From 30 November 2026, more serious health and safety problems in social rented homes will be covered by clear legal deadlines for us to investigate and make your home safe.
You don’t need to wait for these changes for us to take your concerns seriously. Until then, please continue to report repairs and safety concerns to us in the usual way.
These rules are part of Awaab’s Law, government legislation that first came into effect in England on 27 October 2025. It already covers significant damp and mould problems and emergency hazards. Where these protections apply, we must meet legal deadlines for investigating the problem and making your home safe. We must also provide you with written findings and keep you updated about any further work that is needed. These protections will continue as the law expands.
More problems covered by the law
The next phase will cover seven additional groups of serious risks, known as significant hazards:
- Dangerous cold caused by problems with heating, insulation or the building.
- Dangerous heat caused by faults with ventilation, heating controls or the building.
- Falls, including serious risks from unsafe stairs, flooring or handrails.
- Structural collapse and falling elements, such as unsafe ceilings, walls or roof materials.
- Relevant fire and explosion risks, including faults that could cause a fire or explosion.
- Electrical hazards, such as dangerous wiring or sockets.
- Domestic hygiene problems, where faults or unsuitable facilities affect toilets, washing, drainage, safe food preparation or pest control.
What this means for you
When you tell us about a problem, we’ll assess how urgently we need to act and take your household’s circumstances into account. Where the law applies, we’ll investigate, carry out the work needed to make your home safe and provide our findings in writing within the legal deadlines. We’ll also keep you updated about any further work that is needed.
If we can’t complete the necessary safety work within the legal deadline, we’ll arrange suitable accommodation for you and your household. We’ll cover the cost, so you won’t have to pay for this accommodation.
Tell us about concerns now
You don’t need to wait for these changes, or know whether a problem is covered by Awaab’s Law, before reporting it. Tell us what’s happening and how it affects the people living in your home.
For emergency repairs, call 0345 678 0555, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If there’s a fire or immediate danger to life, call 999.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas or carbon monoxide leak, call 0800 111 999 straight away.
For other repairs, visit our repairs and maintenance page or call us on 0345 678 0555.