Proposals could more than double number of protected households from four to nine million
The government has opened a consultation on how Awaab’s Law can be extended to cover other types of accommodation on top of social housing.
This includes private rented homes, temporary accommodation, supported housing and accommodation for young people leaving care.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 already legislates for the extension of the law into the private rented sector (PRS). The newly opened consultation is seeking views on how to apply it in a way that is “fair, proportionate and effective for both tenants and landlords”, including the timescale for enforcement.
It is also asking for thoughts on whether the law should be implemented for temporary accommodation for homeless people and families, accommodation for young care-leavers and supported housing where many elderly, disabled and vulnerable people live.
Phase one of Awaab’s Law came into force for social landlords last October, requiring them to address reports of damp, mould and serious hazards to fixed timeframes. The second phase will come into effect on 30 November 2026, expanding to cover a wider range of significant hazards such as excess cold and heat, structural collapse and electrical issues.
The government said extending the law to additional types of housing could more than double the number of protected households from four million to around nine million homes.
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.”
According to the government, around 10% of PRS homes have a category one hazard – a hazard at the most serious level – which already requires landlords to act. The Renters’ Rights Act recently introduced fines of up to £7,000 if these dangers are found.
The consultation closes on 18 December 2026.
Several organisations have welcomed the proposals to extend Awaab’s Law to other types of accommodation, including Generation Rent, Crisis and the Renters’ Reform Coalition.
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