The government has announced that Awaab's Law will be extended to private renters, bringing stronger protections to millions of households across the UK. The law, which came into force following a joint Manchester Evening News campaign, legally enforces faster repairs on the most dangerous conditions such as severe damp and mould.
What Awaab's Law currently requires
At present, Awaab's Law requires social landlords to investigate dangerous hazards and act to make social homes safe within legally set timeframes. It was created in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 following prolonged exposure to severe damp and mould.
Following the tragedy, the Manchester Evening News uncovered widespread issues of damp, mould and disrepair on the same estate. The scandal sparked Rochdale Boroughwide Housing into action - but other tenants faced the same issues up and down the country.
Who will benefit from the extension
The new proposals could more than double the number of households protected by Awaab's Law. The government also says these stronger rights could be extended to homeless people and families living in temporary accommodation, homes for young people leaving care and supported housing, where many disabled and elderly people live.
Social housing tenants will also gain more of these protections from November 30 this year, through phase 2 of Awaab's Law being applied to the sector. Private landlords already risk fines of up to £7,000 if a serious hazard is found in their property, a new protection brought in by the Renters' Rights Act.
What hazards are covered
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System lists the types of hazards found in homes. Landlords must act when a hazard is judged to be at the most dangerous 'Category 1' level. Hazards can include dangerous damp and mould, cold homes that cannot be heated properly, electrical faults and issues causing falls and trips.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “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.
“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.”
Consultation and next steps
The government consultation, closing on December 18, 2026, will help inform how Awaab's Law is implemented in the private rented sector, including the timescale for these new protections to come into force.
Significant changes brought in by the Renters' Rights Act this year already empower private tenants to raise issues without fearing repercussions, such as no-fault evictions which is now illegal, or above-market rent increases which can now be challenged in court.
Holly Williamson, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, said: “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. 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.”
Awaab's Law, named in the toddler's honour, came into action in England on October 27 last year. It followed a campaign run by the Manchester Evening News, Shelter, Change.org and the representatives of Awaab's family - backed by MPs and more than 177,000 people who signed the petition.
