Awabs Law is Coming!
Awaab's Law Is Coming to Private Rentals: What Bournemouth and Poole Landlords Need to Know
STATUS: Consultation open, 9 October to 18 December 2026
FOR: Private landlords and property owners in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset
Awaab’s Law is set to be extended to private rented homes in England. The Government is currently consulting on how the new requirements should work. The details (including repair deadlines, the hazards covered and the start date) are not final.
For landlords, the practical message is clear: prepare your maintenance process now, but do not treat proposed time limits as current law for private rented properties.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing flat in Rochdale.
The law currently applies to social housing. It sets requirements for landlords to investigate and address certain reported hazards within strict timeframes. Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the Government plans to extend it to private rented tenancies. A separate consultation also covers certain accommodation occupied under licence.
The policy is intended to make sure serious hazards are investigated promptly and that action is taken to make homes safe. For private landlords, however, the precise duties will depend on regulations that have not yet been finalised.
What is law now, and what is still proposed?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 provides the basis for extending Awaab’s Law. But the Act does not mean that the proposed social housing deadlines already apply to private landlords. Regulations and further guidance are needed to set out the private rented sector’s final requirements.
The Government’s consultation asks for views on which hazards should be covered, how landlords should investigate reports, what action should follow and whether the rules should be introduced in stages.
Social housing rules provide context, not private-sector deadlines
Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law in social housing began on 27 July 2026, with strict timelines for investigating and addressing damp and mould hazards. Phase 2 guidance, published on 31 July 2026, extends the requirements to more hazards.
The social housing framework can indicate the sort of process the Government may consider for private rentals. For example, the current social-sector rules include prompt investigations, deadlines for making homes safe and a faster response to emergency hazards. But the consultation is considering how requirements should work in the private rented sector. Do not assume that social housing time limits apply to your private rental.
Awaab’s Law will also work alongside the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The HHSRS is used to assess risks to health and safety in homes, including rented properties. Landlords and agents can read the Government’s guide to understand how the system works and how hazards may be assessed.
The Government’s Renters’ Rights Act implementation roadmap places the extension of Awaab’s Law in a later phase of reform, with timing subject to consultation. A reformed Decent Homes Standard for private rented homes is another related change. It is separate from Awaab’s Law and has its own policy and implementation arrangements.
What Bournemouth and Poole landlords can do now
You do not need to wait for the final regulations to improve your maintenance arrangements. A clear process can help you respond consistently, protect your property and support your tenants.
1. Make reporting straightforward
Give tenants a clear way to report damp, mould, leaks, condensation or other repair concerns. Make sure they know who to contact and what information to provide. Reports should be easy to submit and easy to find again.
2. Keep a record from first report to resolution
Record the date and nature of each report, any photographs or inspection notes, the action taken, contractor visits and follow-up. Keep a note of contact with the tenant and any advice or access arrangements.
A complete record can help you see what has happened, identify unresolved issues and show how a concern was handled.
3. Set clear steps for assessing a report
Decide who reviews new reports, how urgency is assessed and when an inspection or contractor visit is needed. Where the cause is unclear, a suitable inspection can help identify whether the issue relates to a leak, ventilation, heating, building fabric or another factor.
4. Follow up until the issue is resolved
Arranging an initial inspection is only one part of the response. Track the repair, check whether further work is needed and confirm that the concern has been addressed. If work is delayed, record the reason and keep the tenant informed.
5. Review your maintenance arrangements
Check that you have suitable contractors, clear routes for emergency reports and a way to monitor outstanding work. Review the HHSRS landlord and agent guide as part of your preparation.
What happens next?
The consultation on extending Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies and licences is open until 11:59pm on 18 December 2026. Responses will inform the Government’s decisions on scope, processes and implementation.
After the consultation, further regulations and guidance will be needed. The Government has not confirmed the private rented sector’s final repair timelines or commencement date. Landlords should monitor official updates and review their procedures when the requirements are published.
Key point: Awaab’s Law is planned for private rentals, but the final rules are still under consultation.
How NJB Residential can support landlords
Maintenance concerns can be stressful, particularly if you are letting a property for the first time. With this in mind, an organised reporting and follow-up process can help make responsibilities easier to manage.
NJB Residential provides property management in Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding area. Our managed service includes maintenance and property repairs, including 24-hour emergency calls, as well as property inspections during the tenancy. We can help coordinate reports and repairs on your behalf, while keeping you informed about the work being arranged.
For landlords looking for property management Bournemouth, Poole property management or property management Dorset, our team can explain the available service options. If you are considering letting a property, you can also contact us about a landlord valuation Bournemouth.
LANDLORD INFORMATION
Contact NJB Residential
01202 068410
info@njb-residential.co.uk
This article provides general information as at 21 October 2026. It is not legal advice. The proposed extension of Awaab’s Law to private rented homes remains subject to consultation and further legislation. Seek independent legal advice about your individual circumstances.
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