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Navigating Awaab’s Law: What Private & Social Landlords Need To Know

Housing Industry PAS2035

Navigating Awaab's Law: What Private & Social Landlords Need To Know

On October 27, 2025, England introduced Awaab’s Law. Explore our Awaab's law: Guide for Social & Private landlords

Awwab's Law for social & private landlords

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 – To begin with, widespread mould growth or persistent damp can lead to or worsen serious respiratory problems, infections, and other long-term health risks.
  2. Structural Failures – In addition, any situation where parts of the building — such as the roof, walls, or floors — are unstable or at risk of collapse represents an immediate danger to occupants.
  3. Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide – Furthermore, leaks or faulty gas appliances can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions, requiring urgent attention.
  4. Electrical Hazards – Similarly, exposed wires, damaged circuits, or faulty electrical systems can cause electric shocks or fires, posing a significant threat to safety.
  5. Severe Water Leaks or Flooding – Water ingress from burst pipes, roof leaks, or flooding can quickly compromise a property’s structural integrity and endanger tenants.
  6. Severe Pest Infestations – Finally, infestations of rodents or insects can spread disease and create serious health hazards, particularly when left untreated.

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 covers only social landlords, private landlords still need to prepare. Similarly, the Renters' Rights Bill imposes relevant obligations directly on private landlords. The government plans to implement these changes by mid-2026 (The Times), so private landlords must actively consider the suggestions outlined in this 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 also 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 To Stay Compliant With Awaab's Law

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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