Awaab's Law and private landlords

Awaab's Law sets deadlines for social landlords to investigate and fix hazards such as damp and mould. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 allows the government to extend it to private landlords, but as of 28 September 2026 no rules or date have been set for the private sector.

Home › Renters’ Rights Act › Awaab’s Law

Where things stand

ItemPrivate rented sector positionSource
Awaab's LawPower in the Act; government "will be consulting on the detail"; no dateDHS policy statement (Jan 2026); roadmap (Nov 2025)
New Decent Homes StandardApplies from 2035DHS policy statement (Jan 2026)
EPC C or equivalent1 October 2030Government response (Jan 2026)
HHSRS enforcement by councilsIn force nowHousing Act 2004
Some websites give an Awaab's Law date for private landlords. We have not found one in any government publication. Treat any date you see as speculation until the government consults and lays regulations.

Awaab's Law private landlords: what to do now anyway

  • Respond to damp and mould reports quickly and in writing; inspect and record what you find.
  • Deal with causes (leaks, ventilation, heating) as well as symptoms.
  • Keep a repairs log with dates; it is your evidence if a council inspects or a tenant complains.
  • Plan energy improvements with the 2030 EPC C deadline in mind. EPC rules

Councils already use the HHSRS to issue improvement notices, and a failure to comply can lead to civil penalties and rent repayment orders. Information, not legal advice.

Questions landlords ask

Does Awaab’s Law apply to private landlords?

Not yet. Awaab’s Law currently applies to social landlords. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 gives the government power to apply similar requirements to private landlords, and the government says it will consult on the details. No date has been set.

When will Awaab’s Law apply to private landlords?

There is no official date as at 28 September 2026. The implementation roadmap (November 2025) and the Decent Homes Standard policy statement (January 2026) both say the government will consult on the detail in due course.

Is the Decent Homes Standard in force for private landlords?

Not yet. The January 2026 policy statement says the new Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rented homes from 2035.

What rules on damp and mould apply to private landlords now?

Existing law still applies: councils can act under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) in the Housing Act 2004, and tenancies carry repairing and fitness obligations. The Landlord Ombudsman, when it starts, is expected to hear complaints.

Tell me when Awaab's Law rules are published

We may refer legal matters to an SRA-regulated solicitor and may receive a referral fee; we will tell you before any referral. See how we make money.

Related guides

Renters’ Rights Act timeline →
Confirmed and expected dates.Compliance checklist →
What applies today.Landlord Ombudsman →
Where tenants will complain.

Sources

Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Information, not legal advice. Official pages change; follow the source link before you act.