The legal framework for Awaab's Law and social housing safety.

Typical causes and sources: Floors, yards, paths and garden surfaces that are uneven, damaged or slippery. Baths, showers and similar facilities. Small changes in level such as door thresholds and single steps.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 18A.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): A fall is likely because of the condition of the property, bearing in mind the occupier's vulnerabilities, so there is a risk of serious harm if the matter is not dealt with in the set timescales.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): A fall is very likely and could cause serious harm if the matter is not resolved in the set timescales, particularly where the occupier is vulnerable.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Trips and slips from everyday activities that are not made worse by a defect, falls from using ladders, steps or furniture inappropriately, and falls from work the tenant did in breach of the tenancy.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: For falls on the level and on stairs, people over 60 are most likely to suffer severe harm. For falls between levels, children under 5 are the most vulnerable group. Mobility, balance, sensory impairments, osteoporosis and brittle bones all increase the likelihood or the harm.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Unexpected variations in the size of risers and treads. Poor lighting, or sharp changes in lighting. Distractions such as low ceilings, items left on stairs or doors opening onto stairs.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 21.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): A fall is likely because of the condition of the property, bearing in mind the occupier's vulnerabilities, so there is a risk of serious harm if the matter is not dealt with in the set timescales.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): A fall is very likely and could cause serious harm if the matter is not resolved in the set timescales, particularly where the occupier is vulnerable.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Trips and slips from everyday activities that are not made worse by a defect, falls from using ladders, steps or furniture inappropriately, and falls from work the tenant did in breach of the tenancy.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: For falls on the level and on stairs, people over 60 are most likely to suffer severe harm. For falls between levels, children under 5 are the most vulnerable group. Mobility, balance, sensory impairments, osteoporosis and brittle bones all increase the likelihood or the harm.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Missing, low or damaged guarding on landings, balconies and windows. Unprotected drops, basement wells and retaining walls.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 22.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): A fall is likely because of the condition of the property, bearing in mind the occupier's vulnerabilities, so there is a risk of serious harm if the matter is not dealt with in the set timescales.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): A fall is very likely and could cause serious harm if the matter is not resolved in the set timescales, particularly where the occupier is vulnerable.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Trips and slips from everyday activities that are not made worse by a defect, falls from using ladders, steps or furniture inappropriately, and falls from work the tenant did in breach of the tenancy.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: For falls on the level and on stairs, people over 60 are most likely to suffer severe harm. For falls between levels, children under 5 are the most vulnerable group. Mobility, balance, sensory impairments, osteoporosis and brittle bones all increase the likelihood or the harm.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Uncontrolled ignition sources and failed detection or escape routes. Explosions caused by combustion, and by the failure of vessels containing heated water and steam.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 23A.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): GOV.UK expects most reported fire hazards to be emergency hazards. There are limited circumstances where a reasonable landlord would treat a fire hazard as significant rather than an emergency.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): A serious and immediate risk because of fire safety failures, such as defective or absent detection or alarms within the home, inaccessible escape routes caused by defects, or uncontrolled ignition sources. The risk of a gas explosion is always an emergency hazard.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Fire hazards from a deficiency in the common parts of a building with two or more homes that the Fire Safety Order regulates, risks caused mainly by the tenant's breach, and things that are not deficiencies in a building or land, such as the storage of e-scooters.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: Residents with limited mobility, certain neurodivergent conditions, learning difficulties or sensory impairments, and those over 60. The risk to other residents in the building.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Collapse of ceiling plasterwork after a water leak is the most likely source of harm. Poorly fixed fittings and finishes such as light fittings, cabinets and shelving. Persistent damp causing wet and dry rot that weakens floors, ceilings and fixtures.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 29.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): There is no imminent danger but there is the potential for serious harm, for example failures of building fabric, fixtures or external elements such as parapets and chimneys, large sections of ceiling plaster, or rotten floors and damaged balconies at risk of collapse.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): Structural failure or the risk of it poses imminent danger, for example large cracks that appear suddenly or worsen quickly, sagging ceilings or walls that indicate instability, or displaced roof tiles, chimneys or brickwork.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Buildings made from materials or methods with known inherent weaknesses, such as Large Panel System buildings, where a reasonable landlord could not make the building safe within 15 working days, and minor or superficial defects such as superficial cracking in render.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: Young children, who are more likely to go near dangerous structures, and people with limited mobility. The size of any fixture at risk of falling, the likely outcome of a collapse and how busy the surrounding area is.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Deficiencies in appliances, plugs, leads and powered tools cause most hospital episodes from electrical hazards in dwellings. Deficiencies in wiring and installations make up a smaller share. Older consumer units may not contain residual current devices.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 23.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): No imminent danger but potential for serious harm, such as deteriorated installations that need remedial work, or defects that may become dangerous if left.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): An imminent risk of injury from electricity, such as exposed live parts, damaged socket outlets or defective equipment, a clear and immediate risk of shock, or hazards where children or vulnerable occupants can reach them.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Risks from electrical appliances that are not part of the building.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: Children under 5, and people of any age with learning disabilities, some neurodivergent conditions or dementia. Pregnancy, and tenants who rely on medical equipment that needs charging.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Scalds account for half of childhood burn injuries and are most likely to happen in the kitchen. Excessively hot bath or shower water.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: Young children cannot always judge risk during activities. Many incidents relate to the design and maintenance of housing.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: Dust mites increase where relative humidity is above 50 per cent, and mould can grow where it stays above 70 per cent. Localised damp from water ingress also allows mould and wet or dry rot. Reduced background ventilation in energy efficient homes affects the removal of moisture and pollutants.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): damp, mould or fungal growths.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): Occupiers are likely to have serious health outcomes if the matter is not dealt with in the set timescales, including the worsening of existing conditions. This can include damp and mould that harms living conditions without an immediate risk.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): The occupier is particularly vulnerable or already has symptoms linked to damp and mould, for example where damp is affecting a child's asthma.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Minor or isolated mould, such as small patches on grout or sealant, where there are no wider issues and serious health outcomes are unlikely.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: Children aged 14 or under, pre-existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and other lung or cardiovascular disease, weakened immune systems, mental health conditions, pregnancy, and mobility issues that mean long periods indoors. The extent and location of the mould, how the room is used, how long it has been there, and ventilation and insulation.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Low energy efficiency, and solid wall homes built before 1920, show the greatest risk. Absence of central heating shows some association with excess winter deaths.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 2.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): Occupiers are likely to have serious health outcomes if the matter is not dealt with in the set timescales, particularly in colder periods. This can include a home that cannot be adequately heated.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): The occupier is particularly vulnerable or already has symptoms of cold related ill health, for example a complete loss of heating during colder periods.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Landlords need to provide adequate and controllable heating but are not responsible for a tenant's energy costs. Faults in a heating system the landlord is not responsible for are also out of scope.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: People aged 65 or over, children under 5, pregnancy, people having chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and long term conditions that affect the cardiovascular, respiratory or immune system or mental health. Whether the tenant can heat the bedroom and living room, and the weather.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Heatwaves and urban heat islands raise indoor temperatures. The profile lists the common causes of high indoor temperatures in the home.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 3.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): Occupiers are likely to have serious health outcomes if the matter is not dealt with in the set timescales, for example where indoor temperatures are high enough to harm health because of mechanical or other defects.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): The occupier is particularly vulnerable, for example in a heat vulnerable group in UKHSA guidance, or is experiencing serious heat related health effects.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): Overheating that is solely because outside temperatures are high. If a defect, such as a broken window that cannot be opened, makes the effects worse, Awaab's Law can apply.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: People aged 65 or over, children aged 5 or under, people who are ill or dehydrated, people on certain medications, people with underlying conditions, and pregnancy.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Natural sources, mostly radon in buildings, make up most exposure to ionising radiation in the UK. Radon levels vary with local geology.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: Flaking lead based paint, or dust and fumes when old paint is removed, are the main routes of exposure. Lead pigments were widely used in domestic paints until the 1960s and were not fully removed from common paints until the early 1980s.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: Leaks of fuel gas from damaged or poorly fitted fittings, pipework and appliances. Incomplete combustion where there is not enough oxygen.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: Asbestos was used widely in construction and was banned completely in the UK in 1999. Harm arises when it is damaged or disturbed.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: Infection spreads by direct contact, indirect contact through contaminated surfaces, and ingestion of contaminated food and drink. Pests, poor waste storage and defective drainage or sanitation.

