Islington Council is nearing the implementation of Awaab's Law, a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving housing safety and standards for social housing tenants. The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee met on January 6, 2026, to discuss preparations for this new law.
Awaab's Law, which mandates that landlords address emergency hazards and damp and mould issues within fixed timeframes, was a key focus within the Quarter 2 Housing Performance Report. The report detailed how the council's PFI 1 contract and its partners, including Hyde Housing, United Living, and Rydon, are preparing for these legislative changes. From October 2025, emergency hazards must be investigated within 24 hours, and significant damp and mould risks within 10 working days. Tenants must receive a written summary of findings within three working days of an investigation, with safety works to commence within five working days if a significant hazard is confirmed.
The council's stock condition survey, which began in the autumn of 2025, is also contributing to the understanding of potential hazards. As of the end of November 2025, 1942 surveys had been completed, identifying various Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards. These include missing carbon monoxide alarms, smoke detectors, damp and mould, and domestic hygiene issues. Processes are in place to ensure surveyors promptly alert the repairs service to these hazards, with category 1 hazards being addressed as a priority.
