The government has opened a consultation on extending Awaab’s Law to private rented homes in England. Its announcement on 8 October says the consultation will help decide how the new repair rules should work and when they should begin.
Awaab’s Law sets deadlines for landlords to deal with dangerous housing conditions. It already applies in England’s social housing sector. The new consultation concerns bringing those protections to private renting, including faster action on serious hazards such as severe damp and mould.
The consultation closes on 18 December 2026. The final repair timescales and start date for private rented homes remain to be settled. The announcement therefore does not introduce a new repair deadline for private landlords today.
The government is also considering whether other accommodation should be included, such as temporary accommodation for homeless families, supported housing and homes for young people leaving care.
Private landlords’ existing responsibilities to deal with serious hazards continue. If a tenant reports a dangerous condition, the consultation is not a reason to delay addressing it. Our report on England’s housing-hazards guide explains the range of risks assessed in rented homes.
Source
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: announcement on extending Awaab’s Law, published 8 October 2026.
