Home Repairs Awaab’s Law

Awaab’s Law – how you can help us keep you safe and healthy

As your landlord, we want to make sure you live in a safe, healthy home. We’re committed to meeting the requirements of Awaab’s Law and acting quickly when you report a problem that could affect your health or safety. 

Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, after he was exposed to prolonged damp and mould in his family’s housing association home. His death highlighted the need for stronger action from social landlords to tackle hazards in people’s homes. 

From 30 November 2026, Awaab’s Law covers hazards including: 

  • All emergency hazards   

  • Excess cold/ heat  

  • Falls – including in baths, on level surfaces, on stairs/steps and between levels  

  • Structural collapse and falling elements (such as roof tiles) 

  • Fire  

  • Explosion  

  • Electrical hazards  

  • Domestic hygiene (including pests and refuse)  

  • Food safety  

  • Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage.  

Not every repair in these categories automatically falls under Awaab's Law. The hazard has to present a significant risk of harm, or be an emergency hazard.  

Where a reported problem is assessed as a significant or emergency hazard, we have specific legal timescales for investigating it and taking action to make your home safe. 

  • Emergency hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours.  

  • Potential significant hazards must be investigated within 10 working days and, where a significant hazard is identified, relevant safety work must be carried out within five working days of the investigation being completed.  

 We must also take steps to prevent significant or emergency hazards from happening again. 

We will always aim to act as quickly as possible and, where necessary, take account of your individual circumstances and any vulnerabilities when deciding how urgently a problem needs to be dealt with. 

How you can help 

The most important thing you can do is tell us about problems in your home as soon as you notice them. Don't wait for a small issue to become a bigger one. 

Please also: 

  • Report repairs and hazards promptly, including damp, mould, leaks, electrical problems, cold or overheating, damaged stairs, or anything else you think could affect your health or safety. 

  • Keep appointments when we need to visit your home. 

  • Let us in when we need to inspect or carry out work, so we can investigate problems and make your home safe without unnecessary delays. 

  • Tell us about any circumstances that may make a hazard more serious for you or someone in your household. This will help us assess the urgency of the problem and decide what action is needed. 

If we identify a significant or emergency hazard, we will keep you informed about what we have found, what action we are taking and what you should do to keep safe while work is being carried out. 

Awaab’s Law gives you important rights, but keeping homes safe and healthy is something we all have a part in. Please report problems, keep your appointments and help us get access when we need to visit. 

Find out how to manage damp and mould here.

To report a repair, including damp and mould in your home, call us on 0115 915 2222 between 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday or email us.