Awaab's Law timescales calculator
Your organisation decides whether a hazard is an emergency or significant hazard and whether Awaab's Law applies. This calculator only works out the latest dates.
If relevant safety work can't be completed in time, you must secure suitable alternative accommodation at your cost. If the tenant chooses to stay, give written safety advice.
Awaab's Law applies to social housing let on a tenancy, including temporary and supported housing on a tenancy. It doesn't apply to homes occupied under a licence, shared ownership or long leaseholders.
How we count
Day 1 is the day after you become aware, or the day after the investigation concludes. We count Monday to Friday and skip bank holidays in England. The 24-hour clock runs from the moment you become aware. 12 weeks means calendar weeks.
This calculator is a guide, not legal advice.
How the Awaab's Law timescales work
For a possible emergency hazard, you have 24 hours from the moment you become aware to investigate and make the home safe. For a possible significant hazard, you have 10 working days to investigate, then 3 working days to give the tenant a written summary and 5 working days to complete the safety work.
Work to stop the hazard coming back must begin, or you must take steps to begin it, within 5 working days of the investigation. If that isn't possible, it must begin within 12 weeks at the latest.
Counting the days
Day 1 is the day after you become aware, or the day after the investigation concludes. Working days are Monday to Friday, not counting bank holidays in England. The 24-hour clock counts every hour, including nights and weekends.
Questions
When does the clock start?
When you become aware of a potential hazard. That includes reports made to anyone working for you or on your behalf, such as a contractor, and hazards you find yourself.
What if the tenant asks for an in-person inspection?
If your investigation was remote, the tenant can ask for an in-person one. A new 10 working day period then applies, unless safety work has already started or a further investigation is under way.
Does Awaab's Law apply to almshouses?
Not to homes occupied under a licence, which is how almshouse residents usually live. See does Awaab's Law apply to almshouses and licences?
Related guides
Track every hazard's deadlines: see the hazard log.