Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.
Awaab's Law Consultation for Private Landlords Closes 18 December 2026
The government's consultation on extending Awaab's Law to private rented tenancies closes at 11.59pm on 18 December 2026. The answers will shape how quickly private landlords must investigate hazards, how fast they must make homes safe, and whether they could be required to rehouse tenants at their own cost.
The consultation, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), is open for responses. It seeks views on how Awaab's Law would work in the private rented sector, following its introduction in social housing.
For letting agents and inventory clerks, the outcome will be critical. The new rules could impose strict timelines on landlords for investigating and remedying hazards such as damp and mould. That will affect property management procedures, including how quickly repairs are reported, assessed and completed. Inventory clerks may need to adapt their inspection processes so potential hazards are identified and documented promptly, as these records could become key evidence of compliance with future legal requirements.
The consultation questions will determine the specific repair deadlines private landlords must meet. The government is also considering whether landlords should bear the cost of rehousing tenants if a property is found to be unsafe, which could have significant financial implications for landlords and the letting agents who manage their properties.
With the consultation open until 11.59pm on 18 December 2026, letting agents and inventory clerks can still respond. Doing so is a chance to shape the final rules and ensure they are workable for the private rented sector. The answers will directly influence how quickly landlords must act to investigate hazards and make homes safe, as well as any potential rehousing obligations.
Source: Property118