Updates to Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law have been published.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has published new guidance for social landlords on Awaab’s Law. This incorporates guidance on Phase 2 of implementation in social housing, which will see Awaab’s Law requirements expand to cover significant hazards relating to:  

• excess cold 

• excess heat 

• falls on the level (including falls on the level, falls on stairs etc., falls between levels) 

•  structural collapse 

•  fire and explosions 

• electrical hazards 

•  domestic hygiene (including personal hygiene and food safety), 

in addition to the current hazards under scope of Phase 1 (all emergency hazards and all damp and mould hazards).  

It also incorporates learnings and new resources from the ‘test and learn’ process after Phase 1 implementation, including a new section on communication with tenants.  

It is important to note that the definition of a ‘significant’ or ’emergency’ hazard has been updated and clarified to focus on how a ‘reasonable’ landlord would approach the hazard, irrespective of the funds or staffing of the particular landlord in question.  

Find the full guidance here and get in touch with honor.westlake@nationalcareforum.org.uk for our full bespoke briefing for NCF members, including specific considerations for landlords, managing agents and care and support providers.

Why the change is happening

This is part of ongoing work to implement Awaab’s Law in the social rented sector following the death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died from a respiratory condition caused by damp and mould in his socially rented home. Phase 3, the final phase, will expand the scope of Awaab’s Law to cover all significant and emergency hazards under the HHSRS categories excluding overcrowding. This has not yet been scheduled.

The Phase 2 guidance also incorporates learnings and new resources from the ‘test and learn’ process after Phase 1 implementation, including a new section on communication with tenants and clarity on the definitions of ‘significant’ and ‘emergency’ hazards.