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Awaab’s Law: A Comprehensive Guide for Social and Private Landlords

Housing Industry PAS2035

Cyd Innovation’s Guide for Social and Private Landlords

On October 27, 2025, England introduced Awaab’s Law.

A landmark legislation with the objective of ensuring rented homes are free from ANY health & safety hazards. While the law currently applies only to social landlords, private landlords are expected to face similar obligations starting in 2026. Cyd Innovation’s “Awaab’s Law: Private Landlords & Social Landlords’ Guide” provides an overview of the new regulations, their implications for both social and private landlords, and our take on the best steps to stay ahead, and stay compliant.

Key Provisions for Social Landlords (Effective from October 27, 2025)

  • Emergency Hazards: Addressed within 24 hours of being reported.

Under Awaab’s Law, emergency hazards are considered:

  1. Damp and Mould – Widespread mould growth or damp that can cause or exacerbate serious respiratory problems, infections, or other health risks
  2. Structural Failures – Situations where parts of the building (roof, walls, floors) are at risk of collapse or pose imminent danger
  3. Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide – Leaks or faulty gas appliances that could lead to poisoning or explosions.
  4. Electrical Hazards – Live wires, faulty circuits, or exposed electrics that pose risk of shock or fire.
  5. Severe Water Leaks / Flooding – Water ingress from burst pipes or roof leaks that threatens structural integrity or tenant safety
  6. Pest Infestations (Severe) – Infestations of rodents or insects that pose serious health risks.

The complaints above must be investigated within 10 working days of notification. With action being taken within 5 working days AFTER investigation. Communicating (Written findings) must be provided to tenant within 3 working days of inspection.

Landlords must consider the risks specifically to vulnerable tenants, and provide alternative accommodation when necessary. Non-compliance can result in court action, fines, and compensation orders. These regulations are detailed further in the Hazards in Social Housing Regulations 2025.

🏢 Awaab’s Law: Private Landlords Implications

While Awaab’s Law currently applies only to social landlords, private landlords are still expected to prepare. Similar, more relevant obligations extend onto Private landlords, from the Renters’ Rights Bill. The government has committed to implementing these changes by mid 2026 (The Times) so, it is pivotal private landlords still account for the suggestions made within the article.

Expected Provisions for Private Landlords under Awaab’s Law

  • Hazard Remediation: Private landlords will be required to address damp, mould, and other serious hazards.. The Key provisions identified earlier in the article should act as a baseline.
  • Investigation and Reporting: Similar to social landlords, private landlords may need to investigate complaints within a set period and provide written findings to tenants.
  • Enforcement: Non-compliance could lead to legal actions, fines, and compensation claims.

These provisions are an effort to reform the private rented sector, improving housing conditions and for the protection of tenants.

🛠 Steps Social and Private Landlords Should Take

For Social Landlords

  1. Review and Update Policies: Ensure that your organisation’s policies align with new regulations. Particularly acting within specified timeframes, thus, contingency plans and time of responsiveness must be effective, and thoroughly considered.
  2. Staff Training: Train staff to recognise and respond to damp and mould issues promptly, as two of the many issues to consider. Furthermore, training to identify relevant issues will create consistency in identification, where protocol can arise.
  3. Tenant Communication: Establish clear communication channels to inform tenants about their rights and the procedures for reporting hazards. Go beyond this by reassuring tenants that issues WILL be rectified, and the method to follow to ensure complete transparency.
  4. Documentation: Maintain thorough records of inspections, actions taken, and communications with tenants to ensure compliance and facilitate accountability.

For Private Landlords

  1. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of developments related to the Renters’ Rights Bill and prepare for the forthcoming regulations, by remaining hypersensitive.
  2. Conduct Property Inspections: Regularly inspect properties for signs of damp, mould and other hazards.
  3. Implement Preventative Measures: Consider installing ventilation systems and dehumidifiers to prevent damp and mould growth. Read more on preventative measures for further possible issues to watch out for. Stay educated.
  4. Tenant Education: Educate tenants on maintaining their living spaces and reporting issues promptly. Again, the short guide by Centre For Sustainable Energy shows tips and tricks on preventative methods.
  5. Prepare for Compliance: Develop internal procedures to ensure timely investigation and remediation of hazards once the regulations come into effect.

⚖️ Penalties For Non Compliance

Both social and private landlords may face significant penalties for non-compliance with Awaab’s Law.

  • Fines: Up to £40,000 for severe infractions, as stipulated in the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.
  • Court Action: Legal proceedings initiated by tenants or regulatory bodies.
  • Compensation Orders: Landlords may be required to compensate tenants for harm caused by hazardous living conditions, the quantitative amount will vary depending on the degree of harm.
  • Loss of Rent: In cases where properties are deemed uninhabitable, landlords may forfeit rental income for the specified property.

Awaab’s Law: Looking Ahead and Cyd Innovation’s Thoughts

The introduction of Awaab’s Law marks a significant shift towards prioritising tenant health and safety in the UK housing sector. While the immediate impact is on social landlords, private landlords should also proactively prepare for the upcoming changes to ensure compliance and continue providing safe, habitable homes for their tenants.

For more detailed information and guidance, landlords can refer to the official government publications and resources:

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