Phase 2 starts on 30 November 2026.

The government’s published guidance sets out the extension of Awaab’s Law to additional significant housing hazards from that date. This page is a practical overview; read it alongside the regulations and official guidance.

What is Awaab’s Law?

Introduced following Awaab Ishak’s death, Awaab’s Law places requirements on social landlords in England to investigate and address relevant hazards within prescribed timeframes. The first phase began on 27 October 2025, covering significant damp and mould hazards and emergency hazards.

What changes under Phase 2?

From 30 November 2026, the significant-hazard requirements extend to additional categories. Whether a case meets the relevant threshold depends on the risk to the occupier, including their circumstances. A defect does not automatically meet that threshold merely because it appears on a hazard list.

Which additional hazards are included?

Excess cold

Housing conditions that expose occupants to harmful low temperatures.

Excess heat

Conditions that expose occupants to harmful high temperatures.

Falls

Falls on level surfaces, on stairs and between levels, as described in the official guidance.

Structural collapse

Risks arising from unstable structures and falling elements.

Fire and explosions

Relevant fire and explosion hazards, subject to the scope and exclusions in the regulations.

Electrical hazards

Risks associated with electrical installations and equipment.

Domestic hygiene

Including personal hygiene and food safety hazards.

Significant damp and mould hazards remain covered. The rules also continue to address emergency hazards. For the detailed definitions, fire-safety boundaries and exclusions, use the official scope guidance.

Why this matters for housing providers

Moving beyond a single issue brings a broader operational challenge. Different hazards can require different technical assessments, remedial work and specialist input. Providers still need a consistent process for recording the investigation, explaining decisions and progressing the case.

  • A clear process for identifying and prioritising concerns.
  • The right skills and specialist support for the hazards involved.
  • Evidence gathered while the investigation is carried out.
  • Consistent reporting and a record of the reasoning behind decisions.
  • Clear responsibility for actions, communication and follow-up.
  • Reliable oversight of the applicable deadlines.

Preparing your teams

Review the process from the first report to the final outcome. Can colleagues understand what was found and what needs to happen next without returning to the property or chasing the inspector?

Questions to ask internally

  • How are hazards identified and prioritised?
  • How are residents’ circumstances taken into account?
  • Can the evidence and reasoning behind each decision be followed?
  • Who tracks deadlines, communications and completion?
  • Are investigation records consistent across teams?
  • When should a case be escalated for specialist assessment?

Understanding HHSRS

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System provides a risk-based framework for assessing housing hazards. The assessment should reflect both the property conditions and the potential harm to the people living there.

The app, the report and a standard checklist support the process. They do not replace the expertise or organisational decisions needed to assess and address risk.

How Awaab Comply can help

Awaab Comply provides a guided on-site investigation and evidence-capture workflow. Inspectors can record observations, measurements and photographs and generate a downloadable report, reducing the delay between the visit and the write-up.

A structured record gives reviewers a clearer starting point for checking findings and deciding the next steps. Your organisation remains responsible for triage, statutory deadlines, competent assessment, remedial action and resident communication.

Book a demonstration to discuss the hazards your team investigates, the evidence you need and how the reporting workflow fits your existing processes.

See Awaab Comply in action ↗
Official sources

General information for housing providers. The regulations and the facts of each case determine the applicable duties.