In a significant move towards enhancing the safety and well-being of social housing tenants, Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law is set to come into force from 27th October 2025.
The legislation, named after Awwab Ishak, a young boy whose tragic death was linked to unsafe living conditions, aims to fundamentally change the responsibility of landlords across the UK.
Awaab’s Law will come into force for the social rented sector from 27th October 2025, and from this point, social landlords will have to address all emergency hazards and all damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timeframes.
In 2026, the Government will extend regulations to include the following hazards where they present a significant risk of harm:
- excess cold and excess heat
- falls associated with baths, etc., on level surfaces, on stairs, and between levels
- structural collapse, and explosions
- fire, and electrical hazards
- domestic and personal hygiene and food safety
In 2027, the Government will look to extend regulations to all remaining Housing Health and Safety Rating Systems (HHSRS), excluding overcrowding, where they present a significant risk of harm.
If a landlord is found to be in breach of Awaab’s Law, they will face a claim for damages as well as potentially a claim for specific performance to force the landlord to complete the works. The only defence to a claim will be that the landlord used all reasonable endeavours to avoid the breach, and therefore it will be even more important for them to keep clear and accurate records of all efforts made in this respect.
The implementation of Awaab’s Law represents a beacon of hope for tenants in social housing, and we await the full rollout of the legislation for safer, healthier living environments for everyone.
At Box Legal, we consider Housing Disrepair to be an extremely serious issue. We have a number of panel firms that cover these cases, and we have worked with them and with experts to fully understand the case and the needs of the client. To find out more about our ATE policies for Housing Disrepair claims for social housing, contact us.
