Getting ready for Awaabs Law Phase 2

New protections for social housing residents come into force from 30 November 2026, helping to make sure homes are safe, healthy and well maintained.

Awaab’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, whose family had repeatedly reported mould problems in their home.

The law gives social housing residents stronger protections and requires landlords to investigate and address serious hazards within set timescales.

Since October 2025, Awaab’s Law has covered damp and mould and emergency hazards that present an immediate risk to health or safety.

From 30 November 2026, Awaab’s Law will cover a wider range of serious hazards, including:

• Excess cold
• Excess heat
• Fire risks
• Electrical hazards
• Structural safety concerns
• Serious risks of falls and trips
• Domestic hygiene and food safety hazards
• Explosions and other serious safety risks

These hazards are assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which is the national system used to identify risks to residents’ health, safety and wellbeing in their homes.

As a GCHA resident, you have the right to:

Be listened to
When you report a serious issue, we will take your concerns seriously and investigate where required.

Receive a timely response
Serious hazards must be investigated and addressed within the timescales set out in the law.

Be kept informed
We will communicate with you about what we find and the action that needs to be taken.

Live in a safe home
We have a responsibility to address serious hazards that could affect your health or safety.

Know what happens next
Where appropriate, we will provide information about inspection findings and any repairs or further action required.

Please report the issue to GCHA as soon as possible. The sooner we know about a problem, the sooner we can assess it and take appropriate action.

When you report a concern, we will:

• Record the issue
• Assess any potential risks
• Arrange an inspection where required
• Keep you informed throughout the process
• Take appropriate action to address identified hazards

If you are concerned about damp and mould, fire or electrical safety, structural problems, excess cold or heat, or another serious issue in your home, please contact us.

Call: 01474 369830
Email: maintenance@gcha.org.uk

You can also use the GCHA Resident Portal. If you would like help signing up to the portal, please contact our office and a member of the team can assist you.

We are committed to providing safe and healthy homes and meeting the requirements of Awaab’s Law.

Our staff and contractors will continue to prepare for the introduction of the new requirements. We will work with residents to identify risks, respond to concerns and take action to help keep GCHA homes safe.

For further information about Awaab’s Law, please visit the Welcome to GOV.UK website.