Awaab's Law Repair Timeframes and Deadlines
Awaab's Law sets four fixed deadlines for social landlords: 24 hours to make emergency hazards safe, 10 working days to investigate reported hazards, 5 working days to begin repair works, and 12 weeks to complete all repairs. These are legally enforceable.
Emergency Hazards — 24 Hours
Category 1 hazards posing imminent risk must be made safe within 24 hours. This includes gas leaks, broken boilers in winter, severe electrical faults, and dangerous mould levels.
Investigation — 10 Working Days
All reported hazards must be formally investigated within 10 working days of the tenant's report.
Repairs Started — 5 Working Days
Once a hazard is confirmed, repair works must begin within 5 working days.
All Works Completed — 12 Weeks
All repair works must be fully completed within 12 weeks of the initial report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact Awaab's Law deadlines?
24 hours for emergencies, 10 working days to investigate, 5 working days to begin repairs, 12 weeks to complete all works.
Are these deadlines legally binding?
Yes. These are statutory deadlines enforceable through the courts. Missing them exposes landlords to legal action and compensation claims.
What counts as an emergency under Awaab's Law?
Gas leaks, broken boilers in winter, severe electrical faults, dangerous levels of mould, and any hazard posing imminent risk to health.
Do weekends count towards the deadlines?
Investigation and repair deadlines count working days only. The 24-hour emergency deadline is calendar hours.
What happens if the landlord misses a deadline?
The tenant can take legal action to force repairs and claim compensation for the breach period.
