Coming into force later this year, the next phase of the law will help keep more social housing tenants safe
Awaab’s Law Phase 2 was laid out before parliament yesterday and is set to come into effect on 30 November 2026.
The law grants social housing tenants more rights to have serious problems dealt with more quickly, with this phase targeting separate issues to the initial phase which came into effect in October 2025.
Immediate dangers must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours
The second phase of the law covers electrical faults, risks of falling, structural defects, excess cold and heat, fire risks, and pest infestations, among other pest infestations.
Under the new law, landlords will need to address these issues within 24 hours if they present an immediate danger. If they do not present an immediate danger, then landlords must:
- Investigate within 10 working days
- Provide a written summary of the issue and what they intend to do within 3 working days
- Carry out any urgent safety work within 5 working says of the investigation
- Begin any longer-term repairs within 12 weeks
Housing secretary, Steve Reed, said: “Awaab’s Law sends a clear message that tenants’ health and safety can never be compromised. This action will mean dangers have to be dealt with quickly by law, protecting tenants’ rights to a safe and decent home.”
CIH welcomes the new law
The Chartered Institute of Housing has welcomed the law laid before parliament, in a statement saying: “This represents an emerging policy area, and we welcome the government’s recognition that this is an area where the sector and government will need to learn together. As with Phase 1, government has confirmed it will take a test-and-learn approach to implementation and welcomes ongoing feedback to help refine the guidance as it beds in.
“We appreciate that bringing seven hazards into scope simultaneously is a significant step and that there will be learning for the whole sector as the regulations and guidance are applied in practice.
“We are committed to continuing an open and honest dialogue with government and the sector throughout the test-and-learn period, so that it delivers for residents and landlords in practice.”
Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, commented on the announcement: “The extension of Awaab’s Law to these hazards is an important step towards safer, healthier homes for social housing residents. We welcome the collaborative approach government has taken, and the improvements made to the guidance in response to the sector’s input.
“This is a significant and complex undertaking and getting it right in practice will require continued partnership among government, landlords, residents, and sector bodies. CIH is committed to supporting our members to understand and deliver these new duties, and to feeding back openly throughout the test-and-learn phase so the guidance continues to improve.
“As a person-centred piece of policy this is more than compliance; it is also about a culture of listening and acting on residents’ concerns, and that is the work still ahead of us.”
Full, current information on Awaab’s Law can be found here.
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