Does Awaab's Law apply to housing associations?

Yes, where the housing association is a private registered provider of social housing in England. Phase 1 covers emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards that are within the landlord's responsibility and control.

Can I claim against my housing association?

Potentially. A claim depends on the applicable duty, the defect, landlord knowledge, time allowed to respond, causation and loss. Complaints and Ombudsman remedies may also be available.

Must I finish the complaints process before obtaining legal advice?

No. Complaints are often useful, but urgent safety, possession or limitation issues may require immediate advice. Court rules expect parties to consider resolution before proceedings where appropriate.

Housing Association Disrepair Claims: Rights and Next Steps

Can I make a disrepair claim against a housing association?

Potentially, yes. Housing associations can owe repairing duties under the tenancy, section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the fitness-for-human-habitation provisions. A viable claim normally requires a defect within the landlord's responsibility, knowledge or notice, a failure to act within the legally relevant period, and resulting loss or harm.

Does Awaab's Law cover housing association homes?

Yes, if the landlord is a private registered provider of social housing in England. Current government guidance expressly includes registered housing associations within “social landlords”.

Phase 1 has applied since 27 October 2025. It covers all emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards where the deficiency is within the social landlord's responsibility and control. See our Awaab's Law deadline guide for the precise investigation, safety-work and written-summary duties.

What should I report to the housing association?

Identify the affected rooms, defect, health or safety risk, when it began and any vulnerable household member. Ask for a repair reference and confirm telephone reports in writing. Report worsening conditions again rather than assuming the first job remains correctly categorised.

Should I use the housing association's complaints procedure?

Usually, yes. A formal complaint can address missed appointments, poor communication, incomplete works and requested remedies. Ask for a written response at each stage. If the internal process does not resolve the matter, the Housing Ombudsman may investigate service failure and recommend remedies.

A complaint and a court claim are different routes. The Ombudsman considers landlord service and fairness; a court determines legal liability and remedies. Get advice where the condition is dangerous, a court deadline may be approaching or possession proceedings exist.

What evidence strengthens the case?

Dated photos and videos before and after attempted works.
Repair references, messages, complaint responses and inspection reports.
A chronology of appointments, access and recurring defects.
Receipts for reasonable losses and evidence of damaged belongings.
Relevant medical evidence where health has been affected.

Use the full disrepair evidence checklist.

What outcomes may be available?

Depending on the route and facts, outcomes may include completed repairs, safety measures, alternative accommodation, an apology, complaint compensation, damages or a court order. None is guaranteed, and the same loss cannot normally be recovered twice.

What if the problem is an emergency?

Use the housing association's emergency reporting channel immediately. Where there is immediate danger, contact emergency services or the relevant utility emergency service. Legal claims and complaints should not delay action needed to protect health or life.

This article provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice on any specific case. Awaab's Law Claims Specialists is a trading name of Driscoll Kingston & Co Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 839699).