Awaab’s Law from 6 October 2026
Awaab’s Law introduces a framework that landlords must comply with when they are notified by a tenant, or otherwise become aware, that a property is or may be affected by damp or mould. Landlords must adhere to prescribed timescales for investigating the issue and reporting their findings:
- Investigate within 10 working days of becoming aware of damp or mould.
- Provide written findings within 3 working days of the investigation.
- Commence required repairs within 5 working days where substantial damp or mould is identified.
Where the investigation identifies substantial damp or mould, the landlord must undertake the necessary repair works within 10 working days of becoming aware of damp or mould.
As part of managing your property, Northwood will continue to co-ordinate reports and necessary action. Due to these tighter timescales, please help us by being alert to any requests for approval or instructions. Where further investigation is necessary, Northwood can arrange for EPIC Property Services to carry out the appropriate assessment, coordinate the process and provide a detailed written report. Details of the process are available on request.
Changes to fines for wrongful termination orders (WTOs)
Tenants who believe they have been misled into leaving a private residential tenancy (PRT) because the landlord relied on an eviction ground that did not apply, can apply to the tribunal for a wrongful termination order (WTO). If the tribunal is satisfied that the landlord used an inapplicable eviction ground, it must impose a fine on the landlord.
Previously, the fine ranged from zero to six months’ rent. For tenants who leave their property on or after 6 October 2026, the fine will range from three to 36 months’ rent. Where the monthly rent is less than £840, the fine will instead be calculated using multiples of £840.
Changes to succession rules following the death of a tenant
Under the Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) regime, a partner, family member or carer who has been living in the property with the tenant may have an automatic right to succeed to the tenancy following the tenant’s death. Previously, the legislation required the person to have lived with the tenant for at least 12 months before the tenant’s death. This is known as the “qualifying period”.
For tenants who die on or after 6 October 2026, the qualifying period will be reduced from 12 to six months.
Tenancy successions are relatively uncommon, so most landlords are unlikely to be affected by this change.
