More than five million additional households could be covered by Awaab’s Law under Government proposals to introduce legally enforceable repair deadlines for private landlords.
A consultation has been launched on extending the legislation, which already applies to social housing, to the private rented sector and potentially other forms of accommodation.
The proposals would require landlords to investigate and address serious hazards, including dangerous damp and mould, within specified timescales. The Government is also considering extending the protections to temporary accommodation for homeless households, accommodation for care leavers and supported housing.
If implemented, the changes could increase the number of households covered by the legislation from around four million to nine million.
LANDLORD OBLIGATIONS
Awaab’s Law was introduced in social housing in October 2025 following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 after prolonged exposure to damp and mould.
The Renters’ Rights Act provides powers to extend the legislation to private landlords, although the timetable and detailed requirements have yet to be determined.
Private landlords already have legal obligations to address serious housing hazards, with councils able to impose financial penalties of up to £7,000 where landlords fail to meet their responsibilities.
However, extending Awaab’s Law would introduce specific deadlines for investigating and resolving dangerous conditions.
According to the latest English Housing Survey, 10% of privately rented homes in England contained a Category 1 hazard in 2024, compared with 5% of social rented properties.
CONSULTATION
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says: “Irrespective of tenure, all renters have the right to live in a safe and decent home and have complaints responded to in a timely manner.
“Awaab’s Law is already helping to drive up standards in the social housing sector. We’re now moving to extend it to private landlords so that England’s 11 million private renters can enjoy the same protections.”
The consultation, which closes on 18 December 2026, will help determine how the legislation should operate in the private rented sector and when the new requirements should come into force.
RENTERS’ PROTECTION
Holly Williamson, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, welcomes the proposals but calls for their rapid implementation.
She says: “Homes are the foundations of our lives. But too many renters live in homes that are harmful to our health and often wait months for landlords to act on issues.
“We’re pleased to see the government moving forward with bringing in Awaab’s Law. It must be put in action as soon as possible to make sure every renter can live in a good quality home.”
The consultation forms part of wider reforms to housing standards following the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.
