Reports2Go

The 2026 Condition Report: Your Best Defence Against Awaab’s Law

As we enter 2026, the legislative pressure on the UK rental market has reached a boiling point. For landlords, the most significant shift isn't just the change in eviction rights, but the expansion of Awaab's Law into the private sector. Originally designed for social housing, these strict regulations now mandate that all landlords must investigate reported hazards, specifically damp and mould, within 14 days and begin repairs shortly thereafter.

At Reports2Go, we understand that "compliance" can often feel like a moving target. However, in this new regulatory environment, a vague verbal agreement or a handwritten note is no longer sufficient to protect you from heavy fines or legal claims. The most powerful tool in your arsenal for 2026 is a comprehensive condition report. This document serves as your baseline of truth, allowing you to prove exactly what state the property was in at the start of the tenancy and throughout its duration.

Awaab’s Law: The Clock is Ticking

The core of Awaab's Law is speed and accountability. If a tenant reports a damp or mould issue, the "compliance clock" starts immediately. Under the 2026 rules, you must provide a written summary of your investigation findings to the tenant. If you cannot prove that you inspected the property or that the issue was caused by the tenant's lifestyle rather than structural failure, the liability sits squarely with you.

By conducting a detailed condition report using our app, you create a time-stamped, digital audit trail. Our audio-to-text feature is particularly useful here; instead of typing short notes, you can dictate a nuanced description of the ventilation, the state of extractor fans, and the presence of any window condensation. This level of detail is exactly what is required to satisfy a local authority or the Landlord Ombudsman.

Moving From Reactive to Proactive

The danger for many landlords in 2026 is falling into a "reactive" trap, in which they only address issues once they become a legal hazard. We recommend a proactive approach. Using the Reports2Go app for regular interim inspections lets you spot early signs of moisture ingress or poor ventilation before they escalate into a Category 1 hazard.

When you use our portal to compare these periodic checks against your initial inventory, you build a story of the property's health. If a tenant later claims that a property was "unfit" from day one, your historical records provide the evidence needed to refute the claim. Our platform ensures that every photo is high-resolution and every description is professionally formatted, making your documentation look as serious as the law requires.

The 2026 rental market has no room for guesswork. Download the Reports2Go app today and ensure every property in your portfolio is backed by a professional, defensible condition report.

Dan, 16 January 2026