The second phase of Awaab’s Law will come into effect on 30 November 2026, ensuring that more dangerous hazards in social housing are fixed quickly.
The new rules for landlords will mean that more hazards that pose an immediate danger to social housing tenants must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours. These include electrical faults, risk of falling, structural defects, excess cold and heat, fire risks and hygiene issues such as pest infestations.
If any of these problems are serious but not immediately dangerous, landlords are still required to act quickly, investigating within 10 working days, providing a written summary of the issue and a plan to address it within three working days, and carry out urgent safety work within five working days of the investigation, meaning homes should be made safe within 15 days or less.
Longer-term repairs will need to be started within 12 weeks.
In 27 October 2025, the first phase of Awaab’s Law was introduced, requiring social housing landlords to fix dangerous damp and mould to these firm timeframes.
Housing secretary, Steve Reed, said: “Awaab’s Law sends a clear message that tenants’ health and safety can never be compromised.”
“This action will mean dangers have to be dealt with quickly by law, protecting tenants’ rights to a safe and decent home.”
In April, the government announced a £2million Social Housing Innovation Fund with the aim of improving the experiences of tenants by helping them confidently exercise their rights and raise concerns.
The third and final phase of Awaab’s Law will be introduced in 2027, extending to all remaining hazards in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, except overcrowding.
Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: “The safety of homes is housing associations’ top priority. We welcome the publication of this guidance, which gives housing associations more clarity over the next phase of Awaab’s Law and time to prepare for its implementation.”
“We and our members have engaged with the government throughout the development of Awaab’s Law to ensure it achieves the best outcomes for residents and is deliverable for housing associations, and we will continue to work with the government on these important measures.”
