Awaab’s Law: What Private Landlords Need to Know
Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in 2020, which was caused by prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his home. The case brought national attention to the serious health risks associated with poor housing conditions and has led to significant changes in how landlords are expected to respond to these issues. The law forms part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and is intended to ensure that tenants are not left living in unsafe environments.
At present, Awaab’s Law applies to social housing landlords and introduces strict requirements around how quickly hazards must be dealt with. This includes investigating reports of damp and mould within a defined timeframe, carrying out necessary repairs promptly, and maintaining clear communication with tenants throughout the process. The aim is to create a more accountable system where serious issues are treated with urgency and transparency, reducing the risk of long-term harm to tenants.
Although the legislation is currently focused on the social housing sector, it is highly relevant to private landlords as it signals a clear shift in expectations across the entire rental market. There is increasing pressure on all landlords to ensure that properties are maintained to a high standard and that any issues affecting tenant health are addressed without delay. In many cases, local authorities are already taking a more proactive approach to enforcement, particularly where vulnerable tenants or persistent disrepair are involved.
Private landlords should also be aware that they are already bound by existing laws that require properties to be safe and fit for habitation. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 place clear obligations on landlords to deal with hazards such as damp, mould, structural issues, and inadequate ventilation. Awaab’s Law strengthens the wider legal framework by reinforcing the importance of acting quickly and responsibly when problems are reported.
Under the framework of the Renters’ Rights Act, Awaab’s Law will require private landlords to investigate reported health hazards promptly and to carry out necessary repairs within a set period once a problem has been identified. Where there is a significant risk to a tenant’s health or safety, landlords will be expected to act much more quickly, reflecting the urgency of the situation. This marks a shift away from the previous system, where tenants often had to rely on general fitness standards or local authority enforcement, which could be slow and inconsistent.
However, although the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force on 1 May 2026, the extension of Awaab’s Law to private landlords will not be fully operational from that exact date. Instead, the Act provides the legal basis for these requirements, with the detailed rules, including exact response and repair times, expected to be introduced through secondary legislation after further consultation. This means the duties are confirmed in principle, but the precise obligations will be rolled out in stages.
Once fully implemented, Awaab’s Law in the private rented sector is expected to introduce a more structured and time-bound approach to property conditions. Landlords will no longer be able to delay addressing serious hazards without consequence, and tenants will have clearer rights when it comes to having issues resolved within a reasonable and legally defined timeframe. The overall aim is to ensure that homes in the private rented sector meet basic health and safety standards and that problems affecting tenants’ wellbeing are dealt with quickly and effectively.
Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should seek professional advice to ensure compliance with current and future legislation.