The government has confirmed the second phase of Awaab’s Law will come into effect from 30th November 2026.
The law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 from living with dangerous damp and mould, has already been in place since 27th October 2025.
So far this has seen social housing landlords required to fix dangerous damp and mould to strict deadlines.
The second phase will see social housing landlords have to answer for a wider range of hazards, such as electrical faults, pest infestation and unsafe stairs.
Awaab’s Law will require these hazards to be investigated and made safe within 24 hours.
If problems are serious but not immediately dangerous, they must still be investigated within 10 working days with a written summary (and proposed remedy) provided within three further days.
Remediation works must be begun within five working days of the investigation, meaning the tenant’s home will be made safe within 15 days.
Longer-term repairs will be mandated to start within 12 weeks.
“Awaab’s Law sends a clear message that tenants’ health and safety can never be compromised,” said housing secretary Steve Reed.
“This action will mean dangers have to be dealt with quickly by law, protecting tenants’ rights to a safe and decent home.”
