New from GOV.UK: Extending Awaab's Law to private rented tenancies and to licences

On 9 October 2026 the government opened a consultation on extending Awaab's Law to private rented tenancies, and to homes occupied under a licence, such as supported housing and temporary accommodation. Awaab's Law sets deadlines for landlords to investigate and fix hazards such as damp and mould. It already applies to social housing but does not yet apply to private landlords: the consultation asks how it should work for them, including the timescales. It closes at 11:59pm on 18 December 2026. Until new rules are made, private landlords must still keep their homes free of serious hazards, and councils can fine up to £7,000 for failing to.