Awaab's Law Expanded: Stricter Rules for Social Landlords from November
UKPulse Property Desk
Social housing landlords will face tougher regulations from 30 November 2026, under an expansion of Awaab's Law. The new rules mandate quicker fixes for hazards like electrical faults and pest infestations, with plans to extend to the private rented sector.
- Phase two of Awaab's Law comes into force on 30 November 2026.
- New rules require social landlords to fix seven types of hazards, including electrical faults, pest infestations, and unsafe stairs.
- Dangerous problems must be made safe within 24 hours; other serious issues have longer, but strict, deadlines.
- The law will also be extended to the private rented sector under the Renters' Rights Act.
- Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasised the protection of tenants' rights to safe homes.
The UK Government has announced an expansion of Awaab's Law, significantly tightening regulations for social landlords to tackle a broader range of hazards. Coming into effect on 30 November 2026, the updated legislation will require quicker investigation and repair times for issues beyond just damp and mould.
Under the new phase, social landlords will be legally bound to address seven categories of hazards, including risks from falling, structural problems, electrical faults, hygiene issues, excess cold and heat, and fire risks. Landlords will have strict timeframes to investigate and rectify these issues: 24 hours for the most hazardous problems, and a maximum of 12 weeks for longer-term repairs.
The updated law aims to provide tenants with greater protection against a wider range of safety concerns. Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that Awaab's Law sends a clear message that tenants' health and safety will never be compromised, adding that this expansion ensures dangers are dealt with quickly by law.
Industry bodies have welcomed the move, with the Chartered Institute of Housing and the National Housing Federation praising the Government for its collaborative approach and the clarity provided on the new guidelines. They reiterate that prioritising tenants' safety remains a top concern in social housing management.
Why this matters: This expansion of Awaab's Law is crucial for improving safety and living conditions for millions of social housing tenants across the UK. It sets clear, legally binding deadlines for landlords to fix a range of serious hazards, aiming to prevent tragedies and ensure decent homes.
What this means for you: What this means for you: If you are a social housing tenant, your landlord will now be legally required to address a wider array of hazards in your home, from electrical faults to pest infestations, within strict, quicker timeframes, significantly enhancing your safety and living standards.