Tenant group calls for Awaab’s Law date amid claims of poor housing conditions for renters

A survey claims one in five renters in the private rented sector (PRS) say they are living in poor housing conditions, as a tenant group calls for a date for when Awaab’s Law will apply to the PRS.

The findings by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition reveal that 26% of adults reported mould in their homes frequently or occasionally in the last 12 months.

The government has not yet confirmed a date for implementation, but Awaab’s Law is expected to come into force during phase three of the Act, in 2027.

Government must set out when Awaab’s law will apply to the PRS

According to the survey, which also included non-PRS households, 14% of adults said they live in a cold, damp home.

People with health conditions are more likely to report living in cold, damp conditions, with rates rising to 22% for those with lung conditions and 25% for people with mental health conditions.

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition says housing tenure plays a major role, as one in five renters report living in poor housing conditions.

Tom Darling, director at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, said: “We know that private renters are more likely than other groups to be living in homes with damp or with serious health risks. It’s shocking that so many people are living in homes that put their life at risk, and totally unacceptable that many landlords are profiting from them.

“The government must set out when they will apply Awaab’s law to the private rented sector, as they recently have for social tenants, and finally impose a legal duty on landlords to address dangerous housing conditions within a specific timeframe. Every month without action will see more people harmed by unhealthy homes.”

Data underlines the need for long-term solutions

A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition is urging the government to launch its Warm Homes Plan, which has been delayed.

The Warm Homes Plan aims to help homeowners cut energy costs and improve home energy efficiency, offering grants for heat pumps and support for renters and low-income households.

The spokesperson said: “Five years into the energy bills crisis and households are still waiting for a comprehensive Warm Homes Plan which will set out how people can improve the energy efficiency of their properties and reduce their energy use in a safe way.

“The data underlines the need for long-term solutions that address housing quality and energy affordability together, rather than relying on short-term crisis support, to prevent cold and damp homes becoming a permanent driver of poor health and rising public costs.”

Property118 commercial reality check

The rhetoric around poor housing too often paints the entire private rented sector with the same brush. That does not reflect commercial reality. Most PRS homes are already decent, safe and professionally managed. The majority of landlords maintain standards because good property condition protects income, asset value and financeability.

Policy debate is being driven by minority failure, not majority competence. Landlords should recognise that while bad actors exist, they are not representative.

What landlords should do next

Differentiate your portfolio from the minority failure narrative. Document condition, maintenance history and tenant communications to evidence professionalism. The landlords who can demonstrate consistent standards will be best positioned as scrutiny increases.

Focus investment where it adds commercial value. Avoid blanket upgrades driven by political noise. Target spend on properties where returns justify improvement and long-term demand supports it.

Plan compliance as an operational process. Most landlords already meet or exceed expected standards. The task is refining systems, response times and documentation so compliance is provable, repeatable and cost controlled.