The government has announced plans to extend Awaab’s law to private rentals, potentially more than doubling the number of households legally entitled to fast damp and mould repairs.
A consultation launched this week on how best to implement the law for an estimated 5m private rental households.
‘Awaab’s Law’ is named for two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died tragically in 2020 as a result of a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home.
The law, which protects tenants by setting legal deadlines for repairs on severe damp and mould, came into force in the social housing sector last October.
Under the consultation launched this week private landlords would be forced to quickly fix dangers like severe damp and mould.
It will consider how Awaab’s Law can be enforced for private renters and look into future plans to enforce it for temporary accommodation for homeless people and families, accommodation for young people leaving care, and supported housing.
The plans to introduce Awaab’s Law could more than double the number of households protected by new timescales for repairs from 4m to around 9m 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.
“Bringing Awaab’s Law to millions more people are commitments in the Renters’ Rights Act and the National Plan to End Homelessness. The changes will help provide the decent, safe and secure homes that people need to get on in life, ensuring repairs for the most dangerous conditions are never compromised.”
The government estimates that one in 10 private rented homes have a hazard of the most serious level. The Renters’ Rights Act recently introduced fines of up to £7,000 if serious dangers are found.
The consultation closes on 18 December 2026.
Extending Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies and to licences
