UK Government consults on extending Awaab’s Law to private renters

The UK government has launched a consultation to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector (PRS). Currently applicable to social housing, the law requires landlords to address damp and mould within strict, legally binding timeframes.

The proposal aims to provide similar protections to England’s 11 million private renters, potentially increasing the number of households covered from four million to approximately nine million. The consultation will also explore extending these protections to temporary accommodation for homeless families, supported housing for the elderly and disabled, and housing for young people leaving care.

Named after Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 following prolonged exposure to damp and mould, the law seeks to ensure all renters live in safe, decent homes. While the Renters’ Rights Act already allows for fines of up to £7,000 for failing to address category one hazards, the extension of Awaab’s Law would introduce specific, fixed deadlines for repairs. The consultation period is scheduled to close on 18 December 2026.