Understanding Awaab’s Law and what the Legislation Means for Landlords.

Awaab’s Law has emerged as a transformative piece of legislation in the UK, designed to protect tenants and hold landlords accountable for the living standards of properties, in the wake of the tragic death of a young boy due to poor housing conditions,

The law is expected to pass Royal Assent in April 2025, and come into effect for social landlords towards the end of the year, with further phased roll out across the private rental sector expected to follow, and be incorporated into the reforms included in the Renters’ Rights Bill.

For many people in the rental sector, whilst there is most likely an increasing level of awareness for Awaab’s Law, there are still questions about what exactly the law is, and what the impact will be.

What does Awaab's Law mean for landlords?

Awaab’s Law will require that landlords fix issues listed in 29 key Health & Safety items, and that the fixes are carried out within a specific time period.

The Impact of Awaab’s Law on Landlords

Awaab’s Law has significant implications for social landlords, fundamentally reshaping how they manage and maintain their properties. These changes are predicted to phase through to private landlords in future, and many landlords are preparing for the changes now, to reduce any negative impact in future.

Key ways Awaab’s law impacts landlords:

1. Mandatory Response Deadlines: Landlords must address reported health and safety hazards within a specified timeframe (often 14 to 28 days, depending on the severity of the issue). Failing to do so may result in legal penalties.

2. Increased Accountability: Awaab’s Law places greater responsibility on landlords to ensure their properties meet rigorous health and safety standards. Routine inspections and proactive maintenance will no longer be optional, they will be essential.

3. Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance: Landlords who fail to comply with Awaab’s Law face fines, legal action, and potential disqualification from managing properties.

4. Record-Keeping Requirements: Landlords must document all maintenance requests, inspection reports, and repairs to demonstrate compliance. togetha offers a secure vault for document storage and has a comprehensive maintenance feature that allows landlords to follow the entire process, from initial report, through to booking fixes, paying contractors, and confirmation of the job completion, making compliance and audit trails easy. Book your no-commitment demo today to see how togetha can help your organisation stay compliant and ahead of the curve with new legislation.

6. Tenant Empowerment: Tenants are now more informed about their rights and can hold landlords accountable through legal avenues if issues are not resolved promptly. Having access to a secure document and audit trail like that available through togetha’s platform, helps everyone to know what is happening, and what timelines need to be met, whilst keeping tenants informed throughout the possess.

The 29 Health & Safety Items in Awaab’s Law

Awaab’s Law outlines 29 key health and safety items that landlords must address to ensure tenant safety and well-being.

1. Damp and Mould: All visible damp and mold issues must be promptly identified and remediated to prevent health risks.

2. Ventilation: Properties must have adequate ventilation systems, particularly in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Heating Systems: Functional and efficient heating systems are mandatory to prevent cold-related illnesses.

4. Water Leaks: Immediate repairs are required for leaks to avoid structural damage and damp conditions.

5. Structural Integrity: Walls, roofs, and foundations must be structurally sound and free of significant defects.

6. Insulation: Adequate insulation is required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs for tenants.

7. Electrical Safety: Properties must meet modern electrical safety standards, including proper wiring and functioning outlets.

8. Gas Safety: Gas appliances and systems must be regularly inspected and certified by qualified professionals.

9. Fire Safety: Fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers must be installed and maintained in working order.

10. Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Detectors must be installed in all properties with gas appliances or fireplaces.

11. Safe Flooring: Floors must be even, secure, and free of tripping hazards.

12. Window Safety: Windows should open and close properly, with secure locks and safety measures for children.

13. Door Security: External doors must be secure and weatherproof.

14. Sanitary Facilities: Toilets, sinks, and showers must be functional and free of blockages.

15. Pest Control: Infestations of rodents, insects, or other pests must be promptly addressed.

16. Cleanliness: Properties must be kept in a hygienic condition, with communal areas regularly cleaned.

17. Lighting: Sufficient natural and artificial lighting is required to ensure safety and comfort of tenants.

18. Accessible Pathways: Outdoor pathways and staircases must be safe, level, and clear of obstructions.

19. Emergency Exits: Emergency exits must be easily accessible and clearly marked.

20. Asbestos Management: Any asbestos-containing materials must be identified, managed, or safely removed.

21. Lead Paint: Properties with lead-based paint must be assessed, and hazards must be mitigated.

22. Water Quality: Tap water must meet standards, and be free from contaminants.

23. Septic Systems: Sewage and waste disposal systems must be functional and maintained.

24. External Drainage: Gutters and drains must be clear and effectively manage water runoff.

25. Roofing: Roofing must be watertight and in good repair.

26. Cladding Safety: External cladding must comply with fire safety and insulation regulations.

27. Overcrowding Prevention: Properties must meet minimum space standards to avoid overcrowding.

28. Hazardous Materials: Any hazardous materials on the property must be identified and safely removed.

29. Emergency Maintenance: A system must be in place to address urgent health and safety issues outside of regular working hours.

Ultimately, the 29 items specified within Awaab’s Law are predicted to become the legal responsibility of all landlords, and those who move ahead of the curve to proactively fix and prepare for the changes are likely to experience less disruption to their overall business, and will benefit from a vastly improved tenant experience, benefitting both tenants and landlords.

Compliance with Awaab’s Law will be far too labour-intensive for manual paperwork and audit trails, and landlords that cling to the old ways of doing things will quickly fall behind and risk sizeable fines, whilst those that leverage technology to their benefit will not only be able to optimise their processes and make compliance more efficient, they will also be providing an excellent tenant experience, which, along with Health & Safety compliance, is an integral part of the goals of Awaab’s Law.