Awaab's Law Phase 2: What Changes for Electrical Hazards in Social Housing From 30 November? (Essex 2026)
Today, 1 November 2026, social landlords in England passed their deadline for getting older tenancies electrically tested. The next big change is only four weeks away. From 30 November 2026, Phase 2 of Awaab's Law brings electrical hazards, fire hazards, excess cold and several other risks under strict legal repair timescales for council and housing association homes. This guide explains what is changing for tenants and social landlords in Thurrock, Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, Upminster and across Essex. It is accurate as of 1 November 2026.
What is Awaab's Law?
Awaab's Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould in his family's social housing home. It came into force for the social rented sector on 27 October 2025. Since then, social landlords have had to deal with all emergency hazards, and with damp and mould that poses a significant risk of harm, within fixed timeframes.
It applies to almost all social housing let on a tenancy by a registered provider, which means councils and housing associations. It does not apply to owner-occupied homes, long leaseholds or shared ownership.
What changes on 30 November 2026?
According to GOV.UK guidance, from 30 November 2026 Awaab's Law will also cover these hazards where they present a significant risk of harm:
electrical hazards
fire and explosions
excess cold and excess heat
falls (on the level, on stairs and between levels)
structural collapse
domestic hygiene, including personal hygiene and food safety
The government says a third phase will later extend the rules to all remaining hazards in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, apart from overcrowding.
How quickly must a social landlord fix an electrical hazard?
The GOV.UK guidance sets out maximum timescales:
Emergency hazards: investigate and make safe within 24 hours of becoming aware of the hazard. The guidance gives "electrical hazards such as exposed wiring" as an example.
Significant hazards: investigate within 10 working days, then complete the work to make the home safe within 5 working days of the investigation finishing.
Written summary: in most cases the tenant must be given a written summary of the findings within 3 working days of the investigation.
Stopping it happening again: work to prevent the hazard returning must start, or steps must be taken to start it, within 5 working days, and in any case within 12 weeks.
If the home cannot be made safe in time, the landlord must offer suitable alternative accommodation at its own expense. These are maximum limits, and the guidance says landlords should act faster where the situation calls for it.
Who should investigate an electrical hazard?
The guidance is clear: "an electrical hazard should be investigated and remediated by a qualified and competent electrician." The landlord must use someone who, in its reasonable opinion, is competent to do the job. NICEIC has also urged electrical contractors to prepare, saying they will play a critical role in inspections, fault-finding and remedial work for housing providers.
Does Awaab's Law cover smoke alarms?
Yes, inside individual homes. The guidance says Awaab's Law applies to fire hazards within flats and houses that are not covered by the Fire Safety Order, such as broken or missing smoke alarms. Fire safety in communal areas, such as fire doors and escape routes, stays under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Does Awaab's Law apply to private landlords?
Not this phase. The guidance covers social landlords only. Private landlords still have their own duties, including an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every five years. Our guide to the social landlord EICR deadline and the rule changes coming on 30 November explains those.
What should tenants do if they spot an electrical problem?
Report it to your landlord straight away, in writing if you can, with photos.
Mention anyone in the household who may be more at risk, such as young children, older people or anyone with a health condition. The guidance says landlords must take this into account.
If something is burning, sparking or smoking, keep clear, switch off at the consumer unit only if it is safe to do so, and call 999 if there is a fire.
What should landlords and housing providers do now?
Check that up-to-date EICRs are in place and that any remedial work is finished.
Make sure contractors know the Awaab's Law timescales and report any hazards they spot.
Have an electrician you can call for emergency make-safe work within 24 hours.
FAQ
When does Awaab's Law Phase 2 start?
On 30 November 2026, for social housing in England.
Is exposed wiring an emergency hazard?
The GOV.UK guidance lists "electrical hazards such as exposed wiring" as an example of a possible emergency hazard. Emergency hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours.
Does it apply to homeowners?
No. It applies to social housing tenancies, not owner-occupied homes.
Do I still need an EICR?
Yes. Awaab's Law does not replace the electrical safety rules for rented homes, which require an inspection at least every five years.
Need a qualified electrician in Essex?
CPW Electrical Solutions is a Thurrock-based electrical contractor, NICEIC Approved (607863000), with £2m public liability and £300k professional indemnity insurance. We carry out EICRs, electrical testing and compliance, remedial work and commercial electrical work. We also offer 24-hour emergency call-outs.
Call 07545 571230 (answered 7am to 7pm) or request a quote. See the areas we cover.
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