What Oxfordshire Landlords Need to Know
The Government has officially launched a consultation to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector. Initially introduced for social housing providers, the legislation requires landlords to investigate and resolve serious hazards (most notably damp and mould) within strict timescales.
WHAT IS AWAAB'S LAW?
The legislation is named in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in 2020 following prolonged exposure to severe damp and mould in a social rented home. The Government introduced Awaab’s Law to the social housing sector in 2025 as a result.
Under Phase 1 of the social housing regulations, landlords must respond to emergency repairs within 24 hours and investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days.
Phase 2 is scheduled to take effect on 30 November 2026, expanding scope to cover hazards including excess cold, electrical dangers, and falls, before Phase 3 incorporates remaining Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards in 2027.
HOW DOES AWAAB'S LAW IMPACT PRIVATE LANDLORDS?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 stated that Awaab’s Law would be extended to the Private Rented Sector in a later phase (i.e. not from 1st May 2026). The main points are:
- Mandatory Repair Deadlines: Landlords already have a legal duty to address hazards that threaten health and safety, but Awaab’s Law will introduce rigid, statutory deadlines for inspections and remedial works.
- Serious Hazards: Government data suggests that roughly one in 10 private rented homes currently contains a Category 1 (the most severe) hazard.
- Significant Financial Penalties: The Renters' Rights Act recently introduced fines of up to £7,000 if these serious dangers are found.
- Updated Safety Standards: The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) has recently had its first comprehensive update in 20 years, standardising how local authorities evaluate property hazards.
The public consultation is scheduled to run until 18 December 2026, determining how the rules will be applied across the PRS and setting the timetable for implementation.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Oxfordshire’s rental market is characterised by varied housing stock, including historic properties and period conversions where condensation, air circulation, and thermal efficiency require proactive attention.
We have processes in place for managing reports of mould in properties, and we advise tenants up front about how best to manage ventilation in their home and to report any leaks or damp issues swiftly so they can be dealt with before they become a bigger problem.
We will continue to monitor this consultation and will keep our clients updated as necessary.
Published: 9th October
