The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak sparked a major overhaul in housing law, leading to Awaab’s Law — a legal framework designed to ensure landlords take swift action on dangerous housing conditions. Initially focused on social housing, Awaab’s Law now extends into the private rented sector thanks to the Renters’ Rights Act, giving private tenants enforceable rights to safe, healthy homes.
For private renters in England, this is a game-changer. Understanding how Awaab’s Law works, what it obliges landlords to do, and how tenants can assert their rights is essential in 2025.
What Private Tenants Need to Know
Under Awaab’s Law, private landlords are legally required to respond to serious hazards — especially damp and mould — within strict deadlines:
- Emergency hazards must be addressed within 24 hours.
- Significant mould or damp issues must be investigated within 10 working days.
- Repairs should start within five working days of the investigation, or landlords must provide temporary accommodation.
- Written updates on findings and actions must be issued to tenants within three working days.
These obligations apply to private rentals under the Renters’ Rights Act, meaning tenants in the private sector now have the same protections social housing tenants enjoy under Awaab’s Law.
Reporting Hazards: Step by Step
Private tenants can take proactive steps to ensure their homes are safe under Awaab’s Law:
- Notify the Landlord in Writing
Always report issues formally. Include photos of mould or damp, dates, and a description of the problem. Written records are essential if legal action becomes necessary.
- Request a Written Update
Landlords must provide a summary of the investigation and planned repairs within three working days.
- Ask for Temporary Accommodation
If the property cannot be made safe quickly, tenants can insist on alternative housing.
- Escalate Non-Compliance
Tenants can contact the Housing Ombudsman, local authorities, or seek legal advice if landlords fail to meet deadlines.
Following these steps ensures tenants are exercising their rights under Awaab’s Law, and positions them strongly if disputes arise.
Why Awaab’s Law is Vital for Private Renters
For private tenants, Awaab’s Law is more than just legislation. It is a safeguard for health and safety. Damp and mould can exacerbate respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other chronic conditions. Tenants now have the legal backing to demand action and to hold landlords accountable.
Moreover, the law encourages transparency. Written updates and legally defined deadlines mean tenants can track how quickly landlords respond, preventing delays that could compromise health.
Practical Tips for Tenants
To maximise protection under Awaab’s Law, private tenants should:
- Document Everything: Take photos, keep copies of correspondence, and note dates of communications.
- Follow Formal Channels: Use written reports to landlords and follow up if no response is received.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with deadlines, reporting requirements, and escalation procedures.
- Seek Advice Early: Organisations like Shelter or legal advisors can guide tenants in enforcing Awaab’s Law.
These steps ensure tenants can assert their rights confidently, knowing the law is on their side.
Conclusion
Awaab’s Law, now supported by the Renters’ Rights Act, empowers private tenants to demand safe homes and gives landlords a clear framework for compliance. For tenants, understanding the law and taking formal action when hazards arise ensures health and safety are protected.
For landlords, recognising obligations under Awaab’s Law is essential to avoid legal risk, fines, and reputational damage. In 2025, private renting is no longer a grey area: safety, accountability, and compliance are mandatory.
By knowing their rights and following legal procedures, tenants can ensure their homes are healthy and safe, while landlords can maintain properties responsibly, demonstrating compliance with Awaab’s Law and the broader protections of the Renters’ Rights Act.
