31/08/2026
Awaab’s Law Phase 2
From **30 November 2026**, Awaab’s Law expands in English social housing to cover significant “domestic hygiene” hazards. Government guidance explicitly includes pest infestations caused or sustained by property defects, inadequate refuse storage or poor drainage.
A serious rat infestation threatening health can be treated as an emergency; significant hazards must normally be investigated within 10 working days, with safety work completed within five working days after the investigation. Emergency hazards must be made safe within 24 hours.