The damp and mould compliance checklist for estate agents

Assess your agency’s readiness to support your landlords 

From October 2025, Awaab’s Law will set strict timelines for addressing damp and mould. From early detection during inspections to managing tenant complaints, estate agents must now go beyond traditional property management and embrace a compliance-first mindset. Whether you’re managing properties directly or supporting landlords, your role is pivotal in ensuring homes are safe, habitable, and legally compliant. 

Here are the fundamental requirements of Awaabs Law

From October 2025, landlords (and by extension, their agents) must  

• investigate damp and mould complaints within 10 calendar days  

• provide written findings within 3 working days  

• begin remedial work within 5 working days for significant hazards  

• resolve emergency hazards within 24 hours – or relocate tenants.  

To support preparation, MRI’s 7-point compliance checklist helps estate agents strengthen operational processes by focusing on three critical pillars: staff training, smart technology adoption, and clear, effective tenant communication. 

1. Documented response protocols

• Have a clear, written process for identifying and responding to damp and mould complaints. 

• Include emergency response procedures (24-hour turnaround), pre-agreed with the landlord.

2. Repair tracking and audit trails

• Use software to log repairs, monitor outcomes, and track repeat issues.

3. Tenant communication

• Provide tenants with clear guidance on how to report issues and escalate concerns. Encourage use of online tenant portals for efficiency and speed.  

• Ensure written summaries are issued within 3 working days of investigations, making sure the data you have on the tenant is accurate and up to date.

4. Staff and contractor training

• Train teams to identify early signs and report damp and mould during property inspections or visits. Leverage use of onsite surveys or form templates for consistent logging of inspections. 

5. Plan ahead for policy updates

• Review internal policies in preparation for the 2026–2027 expansion of Awaab’s Law to cover other hazards (e.g., fire, asbestos, excess cold)

6. Certified contractors

• Ensure repairs contractors have up to date records of certification.

7. Tenant feedback loop 

• Collect feedback post-repair to ensure satisfaction and identify unresolved issues. 

MRI’s advanced property management solutions are directly supporting the detection, management and resolution of damp and mould issues. From award-winning technology trusted by the social housing sector to industry-leading CRM software for estate agents, MRI empowers teams to act swiftly and intelligently. By leveraging tech, agents gain the tools to turn compliance into a competitive advantage.