Awaab's Law to Extend Safety Protections for Millions of Renters

The UK Government has launched a consultation to extend the protections of Awaab's Law to private renters, potentially benefiting over 5 million additional households. This initiative aims to address severe housing issues, such as damp and mould, by imposing stricter legal deadlines on landlords for repairs.

Awaab's Law, named in memory of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died in 2020 due to exposure to dangerous damp and mould, was introduced last year to improve standards in social housing. The current consultation seeks to expand these protections to private renters, homeless families, care leavers, and individuals in supported housing.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized the importance of safe and decent homes for all renters, stating, "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." The proposed changes could double the number of households protected by repair timelines from 4 million to approximately 9 million.

Expanding Protections

The consultation will explore how Awaab's Law can be applied to various types of accommodation, including temporary housing for homeless individuals and families, accommodation for young people leaving care, and supported housing for vulnerable populations. The consultation is set to close on December 18, 2026, and will inform the implementation timeline for these new protections.

The Renters' Rights Act, which complements Awaab's Law, has already introduced significant changes, such as making eviction without reason illegal and allowing tenants to challenge above-market rent increases in court. Additionally, landlords of properties with serious hazards face fines of up to £7,000.

Support for the Initiative

The initiative has received support from various organizations. Holly Williamson, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, expressed satisfaction with the government's progress, stating, "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."

Francesca Albanese, Director of Policy & Social Change at Crisis, highlighted the importance of safe housing for all, including those in temporary accommodations. "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," she said.

Clara Collingwood, Director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, also welcomed the consultation, emphasizing that no one should live in a home that endangers their health, regardless of whether they rent from the council or private landlords.

The UK Government's move to extend Awaab's Law reflects a commitment to improving housing conditions for millions of renters across the country, ensuring that all individuals have access to safe and healthy living environments.