Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Gov.UK Housing. Read the original article for full details.
Awaab's Law Consultation Opens to Private Landlords in England
A government consultation is now open on how to implement Awaab's Law for private renters, with the aim of forcing landlords to quickly fix dangers such as severe damp and mould. Extending the law to private renters and other accommodation could more than double the number of households protected by new repair timescales, from 4 million to around 9 million homes.
Landlords must already act on hazards if they are found to be significant and seriously threaten tenants' health and safety. Awaab's Law was introduced to social housing last year, setting legal deadlines for landlords to fix dangerous damp and mould. The consultation will look at how it is introduced for private renters and what other types of accommodation should benefit in future, such as temporary accommodation for homeless people and families, accommodation for young people leaving care, and supported housing where many elderly, disabled and other vulnerable people live.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: "Irrespective of tenure, all renters have the right to live in a safe and decent home and have complaints responded to in a timely manner. Awaab's Law is already helping to drive up standards in the social housing sector. We're now moving to extend it to private landlords so that England's 11 million private renters can enjoy the same protections."
He added: "Bringing Awaab's Law to millions more people are commitments in the Renters' Rights Act and the National Plan to End Homelessness. The changes will help provide the decent, safe and secure homes that people need to get on in life, ensuring repairs for the most dangerous conditions are never compromised."
Around one in 10 private rented homes have a hazard at the most serious level (category 1), which already requires landlords to act. The Renters' Rights Act recently introduced fines of up to £7,000 if these serious dangers are found. Awaab's Law will go even further by forcing quick action on them.
The consultation closes on 18 December 2026 and will help inform how Awaab's Law is implemented in the private rented sector, including the timescale for these new protections to come into force. Significant changes brought in by the Renters' Rights Act this year already allow private tenants to raise issues without fearing repercussions, like eviction for no reason which is now illegal or above-market rent increases which can now be challenged in court.
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, said: "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 de"
Source: Gov.UK Housing