Awaab’s Law: What phase two means for tenants | Tenant news

You might remember that the first part of Awaab’s Law, a law that requires all social housing landlords to investigate and fix serious hazards in the home within set timeframes, came into effect in October 2025.

In that first phase, the focus was on damp and mould. It set clear expectations for how quickly landlords must investigate and deal with serious cases, helping to ensure issues that affect tenants’ health are sorted out.

What’s changing?

Further updates will be introduced from 30 November 2026 as part of phase two of the law, which will cover a wider range of hazards:

• Excess cold
• Excess heat
• Slips and falls
• Fire and explosions
• Electrical hazards
• Domestic hygiene and pests
• Structural collapse.

As in phase one we must take regular action to ensure you’re safe in your home when hazards of this kind arise. We’ll be expected to:

• Investigate and make a property with an immediate danger safe within 24 hours.
• Investigate serious but non-emergency hazards within 10 working days.
• Provide residents with a written summary of findings and the actions we will take to fix issues within three working days of an investigation.
• Complete urgent safety works within five working days of the investigation.
• Begin longer-term remedial works within 12 weeks.
  
  

Overall, these changes are designed to ensure health and safety hazards are investigated and dealt with sooner, you’re given clearer updates about what is happening and you’re told what you can expect to happen next.

There’ll also be a focus on following up with tenants to ensure actions taken are completed to a high standard, and are not just a temporary fix.

What is Habinteg doing?

Russell Grainge, Executive Director of Assets and Development, said: “At Habinteg, we’re continuing to build on the changes introduced during phase 1 of Awaab’s Law. We’re reviewing our policies and processes to make sure they reflect the latest requirements, while improving how we track repairs and monitor response times.

“We’re also working closely with our contractors to ensure work is completed to a high standard and that you are kept informed throughout.

“Staff training also remains a key focus, helping teams to identify hazards early and respond quickly and appropriately. Alongside this, we’re making it as straight-forward as possible for tenants to report concerns and access support.”

Report issues early

If you notice something in your home that could affect your health or safety, don't wait for it to get worse.

The sooner you report concerns such as damp and mould, electrical issues, structural damage or other hazards, the sooner we can investigate and take the right action.

Contact our Customer Services Team on 0300 365 3100, email direct@habinteg.org.uk. For damp and mould concerns, you can also fill in and submit the form on our website at www.habinteg.org.uk/mould-and-condensation.

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