Landlord and Tenant Update (England): The Implementation of Awaab’s Law
20 February 2025
Awaab Ishak passed away in December 2020 of a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to black mould in his family home. The family home was a one-bedroom flat in a purpose built blocked owned by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.
Following Awaab’s death the Conservative Government introduced Awaab’s Law in July 2023 in the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. Awaab’s Law will require landlords to remedy reported health hazards within specified timeframes. This obligation will become an implied term in all social housing tenancy agreements.
In a written statement, Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government, announced the timescales for the phased implementation of Awaab’s Law. The proposed phasing will take place as follows:
- From October 2025: social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants, within fixed timescales. Emergency repairs, whether relating to damp or mould or any other hazard, must be addressed as soon as possible and within no longer than 24 hours.
- In 2026: these requirements will apply to a wider range of hazards likely to include excess cold and heat, falls, structural collapse, fire, electrical and explosions and hygiene hazards.
- In 2027: the requirements will apply to the remaining hazards in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005.
For private landlords, Awaab’s Law will be extended to the private sector via the Renter’s Rights Bill. Once passed, the Government will enter into consultation regarding the implementation of Awaab’s Law. It’s anticipated that the Renter’s Rights Bill will receive Royal Assent and become law within the next few months.
The introduction of an obligation to remedy a hazard within a specific timeframe will impact both landlords and letting agents, and will no doubt require changes to be made to the way tenant complaints are addressed.
If you have any queries or concerns about your repairing obligations, or require any assistance in relation to a tenancy dispute please don’t hesitate to contact our Dispute Resolution team. Link to dispute resolution page
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.