In a landmark announcement yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, outlined the government’s detailed implementation plan, marking a transformative moment for social housing safety standards in England.
The announcement comes at a critical time, with recent English Housing Survey data revealing that 7% of social rented homes suffered from damp problems and 4% contained the most dangerous ‘category 1’ hazards in 2023. These statistics underscore the urgent need for systematic change in housing safety management.
The government has outlined a clear, three-stage implementation timeline for Awaab’s Law:
Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards presenting significant health risks within fixed timescales. Importantly, emergency repairs – whether related to damp and mould or other hazards – must be addressed within 24 hours.
The scope will expand to encompass additional critical hazards, including:
Full implementation of Awaab’s Law covering all remaining hazards as defined by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
For housing providers and property management organisations, this phased approach offers a crucial window to adapt and enhance their systems and processes. At Vericon Systems, we understand that technology will play a pivotal role in helping social landlords meet these new requirements efficiently and effectively.
The legislation mandates not just repairs within set timeframes but also emphasises the need for proper investigation, documentation, and communication with tenants. Our property management solutions are designed to support housing providers in:
Richard Blakeway, Housing Ombudsman, said: “We welcome these new measures to provide further protections for renters living in hazardous conditions and its extension to private landlords.
“It is a basic human right to live in a safe and decent home. This law is an important step towards helping the millions of people who do not – including 1 million children”
The Deputy Prime Minister’s statement also outlined additional forthcoming reforms, including:
Whilst October 2025 may seem distant, the complexity of these requirements means housing providers should begin preparing now. The government’s emphasis on existing duties remains clear – social landlords must continue meeting their current obligations regarding property safety and habitability.
For organisations managing social housing portfolios, now is the time to evaluate current systems and processes. The right technology infrastructure will be crucial in meeting these new regulatory requirements whilst maintaining efficient operations.
At Vericon Systems, we’re committed to supporting social housing providers through this transition. Our solutions are being enhanced to align with the specific requirements of Awaab’s Law, ensuring our clients are well-positioned to meet their new obligations effectively.
The implementation of this new regulation represents more than just regulatory compliance – it’s about ensuring safe, healthy homes for millions of residents. As we move towards these significant changes, we stand ready to partner with social housing providers in creating better, safer homes for all.
For more information about how Vericon Systems can help your organisation prepare for Awaab’s Law implementation, contact our team today on 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.
