Awaab’s Law is now in force in the social housing sector

Today, 27 October, marks the first phase of Awaab’s Law coming into effect. This law introduces new legal duties for social landlords. They are now required to investigate and address damp, mould, and all emergency hazards in residents’ homes within strict timeframes.

Understanding Awaab’s Law

Awaab’s Law was introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. This legislation follows the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who suffered from prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his home. The Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025 were laid before Parliament in July, and the government published its updated statutory guidance on 17 October.

Key Responsibilities for Landlords

Under these new regulations, landlords must adhere to several important responsibilities:

• Investigate a potential hazard within 10 working days of becoming aware of it.

• Provide a written summary of findings to the resident within three working days of the investigation.

• Take action within five working days if a significant hazard is found. This may involve starting repair works or offering alternative accommodation if the hazard cannot be resolved immediately.

• Resolve emergency hazards, which pose an imminent health risk, by making the area safe or completing necessary works within 24 hours.

  
  

Phased Implementation

The law applies to all homes and tenures in the social rented sector. It will be implemented in three phases. The first phase, starting on 27 October 2025, focuses on damp, mould, and emergency hazards. In 2026, it will expand to include issues like excess cold and heat, falls, structural collapse, explosions, fire, electrical hazards, and domestic hygiene. Finally, in 2027, it will cover all remaining HHSRS hazards, excluding overcrowding.

Government Support for Tenant Engagement

As part of this initiative, the government has launched a new £1 million fund. This fund aims to create innovative ways for tenants to engage with their landlords and influence decisions that affect them. Successful bidders can receive up to £100,000 for strong proposals that improve communication between landlords and tenants, ensuring that tenants have a greater say in how their homes are managed.

Community Response

CIH chief executive Gavin Smart commented on the significance of Awaab’s Law. He stated, “We welcome Awaab’s Law as a significant step in ensuring that all social housing tenants live in safe and decent homes. It is the culmination of committed efforts by Awaab Ishak’s family and provides an important new framework for addressing serious health and safety concerns, beginning with damp and mould.”

He also noted that social landlords have been preparing for this change. They have established new processes to comply with these requirements. The additional funding for tenant engagement is a vital investment. It will help build cultures of trust, accountability, and safety in social housing.

Conclusion

Awaab’s Law represents a crucial step forward in improving living conditions for social housing tenants. By establishing clear responsibilities for landlords, it aims to ensure that all residents can live in safe and healthy environments. The phased implementation allows for a structured approach to tackling various hazards, ultimately leading to better housing standards.

The introduction of the £1 million fund further enhances this initiative. It empowers tenants to engage with their landlords and have a say in their living conditions. This is an essential move towards fostering a community where safety and well-being are prioritized.

In summary, Awaab’s Law is a landmark development in social housing regulation. It reflects a commitment to addressing serious health and safety issues and improving the overall quality of life for tenants. As we move forward, it is vital for landlords and tenants to work together to create safe, healthy homes for all.

Let’s embrace this change and work towards a future where every home is a safe haven.