Awaab’s Law: Why Looking After Your Rental Property Matters
Awaab’s Law: Why Looking After Your Rental Property Matters
For landlords, keeping a rental property in good condition has always been an important part of managing a successful tenancy.
But with the introduction of Awaab’s Law and the wider changes taking place across the private rented sector, the importance of dealing with problems in rental properties promptly is only becoming greater.
Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died after prolonged exposure to mould in his social rented home.
The law currently applies to social housing in England. The government has now committed to extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, although the exact requirements and timescales for private landlords are still to be confirmed.
For landlords, the message is simple: looking after the condition of your property isn't something that should wait until a problem becomes serious.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law sets legal requirements for social housing landlords to investigate and address certain serious hazards within defined timeframes.
The first phase came into force for social housing in October 2025 and covers emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards. A further phase is due to come into effect in November 2026, extending the requirements to a wider range of hazards.
The government intends to extend similar protections to tenants in privately rented homes through the Renters’ Rights Act.
The exact timeframes and requirements for private landlords will be set out following consultation, so landlords should avoid assuming that the social housing rules automatically apply to private rented properties.
Why should private landlords be thinking about it now?
Even before the private rented sector requirements are introduced, the underlying principle is something every landlord should take seriously.
A rental property should be safe, well maintained and properly looked after.
Problems such as damp, mould, leaks, heating issues or other hazards can quickly become more than a maintenance issue.
If a tenant reports a problem, it is important that it is properly investigated rather than simply treated as a cosmetic issue.
For example, mould on a wall may not simply require cleaning or repainting. There could be an underlying issue with ventilation, condensation, insulation, damp or a leak that needs to be identified and addressed.
The important thing is to understand why the problem is happening, not simply make it disappear temporarily.
Good property management is about prevention
One of the best ways to protect a property is to stay on top of maintenance rather than waiting for something to go wrong.
That means responding to tenant reports, carrying out appropriate inspections, keeping the property maintained and dealing with issues before they have the opportunity to become bigger problems.
A small leak left unattended can become significant damage.
A ventilation problem can contribute to persistent condensation and mould.
A heating issue can become particularly serious during colder weather.
And a repair that might have been relatively straightforward at the start can become much more expensive if it is left unresolved.
Listen to your tenants
Tenants are often the first people to notice when something isn't right in a property.
They live there every day.
They may notice a leak, persistent condensation, mould growth, a problem with heating or another issue long before a landlord or property manager sees it.
That's why communication matters.
A tenant reporting a problem shouldn't simply be seen as another repair request to deal with. It can be an early warning that something within the property needs attention.
Taking reports seriously, investigating them properly and keeping a record of what has been reported and what action has been taken can make a significant difference.
Looking after the property protects more than the tenant
Good property maintenance isn't only about meeting legal requirements.
It also protects the landlord's investment.
A well-maintained property is less likely to suffer from avoidable damage, is more likely to attract and retain good tenants and can help prevent small maintenance issues from becoming expensive repairs.
It also contributes to a better relationship between landlord and tenant.
Tenants want to know that when they report a genuine problem, it will be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.
For landlords, having a good system for managing repairs and maintenance can provide reassurance that issues aren't being overlooked.
Where does this leave landlords?
The private rented sector is changing, and the standard expected of rental properties continues to develop.
The government has confirmed that Awaab’s Law will be extended to privately rented homes, but the detailed requirements and implementation timetable are still to be confirmed.
Landlords don't need to wait for every detail of the legislation to be finalised before taking a closer look at their own properties.
Regular maintenance, prompt responses to tenant concerns and good record keeping are all part of responsible property management.
Ultimately, looking after a rental property properly is about more than compliance. It's about providing someone with a safe and decent place to live while protecting the investment you've made.
If you don't have the time to deal with maintenance, tenant reports and the ongoing responsibilities of managing a rental property, professional property management can help take that day-to-day responsibility off your hands.
A well-managed property is good for your tenants — and good for your investment.
At Clarendons, our team are always on hand to discuss property legislation. However, we also encourage landlords to conduct their own research and seek independent legal advice if they are uncertain about anything contained in this article. Property laws and regulations can change frequently, so information can become outdated and should always be checked against the latest guidance.
