By George Emms, Specification Leader – UK & Ireland at Wilsonart
As social landlords across the UK prepare for the full implementation of Awaab’s Law in October 2025, the need for practical, scalable solutions to tackle damp and mould has become increasingly urgent. Among the most promising innovations in this field are engineered surface solutions including bathroom panels, which are grout-free, waterproof and easy to install. Crucially, these panelling solutions exist as both an effective design choice and a strategic response to a housing system under regulatory pressure.
Specifically, engineered bathroom wall panels offer a way to reduce mould risk at the source, in high-moisture environments. For example, traditional tiling in residential bathrooms can become a breeding ground for damp and decay if not well maintained by either residents or local authority maintenance teams. By contrast, modern panelling systems eliminate grout lines, resist water ingress, and are simple to clean and maintain. For housing providers tasked with delivering safe, healthy homes under tight retrofitting and construction deadlines, these materials offer a crucial and practical advantage – especially when considering ever-constricting budgets.
A Mandate for Change
Introduced in July 2023 under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, Awaab’s Law was drafted to resolve systemic failures in social housing, specifically around mould exposure due to poor maintenance practices. The law will require landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould within 14 days, begin repairs within a further seven, and complete them within 21 days. From 2027, all social homes must be free from serious hazards.
This legislation is a turning point, marking the shift in focus from reactive maintenance to proactive accountability for social landlords. But it also places new demands on a sector and supply chain already grappling with ageing housing stock, limited resources, and a national shortage of skilled labour.
A System Under Strain
Approximately 4.4 million homes in the UK’s social housing portfolio were built between 1945 and 1980. These properties were not designed to meet modern standards of ventilation or moisture control and have been subject to natural wear and tear over time. As a result, they are disproportionately vulnerable to the very issues Awaab’s Law seeks to eliminate.
Yet damp and mould are not isolated problems, but symptoms of deeper structural inefficiencies. These include poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, and outdated building fabric materials. Homes that are difficult to heat and ventilate are also more likely to harbour mould and pose health risks to tenants. Given this, solutions must be identified that can help tackle mould buildup and ensure tenant safety.
Labour Shortages and Maintenance Backlogs
This a laudable and necessary goal, yet skilled labour shortage in the construction sector poses a formidable barrier to progress. For instance, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that 30,000 new recruits are needed for every 10,000 homes built, with specialist trades such as tiling and ventilation installation being in particularly short supply. This shortage affects not only new builds, but also the retrofitting and maintenance of the existing homes that make up the majority of those maintained by local authorities and housing associations.
For social landlords, this means that even when funding is available, the capacity to deliver repairs and upgrades is limited. Maintenance teams are overstretched, and delays in addressing damp and mould complaints can quickly lead to non-compliance with Awaab’s Law. Faced with such challenges, the sector needs solutions that can reduce reliance on specialist labour and help tackle issues of mould buildup at their source.
A Practical Response
Engineered bathroom panel technologies are well-placed to help here. Designed for rapid installation by generalist tradespeople or joiners already on site for other works, these materials reduce the need for specialist tilers, mitigating potential delays and shortening project construction timelines compared to tiling. Their grout-free design eliminates one of the most common sources of mould growth, while their waterproof composition protects underlying walls from damage to due water and moisture ingress.
Recent advances in high-pressure laminate (HPL) and waterproof composite (WPC) panel systems have further strengthened the role of engineered surfaces in housing upgrades work. These materials now offer improved durability, enhanced moisture resistance, and a wider range of finishes that suit both new builds and retrofits. Certain systems are designed to interlock seamlessly and allow for dry fitting before final placement, simplifying installation and reduces the margin for error. Their robust construction also supports long-term performance in high-humidity environments, making them particularly well-suited to housing areas most vulnerable to damp and mould.
Most vitally of all, these surfaces require minimal maintenance once installed. They are easy to clean, resistant to staining, and durable enough to withstand daily use in demanding or high-traffic areas. For local authority and housing association maintenance teams, this means fewer callouts for remedial works, lower maintenance costs, and greater confidence that homes will remain compliant with more stringent health and safety standards over time.
Prevention Over Cure
Awaab’s Law is not just about responding to complaints, but preventing them in the first place. By proactively upgrading high-risk areas with materials that are inherently resistant to damp and mould, landlords can reduce the likelihood of future hazards, improve tenant wellbeing and reduce overall upkeep costs over time.
This preventative approach is especially important in a sector where maintenance teams are already stretched thin. Engineered surfaces and panelling systems can assist in this, providing greater hygiene and resilience in social homes over the long term. As a low-risk, high-impact and easily implementable way to improve living conditions and meet regulatory requirements, these solutions are a simple and effective way for landlords and tenants to adhere to increasingly strict social housing regulations. Click the link to find out more about Wilsonart.