New regulations extend strict investigation and repair duties to a wider range of serious hazards from November.
Lord Wilson of Sedgefield has moved regulations extending Awaab's Law to serious heat, cold, fire, electrical, structural, fall, explosion and hygiene hazards in social housing.
The second phase requires social landlords to investigate potential significant hazards within 10 working days and send tenants a written summary within three working days after the investigation.
Landlords must take action within five working days and make emergency hazards safe within 24 hours. They will have to arrange suitable alternative accommodation when a home cannot be made safe within the required period.
Further preventive work must begin as soon as possible and no later than 12 weeks after an investigation. Tenants will be able to seek court action for breach of contract or take a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.
The rules follow the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak after exposure to mould in his family's home. The first phase already covers significant damp and mould and emergency hazards.
The expanded duties are due to come into force in November. A public information campaign will begin in January to explain the protections to social tenants and the responsibilities placed on landlords.
