Awaab's Law Phase 2: What's Changing from November 2026

When Awaab's Law was first introduced, much of the attention focused on damp and mould. While these issues remain central to the legislation, the scope of the requirements is widening significantly in November 2026. Further hazards will come into scope and landlords will need to ensure that their processes, reporting arrangements and contractor management procedures are capable of supporting compliance across a broader range of risks.

Here we're running you through all you need to know about the different stages, and how we can help you prepare for Awaab's Law Phase 2.

Phase 1: Establishing Compliance

Phase 1 introduced statutory response requirements for damp and mould, alongside other emergency hazards that present a serious risk to health and safety. Clear timescales for assessment, communication and remediation moved expectations from best practice to legal obligation.

For many organisations, this meant reviewing reporting procedures, contractor arrangements and escalation routes to ensure hazards could be identified and resolved within the required timescales. It has also highlighted the importance of maintaining clear records, effective oversight and early intervention, particularly where multiple teams or contractors are involved in resolving an issue.

Phase 2: Expanding the Scope

From November 2026, Phase 2 will extend Awaab's Law beyond damp and mould to include hazards such as excess cold and heat, falls, structural collapse, fire and explosion risks, electrical hazards and domestic hygiene concerns.

This expansion means landlords and contractors will need to consider a wider range of hazards and ensure they are identified, reported and addressed consistently across their housing stock. It is likely to require closer collaboration between housing management, repairs, asset management and contractor teams to ensure responsibilities are understood and compliance requirements are met.

Key Considerations

Time-Critical Compliance

Response times begin when a hazard is reported or identified. It is therefore essential that employees, contractors and delivery partners understand their responsibilities and the statutory timescales that apply.

Regulatory Alignment

Awaab's Law should be considered alongside the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), all of which contribute to the wider framework for housing safety and compliance.

Managing Urgent Risks

Whilst Awaab's Law establishes minimum response requirements, organisations must remain mindful that other legal obligations or immediate safety concerns may require a faster response. Where different obligations apply, the most urgent timescale should take precedence.

Reporting and Escalation

Hazards identified during inspections, survey visits or routine works must be reported promptly. Whether a concern is raised by a resident or identified by a housing officer, surveyor or contractor, the date and time the hazard is identified or reported should be treated as the compliance trigger point.

Looking Ahead

As organisations prepare for Phase 2, many will be reviewing whether their current reporting routes, contractor arrangements and governance processes remain fit for purpose. Demonstrating compliance will depend not only on completing repairs within the required timescales, but also on maintaining clear records, effective communication and accountability throughout the process.

For landlords and their supply chains, Phase 2 represents an opportunity to strengthen existing arrangements and ensure that resident safety remains at the centre of decision-making.

How Can SEC Help?

Training

We offer a range of training courses delivered through trusted providers, many of which are available free to members through their training allowance. We can also work with organisations to develop bespoke training programmes tailored to specific requirements for members and non-members.

For more information, visit Tailor Made Training or Housing Professionals Training.

Technical Support

Through our work with members and suppliers, we want to make sure these requirements are properly captured and acted on. To support this, our Technical Team has developed procedural documentation that can be incorporated into specifications and preliminaries.

These documents help landlords and contractors understand their responsibilities, the actions required within prescribed timescales and the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance, supporting a consistent and auditable approach to hazard management.

If you'd like to speak to our Technical Team about this in more detail, please contact our Senior Technical Partner, Lucy Oliver: lucy.oliver@southeastconsortium.org.uk.

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