Summary: The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 extends the principles of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, setting new minimum home standards to improve health and safety in rental properties. This legislation introduces stricter timelines for hazard remediation, energy efficiency requirements, and enhanced enforcement powers for local authorities.

Minimum Home Standards and the Expansion of ‘Awaab’s Law’ via the Renters’ Rights Act 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents a significant reform in the English private rental market by extending the protections of Awaab’s Law beyond social housing to include private landlords. The objective is to ensure all rented homes meet safe, healthy living standards, addressing longstanding issues such as damp, mould, disrepair, and poor energy efficiency.

Background: What Is Awaab’s Law and Its Expansion?

Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, who died due to prolonged exposure to black mould in social housing. Initially part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, it imposed strict duties on social landlords to resolve serious health and safety hazards within defined timeframes once reported by tenants.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 now extends these duties to the private rented sector, setting new minimum standards for property condition and landlord responsibilities. This marks a move towards consistent housing quality across all tenures, closing the gap between social and private rented homes.

Key Provisions for Private Landlords

• Mandatory hazard remediation timelines: Landlords must investigate and repair hazards such as damp, mould, structural disrepair, faulty electrics, or pest infestations within specified periods after tenant reports.
• Minimum housing standards: Private rented homes must meet the new Decent Homes Standard criteria, aligning with social housing requirements. This includes adequate heating, insulation, and modern facilities.
• Energy efficiency improvements: Landlords are required to improve energy performance, aiming for EPC band C by 2030, with interim progress expected under the new standards.
• Enhanced enforcement powers: Local authorities will have stronger rights to inspect properties, issue improvement notices, and impose fines for non-compliance.

Implementation Timeline

The original Awaab’s Law provisions for social housing came into effect in 2024. The extension to the private rented sector will be introduced in stages from 2026, following the finalisation of secondary regulations and enforcement frameworks.

• Social housing compliance: In force since 2024.
• Private rented sector enforcement: Expected from mid to late 2026, after publication of sector-specific regulations.
• Energy efficiency standards: Gradual introduction leading up to the 2030 EPC band C requirement.

This phased approach allows private landlords time to prepare by conducting property audits and upgrading systems. However, once enforcement begins, failure to address serious hazards promptly could result in penalties or prosecution.

Guidance and Regulations to Expect

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) will publish several key documents to support landlords in meeting the new standards, including:

• Private Rented Sector Decent Homes Standard Regulations (2026): Defining what constitutes a decent private rented home and setting acceptable repair timelines.
• Awaab’s Law Guidance Notes: Outlining procedures for responding to tenant complaints and deadlines for inspections and repairs.
• Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Regulations: Detailing requirements for achieving EPC band C standards between 2026 and 2030.
• Local Authority Enforcement Guidance: Clarifying inspection rights, penalties, and appeal processes.

The British Landlords Association will provide summaries and compliance checklists to assist landlords once these documents are released.

Recommended Actions for Landlords

Landlords should begin preparing now to comply with the new standards and avoid enforcement issues:

• Conduct thorough property audits: Identify hazards such as damp, mould, ventilation problems, leaks, or electrical faults and document findings.
• Improve energy efficiency: Upgrade insulation, windows, and heating systems, prioritising properties with low EPC ratings.
• Establish clear repair procedures: Develop policies to ensure prompt inspection and repair of tenant-reported issues within statutory deadlines.
• Maintain detailed records: Keep logs of tenant reports, inspections, repairs, and communications to demonstrate compliance.
• Review letting agent responsibilities: Ensure agents understand their duties under the new regime and have clear escalation processes.
• Consider joining a landlord association: Membership organisations like the British Landlords Association offer legal updates, compliance tools, and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law was introduced after the death of Awaab Ishak to require social landlords to resolve hazardous living conditions, such as mould, within strict timeframes.

Does Awaab’s Law apply to private landlords?
Yes. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 extends Awaab’s Law principles to the private rented sector, holding private landlords to the same safety and repair standards.

When must private landlords comply?
Full enforcement is expected from 2026, following the publication of detailed regulations.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Landlords who fail to investigate or repair hazards within required timeframes may face local authority penalties, rent repayment orders, or prosecution.

Will landlords have time to prepare?
Yes. There will be a transitional period, but early preparation is advised to spread costs and ensure compliance.

Conclusion

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the expansion of Awaab’s Law mark a crucial step towards safer, healthier private rental housing in England. By applying consistent standards across social and private sectors, the Government aims to eliminate substandard living conditions and improve overall housing quality.

Landlords who proactively audit their properties, address hazards promptly, and enhance energy efficiency will not only comply with the law but also improve the value and appeal of their rental portfolios. The British Landlords Association remains a valuable resource for landlords navigating these changes.

Further Reading

• Minimum Home Standards and Landlord Responsibilities
• Understanding Awaab’s Law for Landlords
• Energy Efficiency Requirements in the Private Rented Sector

Useful External Links

• Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – Official Government Publication
• Private Renting and Tenancy Agreements
• Awaab’s Law Guidance