Glossary
ATE insurance (After-The-Event)
Insurance that covers the risk you'll have to pay your landlord's costs if your claim fails. The premium is typically only payable if you win, so it doesn't come out of your pocket.
Related terms
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
The standard form of private tenancy in England since 1989. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is phasing ASTs out and replacing them with periodic tenancies.
Awaab's Law
The popular name for sections of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 that came into force in October 2025. Requires social landlords to make emergency hazards safe within 24 hours, and to investigate significant hazards within 10 working days then complete the safety work within 5 working days of the investigation ending. They must also send the tenant a written summary of findings within 3 working days of the investigation, a window that runs at the same time as the 5-day works window.
CMC (Claims Management Company)
A business that identifies, screens and packages legal claims and refers them to a regulated solicitor. CMCs in the UK must be authorised by the FCA. Support for Tenants is a CMC.
HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System)
The framework that defines 29 categories of housing hazard. Used by local authorities and by Awaab's Law to decide what counts as a serious hazard requiring rapid action.
Need help with a real housing problem?
Glossary entries explain the words. If you have a damp, mould, heating or repair problem your landlord is ignoring, we can help. Call free or start your claim online.
By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.