Awaab's Law investigation process: how to get it right in 10 working days

Step-by-step guidance for conducting effective Awaab’s Law investigations within the required timeframe.

Awaab’s Law investigation process: how to get it right in 10 working days

When a social landlord has reasonable grounds to believe there may be a significant hazard covered by Awaab’s Law, the investigation must be completed within 10 working days. Within that timeframe, landlords need to understand the nature and extent of the hazard, assess the risk it presents to the people living in the home and determine what action is needed to make the property safe and prevent the problem from recurring. That requires more than a quick visual inspection and a generic response.

An effective investigation needs to establish what is happening, why it is happening and how the risk affects the individual resident or household. Following the investigation, landlords must provide the resident with a written summary of their findings within the required timeframe. This guide takes you through the investigation process step by step, from the initial report and pre-visit preparation through to technical assessment, risk evaluation, reporting and remedial action.

Why some housing providers may struggle with this

Right now, when someone reports damp or mould, the typical response is to send a repairs inspector who takes some photos, makes notes, and possibly arranges some remedial work. Awaab’s Law places greater demands on the investigation process than simply identifying a repair and arranging remedial work.

Landlords need to establish whether a significant hazard exists, understand the nature and extent of the problem, consider the individual circumstances of the resident and identify the action needed to make the home safe. Doing all of this within 10 working days requires the right people, information and processes to be available from the moment a potential hazard is reported.

For housing providers managing large numbers of properties and reports, pressures around investigator availability, resident access, specialist expertise and internal processes can quickly reduce the time available to complete a thorough investigation.

The 10-day challenge: why time management is crucial

Ten working days can sound like a generous timeframe until you consider everything that may need to happen within it. A thorough investigation can involve reviewing existing property information, arranging access, speaking to the resident, carrying out a technical assessment, analysing the findings, assessing the level of risk and determining what action is required.

The legislation does not prescribe how landlords should divide the 10-working-day investigation period. However, planning the process around clear internal milestones can help reduce the risk of delays.

What 10 working days actually looks like

The exact process will depend on the nature and complexity of the hazard, but an investigation might be organised as follows:

Days 1-2: Initial response and appointment booking

Potential delays: Investigator availability, resident availability, access issues

Days 3-5: Investigation visit and data collection

Potential delays: access problems, complex cases requiring further investigation, specialist availability and testing timescales.

Days 6-8: Analysis and risk assessment

Potential delays: complex technical analysis, incomplete evidence and the need for additional specialist input.

Days 9-10: Report writing and delivery

Potential delays: Report writing and review time, internal approval processes

Once the investigation has concluded, the landlord must provide the resident with a written summary of its findings within the applicable timeframe

The pressure points that cause delays

The 10-day requirement becomes extremely tight when things don’t go according to plan. Here are the common issues that cause investigations to overrun:

Investigator availability

Qualified investigators who can conduct HHSRS assessments are in limited supply. If your usual investigator is unavailable, finding an alternative can take several days.

Resident access challenges

Residents might not be available when you want to visit, especially if they work during the day or have young children with complex routines. Multiple rearranged appointments can quickly eat into your 10-day window.

Complex investigations requiring follow-up

Not every hazard can be fully diagnosed during an initial investigation.

A standard investigation should determine whether a significant or emergency hazard exists and, where possible, identify the work required to make the property safe and prevent the hazard from recurring.

Where the extent or underlying cause cannot be determined, a further investigation may be required. This could include bringing in additional specialist expertise or undertaking a more detailed assessment.

Importantly, the need for further investigation does not remove the requirement to carry out any safety work already identified within the applicable timeframe.

Laboratory testing delays

If you need to identify mould species or test for contaminants, laboratory results can take several days. This time counts against your 10-day limit.

Internal approval processes

If your investigation findings need internal review or sign-off before the report can be issued, this needs to happen within the 10-day timeframe, not as an addition to it.

