More than five million additional households could benefit from stronger protections against dangerous housing conditions under government plans to extend Awaab’s Law to private renters and other vulnerable groups.
A consultation has opened to examine how the law should be implemented in the private rented sector, with proposals also covering temporary accommodation for homeless families, housing for care leavers and supported housing.
The consultation is made up of three parts:
1. Applying Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies.
2. Applying Awaab’s Law to accommodation occupied under licence. This includes:
- supported housing
- temporary accommodation for homeless households
- care leaver accommodation
3. About the impacts and costs of applying Awaab’s Law.
Awaab’s Law sets legal deadlines for landlords to investigate and repair serious hazards, including dangerous damp and mould. It was introduced in social housing following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, after prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s home.
The law is already in force for social housing tenants, with the first phase taking effect on 31st October 2025 and covering severe damp and mould. Subject to parliamentary approval, a second phase is due to begin on 30th November 2026, extending protections to other serious hazards, including electrical dangers, excess cold and falls. A final phase is planned for 2027.
The consultation will help determine how the rules apply to private landlords, which other accommodation types should be included and when the new protections should take effect. It closes on 18ht December 2026.
The government said the changes form part of commitments under the Renters’ Rights Act and the National Plan to End Homelessness, aiming to ensure that dangerous housing conditions are addressed quickly.
Around one in 10 privately rented homes has a category one hazard, the most serious level under the housing safety rating system. Landlords are already required to act on these hazards and can face enforcement action if they fail to do so. Recent changes under the Renters’ Rights Act also introduced fines of up to £7,000 where serious dangers are found.
Holly Williamson, chief executive of Generation Rent, said: ‘Homes are the foundations of our lives. But too many renters live in homes that are harmful to our health and often wait months for landlords to act on issues. We’re pleased to see the government moving forward with bringing in Awaab’s Law. It must be put in action as soon as possible to make sure every renter can live in a good quality home.’
Francesca Albanese, Director of Policy & Social Change at Crisis, added: ‘With millions of people renting privately across England, it’s crucial that tenants have a safe place to call home and that hazards like damp and mould are dealt with quickly.
‘At Crisis, we directly support people who are homeless and are being forced to live in unsuitable temporary accommodation, like hostels and B&Bs, which can often be damp, mouldy and harmful to their health. We therefore welcome action to improve housing standards for everyone, including those having to live in temporary accommodation while they wait for a more settled home.’
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