Awaab’s Law and Pest Control: What Property Owners, Landlords and Occupiers Need to Know
- christian5470
- Nov 18
- 3 min read
In October 2025, the first phase of Awaab’s Law comes into force in England, ushering in stricter legal duties for social landlords to remedy hazardous living conditions.
While the focus has rightly been on damp, mould and structural hazards, an important but less-well-understood piece of the picture is how pest control fits into this evolving regulatory landscape and why property owners, landlords and tenants should take note.
What is Awaab’s Law?
The law takes its name from Awaab Ishak, a young child who tragically died in 2020 from respiratory problems after prolonged exposure to mould in his home. Under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which received Royal Assent in July 2023, social housing providers in England must comply with new legal obligations to eliminate or remediate risks in their properties. From 27 October 2025, landlords will have set deadlines to investigate and repair serious damp and mould issues, and to address emergency hazards (including those harmful to health) within 24 hours of being notified.
Why does pest control matter?
While the initial focus of Awaab’s Law is damp and mould, the journey doesn’t end there. From 2026 the law is expected to be extended to cover additional hazard types under the Government’s phased approach, including hazards of hygiene and infestations (rats, mice, insects).
“From 2026, we can expect landlords to be legally required to investigate and remedy pest problems within strict timelines…”
What that means for pest-control companies, landlords and tenants is that infestations are no longer just a “nuisance”; they’re increasingly viewed through the lens of health, safety and legal compliance. Pest-infested homes may pose risks such as disease transmission, exacerbate respiratory conditions, and contribute to a failure to meet habitable-home standards.
What does this mean for landlords and property managers?
Here’s how pest control links into the Awaab’s Law agenda and what best practice looks like:
Early inspection and proactive response: Landlords should already have systems in place to identify risk factors for pests (entry points, poor sanitation, waste accumulation). Waiting for complaints is no longer sufficient.
Professional documentation: When pests are discovered, the investigation and remediation should be conducted by appropriately qualified professionals, with records kept of date, findings, actions, treatments and follow-up. This documentation will be crucial to demonstrate compliance when hazard deadlines apply.
Linking to other hazards: Pests often coexist with other issues (damp, structural defects, waste build-up). Addressing pests without dealing with causes may not satisfy a duty of care obligation.
Vulnerable occupiers: Under Awaab’s Law, if there are children, older people, or those with health conditions in a property, landlords must consider alternative accommodation if the home cannot be made safe in time. Pest problems may trigger this consideration.
Training and supply-chain readiness: Pest control service providers should ensure they can respond rapidly, supply digital records, and support landlords who will need to meet regulatory timeframes.
What does this mean for tenants and occupiers?
If you’re a tenant, whether in social or (eventually) private rented housing, here are your take-aways:
Report pest problems promptly and keep evidence (photos, written communication).
If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, you may have rights under the law, through local authority enforcement or the Housing Ombudsman Service.
Understand that pest infestations are now increasingly recognised as a hazard that may trigger legal obligations on the landlord.
If you believe your health or safety is at risk (for example due to pests plus damp), make sure your concerns are formally logged.
How Stratton Pest Control can help
At Stratton Pest Control, we understand that pests don’t exist in isolation; they are often symptoms of wider housing-condition issues. Whether you’re a landlord preparing for compliance under Awaab’s Law or a tenant seeking a safe home, we offer:
Prompt inspection and risk assessment
Professional, accredited treatment plans
Clear digital reports to support landlords with their regulatory documentation
Advice on prevention (entry-points, waste management, hygiene practices)
Awaab’s Law represents a sea-change in how housing hazards are regulated in England. For pest control, the message is clear: infestations will not be tolerated as a minor issue. They will form part of the broader legal expectation that homes are safe, healthy and well-maintained.
By acting proactively, staying ahead of the risk and documenting every step, landlords minimise liability; and occupiers get the safe living conditions they deserve.
If you’d like to discuss how Stratton Pest Control can support your property-maintenance plan in light of these changes, get in touch today.We help businesses throughout the South East and East of England, predominantly in the following counties:
