New rules will protect tenants from damp and mould, Scottish Government says

New regulations will be introduced to protect tenants from damp and mould under plans by the Scottish Government.

The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 will create new duties on landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould and start any repairs needed within a set timescale if approved by Parliament.

It is the first set of regulations for the implementation of Awaab’s Law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his family’s housing association flat in England.

Housing secretary Mairi McAllan said: “Everyone deserves to live in a home free from damp and mould.

The new rules come after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak. PA Media

“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.”