Awaab’s Law continues to drive important changes in how social landlords respond to health hazards in homes. Introduced following the death of Awaab Ishak, the legislation places strict legal duties on landlords to identify and address serious hazards within defined timeframes.
In November 2025, we outlined the initial timeframes introduced under the legislation. The Government has now provided further guidance and confirmed additional hazards that will fall within scope.
Key duties for landlords
The legislation introduces clear timeframes that social landlords must follow when dealing with hazards that may pose a risk to tenants.
- Investigate emergency hazards within 24 hours of becoming aware of the issue
- Carry out necessary safety work within 24 hours of identifying an emergency hazard
- Investigate significant hazards within 10 working days of becoming aware of them
- Provide tenants with a written summary within 3 working days of concluding the investigation
- Complete safety work within 5 working days where a significant hazard is confirmed
Supporting government guidance
The Government has also published guidance to support landlords in applying these duties in practice.
The guidance covers:
- Hazard investigation processes
- Emergency repair expectations
- Property safety and preventative measures
- Providing suitable alternative accommodation where required
Expansion of hazards covered by the law
Additional hazards from 2026
From 2026, the regulations will extend to include a wider range of hazards where they present a significant risk of harm. These include:
- Excess cold and excess heat
- Falls associated with baths or showers, on level surfaces, on stairs, and between levels
- Structural collapse and explosions
- Fire and electrical hazards
- Domestic and personal hygiene and food safety
Further expansion from 2027
From 2027, Awaab’s Law will expand further to cover all remaining hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), with the exception of overcrowding, where they present a significant risk of harm.
This phased approach is intended to give social landlords time to strengthen processes and ensure hazards are identified and addressed effectively.
Preparing for future requirements
Social landlords should begin preparing for the expanded scope of Awaab’s Law now. Current guidance focuses primarily on damp and mould, which form the first phase of implementation.
Future updates will broaden this focus, and organisations will need to ensure systems, processes and resources are in place to meet the stricter requirements.
Who the guidance applies to
This guidance applies to the social rented sector and is intended to support landlords in meeting their legal responsibilities.
Ensuring homes are safe, healthy and well maintained remains a core obligation, and Awaab’s Law represents a significant step in strengthening protections for tenants.
Preparing your organisation
The expansion of Awaab’s Law means landlords will need robust systems to identify hazards, respond quickly and complete repairs within strict timeframes.
Our Health & Safety Risk Management specialists can support your organisation in reviewing current arrangements, strengthening processes and preparing for upcoming regulatory changes.
