Government will take a flexible ‘test and learn’ approach to Awaab’s law, Angela Rayner has said.

The government yesterday laid regulations before parliament to bring the first phase of the law into effect on 27 October.

Social landlords will have to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk to tenants to fixed timescales. They will also have to address all emergency repairs for damp and mould and other hazards within 24 hours. The law will then in 2026 be extended to other hazards, including  excess cold and excess heat; falls; structural collapse; fire; electrical and explosions; and hygiene hazards. In 2027 it will be extended to all remaining hazards in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, excluding overcrowding.