New Housing Law Highlights Hidden Risks of Poor Ventilation

WITH THE INTRODUCTION of Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law on 27 October, which sets legally binding timeframes for social landlords to investigate and address reports of damp and mould, roofing experts Klober are reinforcing the need to prioritise ventilation and moisture control across all types of housing.

Government data suggests that up to 6.5 million UK homes could be affected by damp or mould, an issue that extends far beyond the social housing sector. While Awaab’s Law currently applies only to social landlords, the government has signalled its intention to extend similar obligations to the private rental sector under the forthcoming Renter’s Rights Bill, expected between 2026 and 2027.

According to Nick King, Portfolio Manager (UK) at Klober Ltd, the new legislation should prompt greater awareness of the hidden causes of moisture problems: “Condensation is one of those issues that’s often out of sight and out of mind. You can’t always see where moisture is building up, but the effects can be serious. Poor roof ventilation is a good example; it doesn’t make itself known until mould or damp patches appear.

“We need to treat condensation risk with the same urgency as a leak. Contactors play a vital role in prevention by checking that air pathways are clear, insulation isn’t blocking eaves ventilation and exhaust vents are correctly ducted outside.”

Hidden Risks of Poor Ventilation

With stricter response times now in place for identifying and fixing damp and mould, landlords and maintenance teams will be under increased pressure to deliver lasting solutions. Roofing and building professionals can help reduce future risk by taking a more holistic view of ventilation during maintenance, refurbishment and retrofit projects.

That broader, system-wide approach is reflected in the latest version of BS 5250, Management of Moisture in Buildings, which emphasises how modern airtight, highly insulated homes require integrated moisture management. The standard recognises that condensation and ventilation cannot be treated in isolation; the design, installation and upkeep of roofs, insulation and air pathways all play a part in preventing damp and mould.

Nick King adds: “When we think about Awaab’s Law, it’s ultimately about accountability and prevention, making sure problems are addressed before they escalate. That same mindset runs through the latest building standards. If we embed ventilation thinking into every project, from design to refurbishment, we can make homes healthier and more resilient.”

As a manufacturer of roofing ventilation solutions, Klober is encouraging greater collaboration and education across trades to ensure best practice becomes standard practice.

Through its technical guidance and training, the company continues to raise awareness of how roof ventilation and condensation control contribute to occupant wellbeing. Ultimately, while Awaab’s Law sets clear expectations for how landlords respond, long-term progress depends on prevention, collaboration and consistent design standards.

“It’s encouraging to see greater focus on tackling damp and mould,” Nick concludes. “The next step is ensuring that ventilation isn’t just treated as a maintenance issue, but as a fundamental part of building design and refurbishment.”

>> Read more about ventilation in the news