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Awaab’s Law: Stronger Protections for Tenants and a Call to Action for Landlords

Awaab’s Law: Stronger Protections for Tenants and a Call to Action for Landlords

The UK Government has confirmed that the first phase of Awaab’s Law is now in force — a major step forward in ensuring safer, healthier homes across the social housing sector. This legislation follows the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s flat. His case became a catalyst for reform, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and faster action from housing providers.

 

What Awaab’s Law Means

From October 2025, social landlords in England are legally required to respond promptly to reports of damp, mould, and other serious hazards. The new rules set out clear, enforceable timeframes:

  • Emergency hazards must be repaired or made safe within 24 hours of being reported.
  • Damp and mould must be investigated within 10 working days, with necessary repairs completed within five days after the inspection.
  • Tenants must receive a written summary of findings within three working days of the inspection.

In addition, landlords must prioritise vulnerable tenants, including families with young children and individuals with existing health conditions. Where a property cannot be made safe within the specified timeframe, landlords are expected to offer suitable temporary accommodation.

These timelines are not guidelines — they are now legal obligations, and failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, compensation claims, or loss of rent.

 

The Road Ahead

This is only the beginning. The Government has announced that further phases of Awaab’s Law will follow:

  • Phase 2 (2026) will extend the rules to include additional health and safety risks such as excess cold, heat, fire hazards and electrical safety.
  • Phase 3 (2027) will bring the remaining 27 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) into scope — excluding only overcrowding.

Looking further ahead, ministers have also confirmed plans to apply Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector through the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, ensuring that all tenants — not just those in social housing — benefit from the same level of protection.

 

Why It Matters

For tenants, Awaab’s Law offers greater peace of mind and the confidence that health-related hazards will be dealt with swiftly and transparently. For landlords and housing providers, the changes bring new levels of responsibility — and an opportunity to rebuild trust and improve housing standards nationwide.

This legislation underscores the growing emphasis on accountability, compliance and tenant wellbeing across the housing sector. For responsible landlords, these reforms reinforce the importance of proactive maintenance, clear communication, and timely action.

 

Finn’s 1865: Keeping Clients Informed

At Finn’s 1865, we believe that every home should be safe, secure and well-maintained. We’re monitoring the implementation of Awaab’s Law closely — along with the wider Renters’ Rights Bill — to help landlords and tenants understand how these changes will affect them in practice.

Whether you’re a property owner looking to ensure compliance or a tenant seeking clarity on your rights, our team can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances.

👉 Visit finns.co.uk/news  for expert insight, updates, and practical advice on the latest developments in UK housing legislation.