Awaab’s Law marked a huge change in social housing safety guidelines when it came into force in November 2025. The UK government has now announced the timeline for implementing Awaab’s Law Phase 2, set to come into effect from 30th November 2026.
What does this mean for social housing providers?
Where Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law covered new timeframes and requirements to respond to hazards, Phase 2 sees the list of hazards covered by the law expand and clarify.
This second phase brings additional reported hazards into the same immediate response times:
- Electrical faults
- Risks of falling
- Structural defects
- Excess cold and heat
- Fire risks
- Pest infestations
Under Phase 2, social landlords will need to address these new hazards within 24 hours if they present immediate danger to the tenants.
If the hazard falls outside of ‘immediate danger’, the countdown for remedial action begins. Landlords must:
- Investigate within 10 working days
- Provide a written summary of the issue and what they intend to do within 3 working days
- Carry out any urgent safety work within 5 working says of the investigation
- Begin any longer-term repairs within 12 weeks
“Awaab’s Law sends a clear message that tenants’ health and safety can never be compromised,” states Housing Secretary Steve Reed. “This action will mean dangers have to be dealt with quickly by law, protecting tenants’ rights to a safe and decent home.”
For support on triaging hazards, the government has provided new advice.
