Government launches detailed consultation on Awaab’s Law extension

Government launches detailed consultation on Awaab’s Law extension

The government has issued a 64-question consultation seeking views on extending Awaab’s Law to the private rental sector and certain licensed accommodations. The consultation closes in mid-December with next steps to be announced later.

Over the weekend, the government published a comprehensive consultation document exploring the application of Awaab’s Law beyond social housing. This follows the law’s initial implementation aimed at tackling hazards such as mould and damp in social housing. The consultation specifically targets the private rented sector (PRS) and also considers whether the law should apply to accommodation occupied under licences rather than tenancies.

Licences, often used for short-term or supported housing arrangements, differ from formal tenancy agreements. The government is therefore seeking views on whether Awaab’s Law should cover supported housing, temporary accommodation for homeless households, and care leaver accommodation, which are typically licensed rather than tenanted. The consultation’s breadth and detailed questioning indicate that many key aspects of the law’s extension remain undecided.

Consultation details and government position

The consultation consists of 64 questions, reflecting the complexity and range of issues involved in extending Awaab’s Law. It addresses the scope of properties covered, the responsibilities of landlords and licence holders, enforcement mechanisms, and potential exemptions or special provisions for different types of accommodation.

The government has not yet confirmed how the law will be adapted for the private rented sector or licensed accommodations. The consultation seeks stakeholder input on practical implementation, including how to balance tenant safety with landlord obligations and the operational differences between tenancies and licences.

Responses to the consultation will be analysed after the mid-December deadline. The government has committed to publishing a response outlining next steps “in due course,” but no firm timetable or detailed proposals have been provided yet.

Context and implications for landlords and agents

Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a toddler in social housing whose death was linked to prolonged exposure to mould. The law requires landlords to address hazards such as damp and mould within strict timeframes. Its extension to the private rented sector represents a significant regulatory development, potentially imposing stricter repair and maintenance obligations on private landlords.

For landlords and letting agents, this consultation signals that new legal duties could soon apply, affecting how property conditions are monitored and managed. The inclusion of licensed accommodation types broadens the impact beyond traditional tenancy arrangements, potentially affecting providers of supported and temporary housing.

Given the consultation’s detailed nature, landlords should prepare for possible changes in compliance requirements. This may include more rigorous inspection regimes, faster response times to repair requests related to damp and mould, and clearer reporting obligations. The government’s approach to enforcement and penalties will also be critical in determining the practical impact.

Practical considerations and next steps for landlords

Landlords should review their current property management practices concerning damp and mould issues. Ensuring timely identification and remediation of hazards will be essential, especially if the law is extended with similar strict timeframes to those in social housing.

Letting agents may need to update their operational procedures to support landlords in meeting any new obligations. This could involve enhanced tenant communication protocols, improved record-keeping of property conditions and repairs, and closer liaison with contractors to ensure swift action.

Since the consultation is still open, landlords and agents have an opportunity to contribute their views. Participation can help shape the final policy and ensure that practical challenges faced in the private rented sector are considered. However, until the government publishes its response, the exact requirements and timelines remain uncertain.

What remains uncertain about the law’s extension

Key unknowns include the precise legal framework that will apply to private landlords and licence holders, the enforcement regime, and how the law will interact with existing housing standards and landlord licensing schemes. It is also unclear whether the government will introduce financial support or penalties linked to compliance.

The consultation’s outcome may also influence broader rental sector reforms, including tenant safety and property standards enforcement. Landlords should monitor developments closely and seek updated official guidance once the government announces its decisions.

What landlords should consider now

• Review current property inspections and maintenance records focusing on damp and mould issues.
• Ensure prompt response protocols for tenant repair requests are in place and documented.
• Stay informed about the consultation progress and government announcements.
• Consider submitting feedback to the consultation to represent landlord perspectives.
• Prepare for potential changes in compliance obligations affecting tenancy and licence arrangements.

Supporting landlords through evolving regulations

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to compliance resources and practical guidance to help manage emerging obligations under Awaab’s Law and related regulations. Through TLA membership, landlords and letting agents can explore tools designed to organise property records and monitor repair activities, which will be increasingly important as standards tighten.

TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, aims to assist members in maintaining comprehensive documentation and tracking key actions related to property standards and tenant safety. ORBIT’s developing features include record-keeping for inspections, repairs, and communications, supporting landlords in demonstrating compliance with evolving legal duties.

Membership also provides access to updates on regulatory developments, helping landlords prepare for changes and respond effectively. Exploring TLA’s compliance resources and ORBIT BETA access can support landlords in adapting to the forthcoming extension of Awaab’s Law.

Landlords and agents should continue to check official government guidance and consider professional advice as the consultation progresses and new regulations take shape.

Sources: Landlord Today