Reflecting on Awaab’s Law one year on

October marks a significant milestone for Awaab’s Law, one year after its introduction in England. The government is now consulting on wider protections and phase two arrives on 30 November, as Scotland implements its own legislation.

The focus is on shifting from regulatory compliance towards demonstrable improvements in housing conditions and resident safety.

As of 6 October, Awaab’s Law came into force in Scotland. It requires landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould within 10 working days. Welcomed by the Scottish Government and Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), the legislation establishes clearer responsibilities for landlords.

Meaningful progress will depend on transparent reporting and evidence that repairs deliver lasting improvements to housing conditions.

The government is consulting on extending Awaab’s Law to private rented homes, temporary accommodation and supported housing, potentially increasing coverage from four million to nine million households.

This is an important step towards consistent housing standards across tenures, but successful implementation is dependent on clear guidance and effective communication with landlords and residents about responsibilities and expectations.

MP Abena Oppong-Asare has warned that smaller landlords may struggle to meet Awaab’s Law requirements, particularly where skilled tradespeople are difficult to access. While supporting stronger tenant protections, she urged consideration of implementation challenges.

Realistic planning must account for contractor capacity to ensure compliance without delaying action on serious housing hazards.

Peabody has established a 20-strong repairs inspection team, including ten apprentices, ahead of phase two of Awaab’s Law in November.

Inspectors will assess completed work and gather resident feedback, supporting quality assurance and workforce development. This is a positive example of proactive compliance, demonstrating how operational improvements and resident engagement can strengthen trust and accountability.

Hull City Council has reported addressing more than 1,800 damp and mould cases since Awaab’s Law took effect in October 2025, including 202 critical emergencies.

The council says it has met statutory response deadlines. These figures underline the importance of responsive repairs and transparent performance monitoring in protecting residents and rebuilding trust in social housing.

The strongest thread connecting these stories is that Awaab’s Law is moving beyond legislation into delivery. This presents an opportunity for housing organisations to build trust through measurable improvements, responsive repairs, transparent reporting and meaningful engagement with residents.