Scottish landlords call for balanced approach on damp and mould regulations

A landlord association has warned that new regulations on damp and mould must not impede landlords in Scotland.

The Scottish government has announced plans to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector.

However, the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) says its members are committed to the highest standards, and the government must strike a balance between protecting tenants and supporting landlords.

Everyone deserves to live in a home free from damp and mould

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, Awaab’s Law will be extended to the private rented sector in England.

The law was named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who tragically died in 2020 in social housing.

In Scotland, the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 will introduce new duties on landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould and carry out any necessary repairs within a set timescale once approved by Parliament.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “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.”

Balance protecting tenants without impeding landlords

Scottish Association of Landlords chief executive, John Blackwood, says the government must work with landlords and tenants to make sure the legislation is balanced.

He said: “Awaab Ishak’s death was tragic and we must all ensure this never happens again.

“All SAL members take the safety of our properties extremely seriously and we commit ourselves to upholding the highest standards possible.

“When developing regulations, it is crucial that legislators and their officials take care to balance protecting tenants with not impeding landlords; SAL will work with government and other stakeholders to ensure this.”

Responsible landlords must be supported

Meghan Gallacher MSP, Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Housing, told Property118 that responsible landlords must be supported with the new regulations.

She said: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe, warm and free from damp and mould, which is why we support the principles behind Awaab’s Law.

“After nearly two decades of SNP government, many tenants understandably have concerns about whether ministers can deliver on these protections during a housing crisis they created.

“It is essential that the rules are enforced effectively, that responsible landlords are supported, and that efforts to protect tenants go hand in hand with addressing the underlying housing shortage.

“This is how we can ensure a fairer and more secure rental sector for everyone.”