“ The UK Government introduced new provisions in the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023
This is informally referred to as Awaab’s Law, in memory of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy from Rochdale who tragically died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing flat.
Pest control is formally included within the second phase, from October 2026.
Pest infestations have not been specically defined within the scope of ‘emergency hazards’ within phase 1. If the tenant perceived an emergency hazard, the social landlord would investigate within 24 hours and then complete the works to make the property safe.
Phase 1:
From 27 October 2025, social landlords must address “all emergency hazards” and “significant damp and mould hazards” within fixed timeframes.
Phase 2:
From October 2026, the legislation expands to cover additional significant hazards under the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This will include pest infestations and other areas such as excess cold/excess heat, falls, structural collapse, fire/electrical hazards and refuse.
Phase 3:
In 2027, the legislation will include the full set of Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards where they present a significant risk of harm.
The full Awaab’s law guidance can be found here:
