What is Awaab's Law?
Awaab Ishak was just two years old when he tragically died in 2020 from a respiratory condition linked to prolonged exposure to mould in his family home. Despite repeated complaints being made to the landlord, no meaningful action was taken to remove the hazard.
Following a campaign led by housing charities and national media organisations, the government introduced Awaab's Law, establishing clear legal duties for social housing providers when dealing with damp and mould-related issues.
The legislation aims to ensure that tenants live in safe, healthy homes and that serious hazards are addressed without delay.
Why Damp and Mould Can No Longer Be Ignored
Damp and mould are more than cosmetic problems. Left untreated, they can:
- Cause structural damage to properties
- Trigger respiratory conditions
- Aggravate asthma and allergies
- Impact tenant wellbeing
- Lead to costly repair programmes
For housing providers, recurring mould issues can also create compliance risks, increased maintenance costs and reputational damage.
This is why a proactive approach to mould prevention is now more important than ever.
What Does Awaab's Law Require?
Social landlords are expected to respond quickly when hazards are reported.
Key requirements include:
- Investigating emergency hazards within 24 hours
- Investigating significant damp and mould hazards within 10 working days
- Providing written finding within 3 working days
- Beginning repair work within 5 working days where required
- Taking action to prevent hazards from returning
Failure to act appropriately may result in legal action. enforcement measures and significant financial penalties.
Why Surface Cleaning Alone Isn't Enough
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding mould treatment is that simply cleaning visible mould resolves the problem.
Unfortunately, mould often returns when full treatment process is not followed correctly.
Effective mould remediation requires:
- Surface preparation
- Mould treatment
- Stain blocking
- Long-term protection
Without each stage, mould can quickly reappear, resulting in repeat visits and increased maintenance costs.
The Zinsser MouldAway Kit: A complete Mould Treatment System
To simplify the mould treatment process, the Zinsser MouldAway Kit combines four professional-grade products into one complete system.
Designed for housing associations, landlords, maintenance teams and facility managers. the kit helps to ensure every stage of the mould treatment process is covered.
Available in 10m², 25m² and 50m² coverage options, the kit can be adapted to suit individual rooms or larger property portfolios.
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Universal Degreaser & Cleaner
Preparation begins with a thorough clean.
The Universal Degreaser & Cleaner:
- Removes grease, dirt and contaminants
- Creates a clean surface
- Improves adhesion of subsequent coatings
- Features a fast-drying, water-based formula.
Proper preparation helps ensure the remaining products perform as intended.
Mould Killer & Remover
Once cleaned, affected areas should be treated using a dedicated mould remover.
The Mould Killer & Remover:
- Eliminates mould, fungi and algae
- Helps stop spores spreading
- Covers up to 15m²
- Can be applied prior to priming and decorating
This stage tackles the mould itself before protective coatings are introduced.
Step 2: Prime and Seal
B-I-N AQUA Primer
After treatment, surfaces need to be sealed to prevent staining from showing through future coatings.
B-I-N AQUA Primer Offers:
- Low VOC formulation
- Excellent stain-blocking performance
- Fast drying times
- Strong adhesion properties
- Coverage of approximately 9m² per litre
By sealing the treated substrate, it helps to create a stable foundation for decorative finishes.
Step 3: Protect Against Future Growth
PermaWhite Interior Paint
The final stage focuses on prevention.
PermaWhite Interior Paint is formulated specifically for areas susceptible to damp and mould.
Benefits include:
- Mould-resistant coating protection
- Washable and scrubbable finish
- Excellent durability
- Suitable for humid environments
- Protection for up to 7 years
- Class 1 scrub rating
- Coverage of up to 10m² per litre per coat
Available in thousands of colours through tinting systems, PermaWhite allows housing providers to combine performance and decorative flexibility.
Why Housing Providers Choose Zinsser
Housing professionals require solutions that are practical, repeatable and proven to work.
Benefits of the Zinsser MouldAway system include:
- Trusted by local authorities throughout the UK
- Professional-grade mould treatment and prevention
- Simplified maintenance procedures
- Reduced risk of recurring mould problems
- Supports housing compliance strategies
- Available in scalable coverage size
- Backed by real-world housing sector case studies.
As one local authority noted:
'Zinsser was the only brand we found that featured a full system of products to tackle mould, from the cleaner all the way to the mould-resistant itself'
Who Is the Zinsser MouldAway Kit Suitable For?
The system is idea for:
- Housing associations
- Council Maintenance Teams
- Social Landlords
- Private Landlords
- Letting Agents
- Facilities Managers
- Property Maintenance Contractors
- Homeowners dealing with persistent mould issues
Its flexibility makes it suitable for both reactive repairs and preventative maintenance programmes.
Need Help With Specifications?
Choosing the correct mould treatment system can be challenging across different property types.
Our technical team can advise on:
- Product quantities
- Surface compatibility
- Application methods
- Project specifications
- Compliance documentation
You can also arrange support from Zinsser Area Business Manager to help specify the most effective solution for your site.
Final Thoughts
Awaab's Law has placed greater emphasis on the need for swift action when dealing with damp and mould hazards. For housing providers, prevention is now just as important as treatment.
By following a structured process of cleaning, treating, sealing and protecting, property managers can reduce recurring issues, improve tenant safety and support long-term compliance objectives.
The Zinsser MouldAway kit brings all of these stages together in one complete solution, helping landlords and housing teams tackle mould with confidence.
Shop the Zinsser MouldAway Kit
- Fast UK Delivery
- Expert Technical Advice
- Available in Multiple Coverage Sizes
- Trusted By Housing Professionals Nationwide
