This article is for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice and must not be relied upon as a definitive interpretation of Scottish housing legislation or regulatory requirements.
The legal obligations described in this article apply to specific categories of housing provider and are subject to the provisions of Scottish law as it stood at the time of writing. Legislation and regulatory guidance can change, and individual circumstances vary. If you are a landlord, registered social landlord, or housing provider with compliance obligations under Scottish Awaab’s Law, seek independent legal advice or consult your regulatory body to confirm your specific duties.
If you are a tenant in Scotland who believes your landlord is failing to meet their obligations regarding damp or mould, contact the Scottish Housing Regulator, your local council, or a housing advice organisation such as Shelter Scotland.
The landscape for Scotland’s Private Rented Sector (PRS) has shifted. In a landmark move, the Scottish Parliament has officially approved the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026.
Forming the Scottish backbone of Awaab’s Law, these regulations are designed to ensure no tenant has to live in conditions that threaten their health. For the first time, private landlords in Scotland will be held to strict, statutory timescales to investigate and repair damp and mould.
With a formal commencement date of 6 October 2026, the countdown for landlords and letting agents has officially begun.
What are the new requirements?
While landlords have always had a duty under the Repairing Standard to keep homes wind and watertight, the new regulations remove the grey areas. Key features include:
- Fixed Timescales: Clear, mandatory windows for landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould and, crucially, to begin the necessary repairs.
- Written Accountability: If timescales cannot be met due to circumstances beyond the landlord’s control, a formal written explanation and a revised timeframe must be provided to the tenant.
- Tenant Support: Where issues are not linked to building defects (such as lifestyle-related condensation), landlords are now required to provide proactive guidance and support.
Why Action is Needed Now
Although the law technically comes into force in October 2026, the Scottish Government and industry experts are urging landlords to use the upcoming months to audit their portfolios.
Waiting until the first frost of 2026 to check for damp will be too late. The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) is already working with the government to finalise technical guidance, but the message is clear: Proactive monitoring is no longer optional; it is a business necessity.
A Word from ResiSure
As we move into the warmer months, the temptation for many landlords is to put damp and mould at the bottom of the priority list. However, James Auger, Head of Sales at ResiSure, warns that this quiet period is actually the most critical window for preparation.
“This news is a wake-up call for the Scottish PRS. We’ve seen the impact of Awaab’s Law in the social sector, and its expansion into private housing means the era of reactive maintenance is over. Scottish landlords and Social Housing providers need to use this spring and summer to get their houses in order – literally. By installing property monitoring technology now, you can identify hidden risks during the dry months, ensuring that when the heating goes on this winter, you already have the data to prove your properties are safe and compliant.”
How ResiSure Helps You Meet the Deadline
Complying with Awaab’s Law isn’t just about fixing a leak; it’s about evidence. To meet the new Scottish regulations, you need to know exactly when a problem starts and how quickly you respond.
ResiSure’s advanced property monitoring technology provides:
- Real-time Alerts: Know about high humidity or dew-point risks before mould even appears.
- Automated Audit Trails: Perfect for meeting the new written explanation and investigation requirements.
- Data-Driven Guidance: Easily distinguish between building defects and environmental factors to provide the support the new law requires.
Don’t wait for the October deadline to catch you off guard. Ensure your portfolio is protected, compliant, and ready for the future of Scottish renting. Talk to the ResiSure team today to see how our technology makes Awaab’s Law compliance seamless.