You may have seen our previous articles concerning the Renters’ Rights Bill (links below) and how it is set to bring about significant changes to the residential rental market in England.
There are many regulatory and enforcement provisions introduced by the Bill such as the extension of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector.
Awaab’s Law will impose a higher burden on private landlords to remedy unacceptable living conditions for tenants. This is following the death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died due to prolonged exposure to black mould in his family’s social housing.
Although many landlords act promptly when tenants have complaints about their living conditions, the legislation acts as a legal backstop to ensure that the landlords who are not complying with their regulatory duties make repairs promptly to ensure tenants are not left at risk.
What does this mean for private landlords?
Awaab’s Law is expected to come into force on 27 October 2025, although only affecting social landlords for the time being. Social landlords will have to address all emergency hazards which includes mould and damp hazards that could be a significant risk to the health of tenants. Landlords will have to attend to such emergency hazards within strict set timeframes.
The legislation provides that where landlords are not able to carry out the relevant safety work, they will have to provide alternative suitable accommodation for the tenants at their own expense.
However, as above, Awaab’s Law will be extended, by the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill, to private landlords. The Renters Rights Bill is expected to become law in late 2025 or early 2026, but there is still no definitive enactment date. Timescales have also not yet been confirmed in respect of when private landlords will need to start complying with Awaab’s Law, or in what timescales they will be required to rectify any hazards.
Presently, private landlords are being actively encouraged to consider the current state of their rental properties and start to make the necessary preparations for when Awaab’s Law begins to apply to the private rented sector.
If landlords do not meet the regulatory requirements set out in Awaab’s Law, tenants will be able to take legal action against them.
You can read the previous articles about the Bill here:
- Navigating the Renters’ Rights Bill
- Renters’ Rights Bill: The changes at a glance
- Renters’ Rights Bill: Obtaining possession
- Renters’ Rights Bill: Private Rented Sector Database and Decent Homes Standard
- Renters’ Rights Bill: Rent review reforms and Rent Repayment Orders
- Renters’ Rights Bill: Regulation and enforcement
Contact us
Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, no matter your circumstances, Ramsdens is happy to provide expert legal advice tailored to your individual needs.
We offer our services throughout the UK, with phone or video consultations, or in person at one of our 11 offices across Yorkshire.
Call us for free on 01484 821 500, or email us at [email protected]
The above article is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any part of the information given.
Furthermore, the information contained is accurate and up to date as of the date of publication. Readers should be aware that legislative frameworks may have been amended since the original date of publication.