Awaab's Law: procedure, hazard log and letters for small landlords
Awaab's Law sets fixed timescales for social landlords to investigate and fix hazards in homes let on a tenancy. From 30 November 2026 it covers more hazards, including excess cold and heat, falls, fire and electrical hazards. For a small landlord without a large repairs team, the difficulty is keeping track of every clock once a hazard is reported.
What Awaab's Law asks of you
- Emergency hazards: investigate and make the home safe within 24 hours of becoming aware.
- Significant hazards: investigate within 10 working days, give the tenant a written summary within 3 working days of the investigation, and complete the safety work within 5 working days.
- Begin, or take steps to begin, work to stop the hazard coming back within 5 working days, and begin it within 12 weeks at the latest.
- If you can't make the home safe in time, offer suitable alternative accommodation at your cost.
- Keep the tenant informed, and keep records of everything you do.
What you get
See the sample: Awaab's Law procedure template · Awaab's Law written summary letter
Related guides
- Awaab's Law timescales explained
- Awaab's Law Phase 2: the hazards added from 30 November 2026
- Does Awaab's Law apply to almshouses and licences?
Questions
Does Awaab's Law apply to us?
It applies to social housing let on a tenancy, including temporary and supported housing let on a tenancy. It doesn't apply to homes occupied under a licence, shared ownership homes or long leaseholders. Our free check takes you through it.
What changes on 30 November 2026?
Phase 2 adds excess cold, excess heat, falls, structural collapse and falling elements, fire and explosions, electrical hazards and hygiene hazards, where they pose a significant risk.
Where do we record a tenant's health or vulnerability?
In your own housing system. Our hazard log uses your tenancy or property reference, with a tick to show you've considered the household's circumstances.