Own a Canary Wharf rental but live abroad? Make sure repair reports reach someone who can act locally. With the government consulting on Awaab’s Law for private rentals, now is a useful time to review access, approvals and follow-up. Speak to Pacific Estates about property management on 020 7177 7888. Find out what your property could be worth: https://instant-valuation.pacificestates.co.uk/.
What has changed?
On 8 October 2026, the government announced a consultation on extending Awaab’s Law to privately rented homes in England. It closes on 18 December 2026 and will inform how the protections operate and when they take effect.
This is a consultation, not an announcement that new private-sector repair deadlines have started. Owners should avoid applying social-housing timescales to their own private tenancy without checking the relevant rules.
Existing responsibilities continue. GOV.UK’s private-renting guidance identifies landlord repair responsibilities including the structure and exterior, heating and hot water, and electrical wiring. A consultation is no reason to postpone dealing with a reported problem.
Who responds while you are overseas?
The practical question is simple: if your tenant reports a leak or mould while you are asleep in another time zone, who receives it, assesses the next step and arranges access?
Review the whole route from the first message to confirmation that the issue has been resolved. A contractor booking is only one stage. Someone also needs to keep the tenant informed, follow up on findings and check whether further work is needed.
Put a clear repair process in place
Choose a reporting route. Give the tenant current contact details and clear instructions for urgent concerns. Make sure messages reach the person responsible for responding, including when your usual contact is unavailable.
Agree approval arrangements. Discuss how quotes, spending approvals and urgent safety decisions will be handled. Put the agreed authority in writing so a routine request is not delayed because nobody knows who can approve it.
Prepare access information. Keep key and fob arrangements, tenant contact details and building-management contacts current. For an apartment, check how contractors obtain access and whether any building procedures apply to the proposed work. Arrange entry appropriately with the tenant.
Keep a repair log. Record when the report arrived, what was reported, inspection findings, access arrangements, work carried out and any follow-up required. Keep photographs and contractor reports where available. These records help everyone see what remains outstanding.
Check the outcome. Ask whether the underlying problem has been addressed. If a leak or mould returns, arrange reassessment rather than treating an earlier visit as proof that the issue is closed.
These are practical management steps, not a substitute for the legal requirements applicable to your property.
How Pacific Estates can help
Pacific Estates’ lettings and property-management service includes property inspections and maintenance and repairs, alongside inventories and rent collection.
If you own a rental in Canary Wharf or East London and want local support, contact our Canary Wharf team. Discuss your current arrangements, communication preferences and the service scope and authority you need. Agree the responsibilities and fees before appointing us.
Frequently asked questions
Have new Awaab’s Law deadlines started for private landlords?
The government’s 8 October announcement concerns a consultation on implementation. It does not announce new private-sector deadlines taking effect on that date. Check subsequent official updates before relying on a timetable.
Should I wait for the consultation before arranging repairs?
No. Existing repair responsibilities remain. Act on reports and obtain appropriate advice where the cause, safety implications or responsibility is unclear.
What should I bring to a management discussion?
Bring current repair reports, contractor findings, access information and details of who manages the property now. This gives the team a useful starting point for discussing support.
Arrange local support for your London rental
Enquire about property management, call 020 7177 7888 or email office@peukl.com.
For an initial view of value, get your free instant property valuation. Automated estimates are indicative, not guaranteed sale prices or formal lender, probate or tax valuations.
Sources: Government announcement, 8 October 2026; GOV.UK private-renting repair guidance. Information checked on 9 October 2026.
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