What constitutes a proper investigation under Awaab’s Law

A proper Awaab’s Law investigation goes far beyond taking photos and noting obvious problems. It requires technical expertise, proper equipment, and understanding of how to assess risks considering the specific people who live in the property. An Awaab’s Law investigation needs to provide enough information for the landlord to determine whether the home is affected by a significant or emergency hazard and, where possible, identify the work required to make the property safe and prevent the hazard from recurring.

The investigation must be carried out by someone the landlord reasonably considers competent to make that assessment.

The investigation needs to consider the resident as well as the property

Assessing the physical condition of the property is only part of the investigation.

Landlords must take into account relevant information about the impact of the hazard on the health or safety of the people living in the home. This means the seriousness of a potential hazard cannot always be assessed from the condition of the property alone.

What the investigation should establish

Depending on the circumstances, an effective investigation should seek to establish:

What the law requires from your investigation

Hazard identification and assessment

Risk assessment considering resident circumstances

Clear findings and recommendations

Remote or in-person investigation?

An Awaab’s Law investigation does not always have to begin with a physical inspection.

Where sufficient evidence is available; for example, through photographs or video, it may be possible to carry out an investigation remotely. The landlord should decide the appropriate approach based on the circumstances of the case.

However, if a resident explicitly requests an in-person investigation following a remote investigation, the landlord must arrange one in accordance with the requirements for a renewed investigation.

Where the available evidence isn’t sufficient to determine the extent or underlying cause of the hazard, further investigation may also be required.

Step-by-step investigation methodology

Awaab’s Law doesn’t prescribe a single investigation methodology. The approach will depend on the nature of the potential hazard, the information already available and the circumstances of the resident.

The following steps provide a practical framework for carrying out a thorough investigation where an in-person or more detailed assessment is required.

Step 1: Pre-visit preparation and risk assessment

Effective investigations start before you arrive at the property. Proper preparation improves efficiency and ensures you gather the right information.

Pre-visit preparation should include:

Why preparation matters

Well-prepared investigations are more efficient, more thorough, and less likely to require follow-up visits. When you only have 10 working days, every hour counts.

Step 2: Resident interview and symptom assessment

Residents are the best source of information about how problems affect their daily lives and health. This information is crucial for proper risk assessment. The conversation should help build a fuller picture of both the property condition and the potential risk to the household.

Key areas to explore with residents:

Conducting sensitive interviews

Many residents can feel embarrassed about damp and mould problems or worry they’ll be blamed for causing them. Creating a supportive environment where people feel comfortable sharing information is essential for effective investigation. Residents reporting damp, mould or other hazards may already have experienced repeated visits or unsuccessful repairs.

Investigators should listen carefully to what residents are reporting and avoid making assumptions about the cause of a problem before the evidence has been assessed. Ask open questions, explain why information is being gathered and make sure residents understand what will happen next. Information about residents should only be collected and recorded where it is relevant to the investigation and handled appropriately.

Interview best practices:

Step 3: Technical building assessment

This is where technical expertise becomes essential. You need to understand not just what problems exist, but why they’re happening and how to fix them properly. The exact assessment will depend on the hazard being investigated.

For damp and mould cases, this could include:

Building fabric investigation

Environmental monitoring

Where relevant, investigators may also consider:

Hazard identification and mapping

Essential equipment for technical assessment may include

Step 4: Risk assessment and hazard categorisation

This is where investigation becomes risk assessment. You need to understand not just what problems exist, but how dangerous they are for the specific people living in this property.

Comprehensive risk assessment approach:

Hazard severity assessment

How dangerous is the problem in objective terms?

Exposure assessment

How much contact do residents have with the hazard?

Vulnerability assessment

How susceptible are the residents to harm from this hazard? The purpose isn’t to make a medical diagnosis. It is to understand whether the circumstances of the person or household mean the hazard presents a greater risk to them.

Overall risk characterisation

Combining hazard severity, exposure, and vulnerability to determine overall risk level and appropriate response urgency. Bring the available evidence together to determine:

The reasoning behind the assessment should be clearly documented.

