Awaab’s Law places a legal duty on social and private landlords to investigate and fix damp, mould and other serious hazards that present a significant risk of harm within strict timescales.

These protections are now in place through the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026, introduced through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.

Under the new legislation, the council will manage all reports of damp and mould from when the concern is first reported, until the relevant advice is provided or any required works are completed. The new legislation sets the following specific timescales which the council must follow:

• investigate reports of damp or mould from council tenants, within 10 working days of becoming aware of them
• produce a written summary of investigation findings and provide this to the tenant within 3 working days of the investigation concluding
• if the investigation concludes substantial damp or mould, ensure repair work is commenced within 5 working days of the investigation
• upon commencement of repair work, ensure the repair is completed within a maximum period of 20 working days
• ensure the house remains substantially free from damp and mould, as far as reasonably practicable. 

While all cases of damp or mould should be reported to the council, tenants should also be aware that excess condensation, which contributes to damp and mould, is heightened during the coldest months of the year.  Daily living practices play an important role in preventing damp and mould in the home. This includes ensuring your home is adequately heated and well ventilated. 

Further advice for tenants is available on the council’s website.