Does Awaab's Law apply to private renters yet?

No. It applies to social housing in England. The provision extending it to private tenancies, section 60 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, is not yet in force, and the consultation on how it should work closes on 18 December 2026. The earliest start the government gives is 2027.

What deadlines would my landlord have to meet?

That is what the consultation is deciding. It offers options for each step and says there is a case for matching social housing: 10 working days to investigate a significant hazard, 3 working days to give you a written summary, 5 working days to make it safe, and 24 hours for an emergency. None of these applies to private landlords yet.

My rented home has mould now. What can I do before Awaab's Law applies?

Report it to your landlord in writing and keep evidence. Your landlord has a repairing duty under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and a duty under section 9A to keep the home fit for human habitation. If they do not act, ask your council to inspect under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. For a category 1 hazard the council must take enforcement action.

Will the council enforce the new deadlines?

The consultation says councils will not directly enforce the Awaab's Law timescales. You would enforce them yourself as a term of your tenancy, through the county court, and later through the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman. Councils keep their existing powers to inspect and to order work on hazards.

Can my landlord evict me for complaining about damp?

Since 1 May 2026 Section 21 no-fault notices have been abolished for private tenancies in England. A landlord who wants possession must serve a Section 8 notice on a legal ground and go to court. Complaining about conditions is not one of those grounds.

How do I respond to the consultation?

Through the online form on the consultation page at GOV.UK, by email to awaabslawconsultation@communities.gov.uk, or by post to MHCLG. The deadline is 11:59pm on 18 December 2026. Tenants can respond, and you can answer only the questions that matter to you.

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Awaab's Law Is Coming to Private Renting. What Is Actually Proposed, and What You Can Do About Damp Now

The government is consulting on extending Awaab's Law to private renters in England until 18 December 2026. The deadlines on the table, w…