Tenants

Dampness, Mould & Condensation

Everyone deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair. Damp and mould can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing and can damage your home and personal belongings.  Damp andmould can cause breathing difficulties, skin irritaion or rashes as well as increased stress or anxiety.
 
Awaab's Law
 
The Scottish Government has introduced new duties on landlords to tackle damp and mould which take effect from 6 October 2026.  These duties are often referred to as "Awaab's Law" - named in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died from a serious lung condition caused by mould in his home in England.
 
Under these duties the Association must investigate reports of damp or mould and begin any necessary repairs within the following timescales:

  • Investigate a report of damp or mould within 10 working days.
  • Provide a written summary of investigation findings within 3 working days of the investigation conclusing.
  • If substantial damp or mould is identified, commence any necessary repairs within 5 working days.

Awaabs Law applies to tenants that have a 'Scottish Secure Tenancy' or 'Short Scottish Secure Tenancy'.
 
More in information regarding Awaab's Law is detailed in the Scottish Government's Guidance - Awaab's Law: Guidance for Tenants in Scotland.
 
More information about how the Associaton manages reports of mould and damp is provided in our Damp, Mould and Condensation Policy can be viewed here.
 
Advice and guidance on how to prevent mould and dampness in your home is provided in the Scottish Government's Tenant Information Sheet and the Association's Guide to Damp, Mould & Condensation
 
The Signs and Causes of Damp
 
Damp in a property is a result of excess moisture.  This can cause a fungus, known collectively as mould, to grow.  Mould often looks like black, green or brown patches on walls, ceilings or around windows.  Please note that Awaab's Law applies to all types of damp and mould.
 
There are different types of damp which have different causes:
 
Rising Damp
 
Rising damp is typically the result of a structural issue.  It only affects the ground floor or a house and will not normally rise higher than around 1.2 metres above ground level.
 
If your home is affected by rising damp, you may notice:
 

  • Rot on your skirting boards
  • Damp carpets
  • Flaking or bubbling on plaster, paintwork or wallpaper near the ground
  • Crumbling bricks or stonework on the outside of the building close to the ground
  • A musty smell

Penetrating Damp
 
Penetrating damp is moisture which enters a property from outside because of a defect in part of its structure.  Penetrating damp can be caused by defects in the roof, walls and gutters and can therefore be more difficult to identify.
 
If your home is affected by penetrating damp, you may notice:
 

  • Discoloured patrches on your walls and ceilings
  • Loose or bubbling wallpaper, flaking paintwork or soft plaster
  • Plants growing from the gutters
  • Rot near your roof space
  • Mould on your walls or carpets
  • A musty smell

Condensation 
 
Condensation is caused by warm moist air coming into contact with a colder surface.  The colder surface causes the amount of moisture the air can hold to be reduced, and as a result, the moisture "condenses" out onto the wall. This process forms pure water which allows mould to grow.  This can be caused by a combination of factors such as poor heating or ventilation.  Whilst some condensation can be normal, it should not be excessive, persistent or widespread.  There are steps you can take to help reduce condensation in your home.
 
If your home is affected by condensation, you may notice:
 

  • Water droplets on the windows, walls or ceilings
  • Damp / wet walls or carpets
  • Mould growth
  • A must smell

Traumatic Damp
 
Traumatic damp is caused by sudden and severe events like overflowing sinks or damaged pipes.
 
Steps you can take to Reduce Moisture 
 
Whilst some condensation is normal, there are steps you can take to reduce condensation and help prevent damp and mould in your home.
 
Increasing Ventilation
 
If possible, you should try to:
 

  • Ensure your air and window vents aren't covered
  • Open windows and use extractor fans if you have them, particularly when bathing or cooking (It can be particularly helpful to leave them on for about 15 monutes after)
  • Leave space between furniture and the walls so that air can circulate

Reducing Excess Moisture
 
If possible, you should try to:
 

  • Cover pots and pans with lids when cooking
  • Dry clothes outside when the weather is warm (If you need to dry your clothes indoors, avoid drying them on a radiator - try using a drying rack near a slightly open window)
  • Wipe down walls, windows and mirrors with a cloth or towel after showering

Maintaining a Reasonable Temperature
 
If possible, you should try to:

  •  Maintain a consistent temperature where you can (where the is off or at low temperatures in the colder months, this can cause condensation)
  • Draught-proofing doors and windows