Step 5: Root cause analysis and solution identification

Identifying problems is only half the job. You need to understand why problems are occurring and specify solutions that will actually work long-term.

Systematic approach to root cause analysis:

Building-related causes

Environmental and usage factors

How the home is occupied may also be relevant to understanding moisture generation and ventilation, but this should be considered alongside the condition and performance of the property rather than used as an assumption about the cause.

Maintenance and management issues

Specifying effective solutions

Solutions need to address root causes, not just symptoms, and be realistic for the specific property and residents.

Effective solutions should be:

In some cases, immediate safety work and longer-term preventative work will be different. The investigation should make that distinction clear so the appropriate Awaab’s Law timescales can be applied to each.

Documentation and reporting: creating legally compliant records

The written summary you provide to residents after investigation isn’t just information sharing – it’s a legal document that needs to meet specific standards and could be used in Housing Ombudsman complaints or court proceedings. Landlords need to be able to clearly record what was investigated, what was found, how the level of risk was assessed and what action will be taken.

Following an investigation, the resident must also be provided with a written summary of the findings within the required timeframe.

Legal requirements for investigation documentation

Content requirements for written summaries

The law requires written summaries to be provided within 3 working days of completing the investigation. These summaries must contain specific information presented in an accessible way.

Depending on the nature of the case, these could include:

Clear records can help teams coordinate the response, demonstrate why decisions were made and provide an audit trail if the case is subsequently reviewed or challenged.

Essential content elements:

Where no significant or emergency hazard is identified, the summary should clearly explain the outcome of the investigation.

The information should be provided in a way the resident can understand, taking account of any relevant communication or accessibility requirements.

Quality standards for investigation reports

The written summary required under Awaab’s Law doesn’t need to become an unnecessarily complex technical report. Its primary purpose is to clearly explain the outcome of the investigation and what happens next.

However, more detailed investigation records may be appropriate, particularly for complex or higher-risk cases.

Where a detailed investigation report is produced, good practice includes:

Technical accuracy

Reports must be technically sound and evidence-based:

Accessibility and clarity

Residents must be able to understand what you’ve found and what you’re going to do:

Completeness and thoroughness

Reports should answer all relevant questions about the hazards and response:

Effective report structure and presentation

Well-structured reports are easier for residents to understand and more likely to withstand scrutiny if complaints arise. There is no single prescribed format that every investigation report must follow. Housing providers may want to develop a consistent template that captures the information their teams need while allowing the level of detail to reflect the complexity of the case.

Recommended report structure

1. Executive summary

Brief overview of key findings and actions in plain English:

2. Investigation details

What was examined and how:

Record the evidence supporting the investigation outcome, which could include:

3. Detailed findings

Comprehensive explanation of what was discovered:

4. Causal analysis

Why problems are occurring:

5. Risk assessment and implications

What hazards mean for this specific household:

6. Remedial action plan

Specific steps to address problems:

7. Interim safety advice

How residents can protect themselves while waiting for repairs:

8. Next steps and contact information

What happens next and how residents can get support:

Supporting documentation and evidence management

The written summary for residents is just one part of your documentation requirements. You also need comprehensive records for compliance and potential legal proceedings.

Investigation records

Resident interaction records

Technical analysis documentation

Technology solutions for investigation management and tracking

Managing multiple 10-day investigations with complex documentation requirements may almost feel impossible using manual systems. Modern technology solutions can streamline the process while ensuring compliance and improving quality.

Technology can help teams manage that complexity, but the focus should be on whether systems support an effective Awaab’s Law process rather than on any particular type of software.

Deadline and case management

Systems can help providers:

Having a clear record of Day 0 is particularly important because this determines when the relevant Awaab’s Law timescales begin.

How technology transforms investigation management

Automated deadline tracking and alerts

Digital systems can automatically track investigation timescales and send alerts before deadlines are missed:

Integrated data collection and analysis

Mobile technology allows investigators to collect and analyse data more efficiently:

Enhanced documentation and reporting

Digital systems can improve both the quality and efficiency of investigation reporting:

Compliance monitoring and quality assurance

Technology can help ensure investigations meet legal standards consistently:

Essential technology tools for modern investigation

Case management systems

Comprehensive platforms for managing the entire investigation lifecycle from initial report to completion.

