UK Awaab’s Law Phase 2 Begins on 30 Nov 2026 Expanding Safety Duties for Social Landlords

From 30 November 2026, the second phase of the UK’s Awaab’s Law comes into force in England, expanding mandatory safety duties for social landlords beyond damp and mould to include fire, electrical hazards, excess cold and heat, falls, structural collapse, explosions and domestic hygiene. The deadline‑driven timescales remain unchanged: emergency hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours, significant hazards investigated within 10 working days, with written findings to tenants within three working days and remedial work completed within five working days.

The UK Academy of Mould Experts warned that the start date coincides with the onset of winter, when reports of excess cold and condensation‑related mould typically surge, meaning the first statutory cases under the expanded regime are likely to arise immediately. “Phase 1 asked social landlords to hit statutory deadlines on a single hazard group, and good organisations still found the timescales demanding. Phase 2 applies the same clock to excess cold, fire, electrical hazards, falls and more, and it does so at the start of winter,” said Tristan Hemsley, specialist disrepair and Awaab’s Law consultant. NAPIT welcomed the extension, noting it aligns with recent electrical safety regulations for the social housing sector.