Awaab’s Law: what’s changing from November 2026?
2026-10-20
Awaab’s Law helps make sure significant hazards in social housing are investigated and dealt with quickly. The first phase came into force in October 2025 and covered all emergency hazards and serious damp and mould.
What’s changing?
From 30 November 2026, the law will also cover serious risks linked to:
- excess cold or heat
- falls, including unsafe floors, stairs or changes in level
- fire and explosions
- electrical hazards
- domestic hygiene, including sanitation, pests and food safety
- structural collapse or falling building parts.
What can you expect from us?
- Emergency hazards: we must investigate and complete the work needed to make your home safe within 24 hours of becoming aware of the problem.
- Significant hazards that are not an immediate emergency: we must investigate within 10 working days.
- Clear information: we must give you a written summary within three working days of completing the investigation.
- Safety work: if we identify a significant hazard, we must complete relevant safety work within five working days of the investigation ending.
- Longer-term work: where further repairs are needed to stop the hazard returning, we must begin the work, or take steps to begin it, within five working days. In most cases, the work must start within 12 weeks.
We will consider your individual circumstances when assessing risk, including whether anyone in your household may be more vulnerable because of their age or health. If we cannot make your home safe within the required timeframe, we will offer suitable temporary accommodation where the law requires it.
How Freebridge is preparing
We have already made changes in response to the first phase of Awaab’s Law. We are now reviewing our policies, processes and systems for the next phase so we can identify and prioritise hazards, track work and keep you updated.
We are also making sure our colleagues and contractors understand the new requirements and know how to recognise and respond to potential hazards.
Tell us if something is not right
If you notice a problem in your home that could affect your health or safety, please tell us as soon as you can. You do not need to decide whether it meets the legal definition of a hazard before contacting us.
This could include damp and mould, a heating failure, exposed wiring, an unsafe staircase, a serious leak, structural damage or another concern that may put you or someone in your household at risk. Reporting it early helps us investigate and take the right action.
If you are worried about something in your home, contact Freebridge through our usual customer contact channels.
Find out more: Awaab’s Law phase two guide