Essential features for investigation case management:

Mobile data collection platforms

Tablet and smartphone applications that allow investigators to collect comprehensive data on-site.

Key capabilities for mobile investigation:

Specialist investigation equipment

Modern digital equipment that can integrate with case management systems for comprehensive data capture.

Connected investigation equipment:

Implementation considerations for investigation technology

Data protection and security

Investigation systems handle sensitive personal data including health information, requiring robust security measures.

Essential security considerations:

Integration with existing systems

Investigation technology needs to work with your existing housing management and repairs systems.

Common integration requirements:

Staff training and change management

Technology is only effective if staff understand how to use it properly and see the benefits it brings.

Training and change management needs:

Accessing qualified investigators through PfH frameworks

Conducting proper Awaab’s Law investigations requires specialised skills and experience that many housing providers don’t necessarily have in-house. PfH’s frameworks provide access to qualified investigators who understand both the technical and legal requirements.

What makes an investigator qualified for Awaab’s Law

Not everyone who can spot damp and mould problems is qualified to conduct legal investigations that meet Awaab’s Law standards. The difference between basic surveying and compliant investigation is substantial. The appropriate skills and experience will depend on the nature of the hazard and the investigation required.

What competence should you consider?

Technical qualifications

Practical experience

Professional standards

PfH framework investigators for Awaab’s Law compliance

Through our Compliance Solutions Framework, we provide access to qualified investigators who have been pre-assessed for their ability to deliver Awaab’s Law compliant investigations.

Lot 2c: Damp and mould surveying specialists

Our framework includes qualified surveyors and investigators who specialise in damp and mould assessment and can deliver investigations that meet Awaab’s Law requirements within the 10-working-day timeframe.

How to access framework investigators

Simple process for investigation support

1. Initial contact and requirements discussion

Contact PfH to discuss your requirements, including geographic coverage needs, typical case volume, and any specialised requirements.

2. Framework access setup

We help you establish access to Lot 2c (Damp and mould surveying) of the PfH Compliance Solutions procurement framework and identify the most appropriate investigators for your needs and locations either via Direct Award or Mini competition.

3. Investigator selection and engagement

Choose investigators based on location, specialisation, and availability. You can use direct awards for individual cases or establish call-off arrangements for ongoing needs.

4. Service delivery and quality monitoring

Investigators deliver services according to framework standards, with ongoing performance monitoring and feedback collection to ensure continuous improvement.

Ongoing support and performance management

PfH provides ongoing support to ensure you get the services you need for Awaab’s Law compliance.

Do you have the investigation capacity you need?

Effective investigation is the foundation of Awaab’s Law compliance. Without proper investigation capability, you’ll struggle to meet the 10-working-day requirement and risk regulatory action.

Get access to qualified investigators now

Speak to our specialists about accessing framework investigators who can deliver Awaab’s Law compliant investigations within the required timescales. We’ll help you understand your options and establish the relationships you need.

Related investigation and compliance resources

Awaab’s Law requirements and deadlines: the complete breakdown

Check the statutory timescales that apply across the Awaab’s Law process, including investigations, written summaries, safety work and further preventative work.

24-hour emergency repairs under Awaab’s Law: when every hour counts

Understand what happens when an investigation identifies a potential emergency hazard and how providers can respond within the 24-hour timeframe.

Damp and mould solutions under Awaab’s Law: what actually works

Explore the technical approaches available for addressing the underlying causes of damp and mould and preventing problems from recurring.

Awaab’s Law for social housing providers: who’s responsible for what

Understand how responsibilities can be managed across housing, repairs, asset management, procurement, contractors and other teams involved in responding to hazards.

Awaab’s Law: your complete guide to the new social housing regulations

Return to our main Awaab’s Law hub for an overview of the requirements and access to all our Awaab’s Law guidance, resources and procurement support.