NICEIC encourages electrical contractors to prepare for Awaab’s Law Phase 2

NICEIC is encouraging electrical contractors to prepare for the next phase of Awaab’s Law, which will come into force on 30 November 2026 and place greater emphasis on the timely identification and remediation of electrical hazards in homes.

Introduced in the wake of the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law was established to ensure social housing landlords investigate and address serious health and safety hazards within legally prescribed timescales. The legislation was created through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and aims to ensure residents are protected from issues that could put their health and wellbeing at risk.

Since October 2025, Phase 1 of the legislation has focused primarily on damp and mould hazards, alongside emergency hazards presenting an immediate risk to tenant safety. From 30 November 2026, Phase 2 will significantly expand the scope of the law to include several additional Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) categories, including electrical hazards, fire risks, structural collapse, excess cold and excess heat.

For electrical contractors, the inclusion of electrical hazards represents a major development. Social landlords will be required to respond appropriately when electrical defects or risks are reported, ensuring hazards are investigated, communicated and resolved within the statutory framework set out by the legislation.

Electrical contractors will have a significant role to play in supporting landlords in meeting their legal obligations. From conducting inspections and testing to diagnosing faults and carrying out remedial work, electrical contractors will play a critical role in helping housing providers maintain safe living environments and achieve compliance.

Contractors may also see greater emphasis placed on accurate reporting, documentation and response times, as housing providers demonstrate compliance with the legislation. As a result, competence, technical expertise and the ability to deliver work efficiently will become increasingly important across the sector.

Landlords also have a responsibility, set out in the guidance to the legislation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, to ensure the investigation of electrical hazards is conducted by a ‘qualified and competent’ electrician. NICEIC-certified businesses can demonstrate that they have been independently assessed against the requirements of their certification scheme, providing landlords with assurance when selecting a contractor.

Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, said: 

“The expansion of Awaab’s Law is a welcome legislative change to improve conditions and safety for tenants. The introduction of Phase 2 highlights the growing importance of electrical safety within the social housing sector. Electrical contractors have a vital role to play in helping landlords identify hazards, carry out remedial work and keep residents safe. It is essential that contractors remain up to date with regulatory requirements and continue to demonstrate the competence needed to support housing providers in meeting their legal responsibilities.”

With the implementation date approaching, NICEIC is encouraging electrical contractors to familiarise themselves with the requirements of Awaab’s Law Phase 2 and consider how the changes may affect their work with housing associations, local authorities and other social landlords.

By understanding the new obligations and ensuring robust inspection, testing and maintenance processes are in place, contractors can help safeguard residents while supporting the sector’s drive towards higher standards of housing safety and accountability.

To learn more about Awaab’s Law Phase 2 and the responsibilities it places on social housing landlords, visit the Government guidance here.

The Government opened a public consultation on 9 October 2026 to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector. Read more here.

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