Awaab's Law: The New 24-Hour and 5-Day Deadlines for Social Landlords
Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, this landmark law gives you powerful new rights to force your landlord to fix dangerous damp and mould.
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The Strict New Timeframes Your Landlord Must Follow
Under Awaab's Law, social landlords face legally binding deadlines. Failure to comply is a direct breach of your tenancy.
* Working days exclude weekends and bank holidays
The Power of Awaab's Law: Your Landlord Must Act
When a social landlord fails to meet these statutory deadlines, they are in direct breach of contract. This dramatically strengthens your position if you need to take legal action.
- Clear, legally enforceable timeframes
- No more excuses or indefinite delays
- Strong grounds for court action if ignored
- Right to compensation for landlord failures
Your Social Housing Tenant Rights
Under Awaab's Law
Who Does Awaab's Law Apply To?
Does Awaab's Law Apply to Private Landlords or Private Tenants?
Not under the current social-housing regulations. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 provides for a future private-sector extension, but the Government roadmap places it in Phase 3 with the commencement date still to be confirmed. Private landlords already have separate repair, fitness and safety duties.
Does Awaab's Law Apply to Leaseholders or Shared Owners?
It generally does not cover owner-occupied accommodation held under a long lease, including most shared-ownership arrangements. Responsibility for building repairs may instead depend on the lease, freeholder duties and other housing or building-safety law.
Does Awaab's Law Apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. The current regulations apply in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own housing standards, tenancy law and enforcement systems, so English Awaab's Law deadlines should not be presented as applying throughout the UK.
What Is Awaab's Law Phase 2?
Phase 2 is scheduled for 30 November 2026 and will extend the statutory response framework to further specified housing hazards. Until commencement, existing repair, fitness, regulatory and council-enforcement duties still apply.
When Does Awaab's Law Phase 2 Start?
Phase 2 starts on 30 November 2026 for relevant social housing in England. It does not bring the private rented sector into the social-housing timetable.
Which Hazards Are Covered by Awaab's Law Phase 2?
Where they present a significant risk of harm, Phase 2 adds excess cold and excess heat; falls involving baths, level surfaces, stairs or changes of level; structural collapse and explosions; fire and electrical hazards; and domestic hygiene and food-safety hazards. Emergency versions of these hazards were already within Phase 1.
What If My Social Landlord Cannot Make My Home Safe in Time?
If an in-scope emergency or significant hazard cannot be made safe within the applicable deadline, the social landlord must offer suitable alternative accommodation until the home is safe. Keep written records of the report, investigation, safety measures and any accommodation offered. Read the temporary accommodation guide for suitability, refusal and expense questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Awaab's Law
Get answers to the most common questions about the Awaab Ishak's Law and your rights as a tenant.
Check Whether We Can Help
Get a free, no-obligation consultation. Whether you're dealing with damp, mould, a broken boiler, or structural problems — we'll assess your case and explain your options.
- Free initial consultation – no cost, no commitment
- Conditional Fee Agreements may be available for eligible claims
- We aim to respond within one working day
- Legal services provided by an SRA-regulated firm
- We explain legal claims and free complaint routes
Did you know? Under the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims (England), parties are expected to exchange information and try to resolve suitable claims before court proceedings. Different or urgent routes may apply.
