Awaab’s Law introduced legally binding deadlines for social landlords to deal with unsafe living conditions. Named after Awaab Ishak, the law represents a major shift in how damp, mould, and housing hazards are regulated in England.
Below is a clear timeline showing how Awaab’s Law has been implemented and how it continues to expand.
2025: Awaab’s Law came into force
27 October 2025 – Phase 1 Implementation
From October 2025, social landlords became legally required to:
- Investigate reports of significant damp and mould
- Respond to emergency hazards within strict statutory timeframes
- Complete necessary repairs promptly once serious risks were identified
This initial phase focused on hazards presenting an immediate risk to health, particularly damp and mould, which had previously been a common cause of housing disrepair claims.
2026: Expansion to additional housing hazards
During 2026, Awaab’s Law is expanding to cover a wider range of serious risks, including:
- Excess cold or excessive heat
- Falls and structural hazards
- Fire safety risks
- Electrical hazards
This expansion significantly increases the scope of landlord obligations and strengthens tenants’ rights to safe and habitable homes.
2027: Near full HHSRS coverage
By 2027, Awaab’s Law is expecting to apply to almost all hazards listed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
At this stage, landlords may be legally required to act within fixed timescales for nearly all health and safety risks identified in a property.
Does Awaab’s Law apply to private landlords?
At present, Awaab’s Law applies only to social housing. However, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has already created the legal framework to extend similar obligations to the private rented sector.
Legal advice on Awaab’s Law
GLP Solicitors act for social housing tenants, including those renting from local councils and housing associations, who have been affected by damp, mould, and other serious housing hazards. Where landlords fail to comply with their legal duties under Awaab’s Law, tenants may be entitled to compensation for disrepair, inconvenience, and the impact on their health and wellbeing.
Our solicitors provide clear advice on enforcing landlord obligations, securing urgent repairs, and pursuing compensation where appropriate. Understanding how Awaab’s Law applies at each stage of its rollout is essential when assessing liability and protecting tenants’ rights.
If you’re a council or housing association tenant dealing with housing disrepair, contact our team to evaluate your case.
Visit our specialised website: Tenant Compensation Claims against Landlords in Manchester and across the UK