Ministers have opened a consultation on extending Awaab's Law beyond social housing, according to the government. The law, introduced for social tenants last year, sets legal deadlines for landlords to fix serious hazards such as damp and mould.
The proposals could apply the same rules to private renters in England, as well as to temporary accommodation for homeless households, housing for young people leaving care, and supported housing. Officials estimate this could more than double the number of homes covered, from about 4 million to around 9 million.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said renters deserve to live in safe, decent homes and that complaints should be handled promptly.
"We're now moving to extend it to private landlords so that England's 11 million private renters can enjoy the same protections," he said.
Around one in ten private rented homes has a category 1 hazard, the most serious level. The Renters' Rights Act has already brought in fines of up to £7,000 for landlords who fail to act on such dangers. The consultation closes on 18 December 2026.
What campaigners say
The housing charity Generation Rent said the change was welcome but needed to happen quickly, while Crisis said stricter standards should also cover hostels and B&Bs used as temporary accommodation. The Renters' Reform Coalition said a home should be a place of safety for everyone.
Key points
- Who is affected — private renters, homeless families, care leavers and people in supported housing in England.
- What changes — landlords would face legal deadlines to fix hazards such as damp and mould.
- Scale of the plan — protected households could rise from 4 million to around 9 million.
- Deadline — the consultation runs until 18 December 2026.
What it means in practice
For now, nothing changes for tenants in England — this is a consultation, not a new law. But if the plans go ahead, renters could find it easier to force repairs, with clear timescales rather than months of waiting.
- Private renters should keep records of any complaints to their landlord, as these may matter later.
- Tenants in temporary accommodation may gain the same protections as those in social housing.
- Landlords could face deadlines and fines if they ignore serious hazards.