Regulation 3(2)(a)(i): Schedule 1 paragraph 14A.

Significant hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): Occupiers are likely to have serious health outcomes if the matter is not dealt with in the set timescales, for example ongoing pests linked to building defects, unreliable toilet or washing facilities, persistent drainage problems, or poorly maintained shared facilities.

Emergency hazard (GOV.UK triage guidance): Conditions pose an immediate and serious risk to health, for example a serious pest infestation, an escape of raw sewage, failure of drainage or soil pipes, loss of usable toilet or washing facilities, or food preparation areas that cannot be cleaned.

Out of scope (GOV.UK triage guidance): General clutter or untidiness where there is no related build up of rubbish, pests, odours or contamination.

Circumstances that increase vulnerability: People aged 65 or over, babies and children under 5, people with reduced mobility, long term respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin or immune conditions, and mental health conditions.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)
• GOV.UK Phase 2 hazards guidance

Typical causes and sources: Private supplies are more likely than mains supplies to be contaminated. Legionella can grow in water systems and in appliances that use water.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: Poor security measures put dwellings at higher risk, though the guidance notes socio-economic factors are linked more strongly to burglary than the physical features of a home.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: The causes are set out in the Operating Guidance hazard profile.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: The size, shape and position of windows, room layout and objects that block daylight. The worst problems are often in basement or attic dwellings.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)

Typical causes and sources: Crowding is more likely where housing is short and where households on lower incomes share smaller spaces.

Not yet listed in regulation 3 as a significant hazard.

GOV.UK has not yet published Awaab's Law triage guidance for this hazard. The Operating Guidance hazard profile applies.

• HHSRS Operating Guidance, Part 2 (hazard profiles)
• Schedule 1, HHSRS Regulations 2005 (as amended)