HomeHousing law
Housing law explained
The law is on your side. Every page below explains a real legal protection, in plain English, with the deadlines that matter. 10 topics covered.
Social housing deadlines
Awaab's Law
From 27 October 2025, social landlords must make emergency hazards safe within 24 hours, and investigate significant hazards within 10 working days then complete the safety work within 5 working days of the investigation ending.
In force: 27 October 2025
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Housing Ombudsman Service
Free, independent complaints service for social housing tenants in England. Use it if your council or housing association has failed to resolve your complaint through its own process.
In force: 1 April 1997
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Landlord repair duties
Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
The foundation law for every UK tenant repair claim. Your landlord has a legal duty to keep the structure and services of your home in good repair.
In force: 7 November 1985
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Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Lets tenants take direct action against landlords whose homes are unfit. Applies in England.
In force: 20 March 2019
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Defective Premises Act 1972
Places a duty of care on landlords for defects in the property they own, covering communal areas, work done on the home, and properties adjacent to yours.
In force: 1 January 1974
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Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the government's 29-hazard framework for scoring risk in homes. Councils use it to decide whether to force landlords to act.
In force: 6 April 2006
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Your rights and eviction
Retaliatory eviction protections
Your landlord cannot lawfully evict you for raising a disrepair complaint. The law protects you whether you rent socially or privately.
In force: 1 October 2015
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Renters' Rights Act 2025
The biggest reform of private rented sector law in 30 years. Bans Section 21 evictions; gives tenants new safety-net protections.
In force: 1 May 2026
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Claim and enforcement routes
Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Disrepair
The formal letter-and-response process every housing disrepair claim must follow before court.
In force: 8 December 2003
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Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 82
An alternative legal route for tenants whose home is a statutory nuisance: pests, mould, no heating, smells. Magistrates' Court. Often faster than civil disrepair and runs in parallel with it.
In force: 31 December 1990
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Housing regulations explained
The specific regulations behind your rights: gas and electrical safety, fitness for habitation, Awaab's Law and more.
Not sure which law applies to you?
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By: Support for Tenants legal 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.