More than 5 million additional households could benefit from strict new protections that force landlords to swiftly fix dangers like severe damp and mould, as winter sets in. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed the changes in a recent update, with a consultation now open on how to implement these new rights under Awaab's Law.
What is Awaab's Law?
The protections already cover social housing tenants and came into effect following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, after prolonged exposure to dangerous damp and mould. Last year, Awaab's Law set legal deadlines for social landlords to fix such hazards.
Soon, private renters, homeless families, care leavers and people in supported housing could get faster repairs through legal deadlines set by the law. Currently, private landlords must already act on hazards if they are found to be significant and seriously threaten tenants' health and safety.
Consultation and next steps
The government consultation will examine how the law is introduced for private renters and which other types of accommodation should benefit. These include temporary accommodation for homeless people and families, accommodation for young people leaving care, and supported housing where many elderly, disabled and other vulnerable people live.
"Irrespective of tenure, all renters have the right to live in a safe and decent home and have complaints responded to in a timely manner," said Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook. "Awaab's Law is already helping to drive up standards in the social housing sector. We're now moving to extend it to private landlords so that England's 11 million private renters can enjoy the same protections."
Around one in 10 private rented homes have a hazard at the most serious level (category 1), which already requires landlords to act. Prime Minister Andy Burnham pointed out that landlords renting out homes with the worst conditions already risk enforcement action, as the Renters' Rights Act recently introduced fines of up to £7,000 if these serious dangers are found.
Reaction from housing groups
"Homes are the foundations of our lives. But too many renters live in homes that are harmful to our health and often wait months for landlords to act on issues," said Holly Williamson, Chief Executive of Generation Rent. "We're pleased to see the government moving forward with bringing in Awaab's Law. It must be put in action as soon as possible to make sure every renter can live in a good-quality home."
Francesca Albanese, Director of Policy & Social Change at Crisis, said: "With millions of people renting privately across England, it's crucial that tenants have a safe place to call home and that hazards like damp and mould are dealt with quickly."
The consultation is closing on 18 December 2026 and will help inform how Awaab's Law is implemented in the private rented sector.
