EDITOR’ S CHOICE
OVERHEATING IN SOCIAL HOUSING
PREPARING FOR AWAAB’ S LAW PHASE 2
Our summers are getting hotter. England recently experienced its warmest June on record, nearly 3 ° C above long-term averages. For social housing providers, this shift presents a growing challenge as warmer properties collide with increasing regulatory burdens.
The Scale of the Problem
According to the UK Climate Change Committee, 50 % of UK homes are currently at risk of overheating, a figure projected to rise to 92 % by 2050. Internal data science analysis from Aico confirms this trend: during peak summer heatwaves, across nearly all of England and Wales, and even in parts of Scotland, average temperatures exceeded 25 ° C. In fact, in some of the worst affected areas in south and southwest England, average indoor temperatures exceeded 32 ° C.
Key safety thresholds every landlord should know include:
24 ° C: Discomfort and health risks begin for vulnerable residents( WHO).
25 ° C: Mortality rates and stroke risks spike noticeably( BRE Guidance).
28 ° C: Maximum safe threshold for sleeping areas, which shouldn’ t be exceeded for more than 1 % of sleeping hours( CIBSE TM59).
Risk levels depend heavily on context- a top-floor flat occupied by an elderly resident poses a far greater danger than a home occupied by a healthy adult.
Practical Mitigation Strategies
Landlords can reduce heat risks through several targeted fixes:
Insulation: Draft sealing, double glazing, wall insulation, and reflective roof coatings keep extreme exterior heat outside.
Air Purge Ventilation: Utilising cross-ventilation( opening opposite windows / doors) and fans helps clear trapped indoor heat overnight.
Solar Shading: Blinds, awnings, and shutters block direct solar heat gain on south and west-facing windows.
Efficient Appliances: Energy-efficient appliances reduce internal heat generation.
Preparing for Awaab’ s Law Phase 2
Phase 2 of Awaab’ s Law expands mandatory inspection and repair deadlines to cover seven new hazards, including extreme heat. Social housing providers will face tight timescales to resolve severe heat issues or risk mounting regulatory penalties and resident complaints.
Aico’ s environmental sensors continuously track temperature, humidity, and CO 2 levels. The real-time dashboard highlights high-risk properties across portfolios and delivers automated alerts when hazardous temperatures are hit, giving providers the insights needed to act proactively before tight legal deadlines take effect.
www. aico. co. uk
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