home safety issues, click one of the buttons below: