A white paper launched by Shelforce has highlighted the vital role the fenestration industry has to play in helping the social housing sector meet the demands of Awaab’s Law.
Based on a UK-wide survey of private landlords, housing associations, and local authority housing providers, the new white paper examines current levels of understanding around damp and mould in particular, and compliance, exposes areas of uncertainty, and highlights where meaningful progress must be made.
But it also presents a clear opportunity for fenestration to play a more strategic role in supporting social landlords as they respond to evolving legislation and rising expectations around tenant safety.
Introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, Awaab’s Law places a legal duty on landlords to act swiftly on health hazards, particularly damp and mould.
The research by the Birmingham-based manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and fire doors for Birmingham City Council reveals that over 73% expect damp and mould to require the greatest increase in investigation and remediation.
“We produced this white paper to not only understand how prepared the social housing sector is for Awaab’s Law but to also highlight how a building’s fabric, especially windows and doors, can help landlords meet their obligations,” said Howard Trotter, business manager at Shelforce.
The findings underline the importance of windows and doors in tackling housing health risks. Over 70% of respondents agreed that poor building fabric, including windows, doors and ventilation, contributes significantly to damp, mould and wider hazards.
Encouragingly, 33.8% of landlords already have window and door replacement programmes underway, with further projects planned or under consideration for the next two years.
“This is a significant opportunity for our industry,” added Howard. “Local authorities and housing associations are actively looking for partners who can deliver compliant, high-performance solutions that address both thermal efficiency and ventilation. The sector must be ready to support social landlords with the right products, expertise and guidance.”
