Overview
- The law came into force on October 27, 2025, covering social landlords in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with Scotland pursuing similar measures.
- Emergency hazards must be addressed within 24 hours, significant damp and mould must be investigated within 10 working days, homes must be made safe within five working days, and findings must be shared within three working days.
- Landlords who breach the rules can face court enforcement orders, compensation and legal costs, loss of rent for uninhabitable homes, and a duty to provide suitable alternative accommodation if they cannot make a property safe on time.
- The Housing Ombudsman reported severe repair delays such as mushrooms growing in children’s bedrooms and wet‑to‑touch carpets, highlighting past practices that fall far short of the new standards.
- Local bodies are moving to implement the rules, with councils like the New Forest informing tenants and Camden establishing a rapid response team, while guidance urges residents to report issues in writing, keep evidence, and expect professional‑standard repairs rather than cosmetic fixes.