On 18 October 2025, I had the privilege of speaking at the Confederation of Co-operative Housing (CCH) Conference in London, both in the plenary session (Making Your Homes Better) and in a workshop session (From Risk to Resilience: Building Services, Disrepair and the Impact of Awaab’s Law). It was a pleasure to share the stage with Rachel Blake MP, Emma Laycock (Co-operatives UK), Blase Lambert (CCH) and my workshop co-presenters Jay Lambe and Michaela Bygrave (CCH Building Services).

The conference brought together a passionate and knowledgeable group of housing co-op members, professionals, and advocates. The conversations were insightful, and the challenges discussed were real and pressing.

What Awaab’s Law means for housing co-ops that are registered providers (RPs)

Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law comes into force on 27 October 2025, and from this date, housing co-operatives that are RPs will be legally required to meet the strict new standards for responding to hazards in tenants’ homes. Emergency hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours, while significant hazards must be investigated within ten working days, with works generally commencing within five working days of the investigation concluding. These duties are implied by Awaab’s Law into tenancy agreements, meaning tenants can take legal action for breach of contract if landlords fail to comply. For housing co-ops, this introduces a significant urgency to action repairs.

What Awaab’s Law means for housing co-ops that are not RPs

It is critical to note that the Renters' Rights Bill will extend these obligations to private landlords, meaning that housing co-ops, even those not registered as RPs, need to prepare for compliance. The timelines for private landlords are not yet confirmed.

Unique challenges for housing co-ops

Housing co-operatives face distinct structural challenges in implementing Awaab’s Law. One issue that resonated strongly during the workshop was the challenge of decanting tenants from unsafe properties. Co-ops rarely have void properties available for temporary relocation. With long waiting lists and small volumes of housing stock, the reality is that many co-ops will need to rely on hotels or short-term rentals like AirBnbs, which can be significantly more expensive. This raises important questions about budgeting, policy planning, and tenant communication. Co-ops must start thinking about this now.

Top tips for housing co-ops preparing for Awaab’s Law

1. Review your repairs policy - Ensure it clearly sets out how hazards can be reported, who will investigate and assess them and the new timescales - distinguishing between ‘significant’ and ‘emergency’ hazards.

2. Clarify reporting channels - Make it clear how tenants can report hazards.

3. Plan for temporary accommodation - Consider setting aside contingency funds for emergency decants and identify local hotel or short-term rental options ahead of time so you know where to go when you need it.

4. Train your team - Staff and volunteers need to understand your legal obligations, the Government guidance (currently still in draft), the timelines, and how to assess hazards.

5. Audit your stock - Know the condition of your properties well and be clear who is living in them.

6. Maximise your income - Review your tenancy agreements. Tackle rent arrears early and consider if your rent levels need review?

If your housing co-op needs support, feel free to reach out to us. As specialists in community-led housing, we understand the unique challenges co-operative housing providers face. We understand many housing co-ops are run by volunteers who are already navigating many other legal changes facing the housing sector. We are here to support you in meeting the challenges ahead.

For more information

If you need help reviewing housing management policies and procedures, tenancy agreements, or to take enforcement action or respond to disrepair claims or complaints, please contact me. We’re here to work together to make homes safer and healthier for everyone.