New safety regulations are set to transform millions of lives in social housing across the UK from November 30, 2026. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died due to prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his home, Awaab's Law is designed to prevent similar tragedies by cracking down on hazards such as electrical faults, falling risks, structural defects and more.
Since its introduction last October, the law has already focused on tackling deadly damp and mould. But from next year, landlords will be held accountable for swiftly addressing seven additional categories of hazards that pose a significant threat to tenants' health and wellbeing. These include electrical faults, falling risks, structural defects, issues related to excess cold and heat, fire risks, and hygiene problems such as pest infestations.
Under the new rules, landlords will have tight deadlines for investigating and resolving hazards: 24 hours for immediate dangers, 10 working days for investigations, three working days for written summaries of planned actions, five working days for urgent safety work to commence, with homes made safe within 15 days or less. Longer-term repairs are expected to begin within 12 weeks.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed hailed the law as a clear message that tenant health and safety will no longer be compromised. The government is also backing improvements in the social housing sector through initiatives like the £2 million Social Housing Innovation Fund, which trials new methods to empower tenants, and the Social Housing Bill, aiming to strengthen protections for those facing domestic abuse.
The regulations have been laid in Parliament today, 13 July 2026, accompanied by new guidance to assist landlords. Gavin Smart of the Chartered Institute of Housing welcomed the collaborative approach, highlighting that Awaab's Law marks a shift towards listening to residents' needs. National Housing Federation Chief Executive Kate Henderson also acknowledged the importance of the guidance in providing clarity for housing associations.
The third and final phase of Awaab's Law is planned for 2027, which will further extend protections to almost all remaining hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, excluding overcrowding.