For social housing landlords, the winter continues to bring new challenges as cold snaps need to be dealt with effectively, as Awwab’s Law hangs ever-present overhead. To avoid potential legal action, you need to understand your new obligations.
What is considered dangerously cold in social housing?
As of yet, the Government have not completely defined a temperature at which a property is considered dangerous. However, if we consult previous guidance, it becomes apparent where the dangers arise.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) has been utilised for many years and clearly states that a healthy indoor temperature “is around 21˚C”. The document also highlights that temperatures “below 19˚C” may introduce a “small risk of health effects”, while “below 16˚C, there are serious health risks for the elderly.”
This would mean that social housing landlords should consider their tenants in particular when determining the health risks presented by cold properties. However, you should remember that you cannot legally request information about someone’s health or disability.
As such, it is better to assume that all tenants are vulnerable to cold and ensure your properties are sufficiently heated. This will mean conducting regular reviews of boilers, radiators and heaters to determine their efficiency. If something breaks and your tenant is left without heating, you will likely fall under the 24-hour countdown of Awaab’s Law compliance.
If snowfall is severe, this may present a potential challenge in getting the situation remedied in time. Installing new heating systems and keeping them well-maintained will be a good way to keep ahead of this challenge for future winters, but may have limited effectiveness in the short term.
If you are aware that adverse weather is forecast in the near future, sending someone to check on your tenant’s heating is wise to minimise the risk of leaving them trapped in the cold. As with all Awaab’s Law focused maintenance and inspections, be sure to have all evidence witnessed and signed by parties representing yourself and your tenant where possible.
Can a property become dangerously hot?
2025 was the hottest and sunniest year in the UK since records began. If that trend continues, you can expect heat to become a challenge that you will need to address each summer.
As with the cold, there is no set limit on temperature that is considered safe, but the HHSRS indicates that “mortality increases in temperatures over 25˚C.” Many buildings in the UK are ill-suited to managing heat, designed as they were to trap and store heat to endure cold winters. As such, it may be necessary to fit air conditioning units to allow tenants to better regulate their temperature and create a more pleasant, safe environment in which to live.
Faulty heating systems can also create excessive heat, even in the winter, and while it might initially be pleasant to get warm, it can pose a health hazard if left unchecked.
With 2026 being the first full year of Awaab’s Law and with more changes yet to come, we are working to educate social housing landlords on their rights and responsibilities.
Our expert team can help you to stay compliant with the new law, whatever the weather.
Don’t feel the cold bite of non-compliance. Speak to our team today.
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The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at January 2026.