Omanghana
The UK Government has launched a consultation on extending Awaab’s Law to England’s private rented sector, aiming to require landlords to investigate and address dangerous housing conditions within legally enforceable deadlines.
Announced on October 8, 2026, the consultation will determine how protections already operating in social housing should apply to the country’s 11 million private renters. It closes on December 18, 2026.
Ministers are also considering coverage for temporary accommodation, supported housing and homes for care leavers. Together, the proposed extensions could increase the number of protected households from around four million to nine million.
The private-sector deadlines and implementation timetable remain subject to consultation. The announcement therefore does not immediately impose the social housing repair timetable on private landlords.
However, existing enforcement powers remain available. Since June 22, 2026, councils have been able to impose penalties of up to £7,000 where landlords’ rented properties contain serious hazards. The government says these measures address dangerous conditions, including damp and mould.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said the planned extension would give private tenants protections comparable to those available in social housing.
Awaab’s Law is named after Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old boy who died in 2020 following prolonged exposure to mould in his home. Its first social housing phase took effect on October 31, 2025, introducing strict requirements for addressing serious damp and mould and emergency hazards.
Source: Omanghana
