Scottish government announces new regulations to protect tenants from damp and mould
The Scottish government has announced that it will introduce “Awaab’s law”, and bring in new duties on landlords requiring them to investigate reports of damp and mould, and start any repairs needed within a set timescale.
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Awaab’s law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two year-old who died in 2020 because of a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould in the housing association flat in England, where he lived. For the previous three years, his parents had repeatedly complained to their landlord about the mould, but no action was taken.
Following this tragic case, a campaign was mounted to change the law in Awaab’s memory, detailing how landlords must investigate potential hazards, and how quickly. Awaab’s law now operates in England and Wales, through the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025 which came into force in October 2025. For more, see the scope of Awaab’s law.
Similar measures will now be introduced in Scotland, with the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 set to be approved by Parliament.
Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, says: ‘Everyone deserves to live in a home free from damp and mould. These regulations will help to ensure that’s the case by requiring any instances to be swiftly investigated by landlords and prompt action taken.
‘In Scotland, while 90% of homes are free from damp and mould, we want to make sure everyone is protected. That’s why we are leading the way in rolling out these protections to both social and private tenants. We have worked closely with tenant groups, landlords and other stakeholders to develop regulations that protect tenants while being practical for landlords to implement.
‘We will also be raising awareness of the importance of identifying and addressing damp and mould issues as quickly as possible.’
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