Awaab’s Law Update: What It Means for Scottish Rentals

Awaab’s Law: What Scotland’s Landlords Need to Know Before 2026

Awaab’s Law is set to transform how damp and mould are handled across UK housing.
While it originated in England, the Scottish Government has now confirmed plans to introduce similar legal duties for social and private landlords which are estimated to become law by March 2026.

For Scottish landlords, this is both a warning and an opportunity: expectations are rising, regulations are tightening, and proactive action now will prevent future penalties, disputes, and costly repairs.

Albany Lettings is already preparing and here’s what every Scottish landlord needs to know.

✅ What Will Awaab’s Law Mean in Scotland?

• In England, the law requires social landlords to:
• Investigate reports of damp and mould within 14 days
• Begin remedial work within 7 days of inspection
• Carry out emergency repairs within 24 hours
• Face enforcement and sanctions for failing to act

The Scottish Government has confirmed its intention to introduce equivalent protections by March 2026, extending beyond social housing to also include the private rented sector.

This will align closely with Scotland’s existing legal framework, but with stricter timescales and tougher compliance standards.

✅ How It Fits With Current Scottish Law

Scotland already has one of the strongest housing safety frameworks in the UK:

🏛 Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 – Repairing Standard

Every private rented home must be:

• Wind and watertight
• Fit for human habitation
• Free from damp and mould
• Properly ventilated and heated

This places responsibility squarely on landlords, not tenants to ensure a healthy home.

⚖️ First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

If repairs are delayed or disputes arise, tenants can apply to the Tribunal, which can:

• Order repairs
• Impose deadlines
• Issue enforcement notices
• Refer non-compliant landlords to local authorities

This system already exists but Awaab-style rules will tighten deadlines and increase accountability.

✅ Why Landlords Should Prepare Now

• When the Scottish regulations arrive (expected March 2026):
• Investigation, repair and emergency response times will become legally defined
• Proof of action and communication will be crucial
• Local authorities and the Tribunal will gain stronger enforcement powers
• Penalties will rise for landlords who delay or ignore reports
• Landlords who wait until the law is active may find themselves suddenly non-compliant.

✅ What Albany Lettings Recommends Now

1️⃣ Respond quickly to any report

Don’t wait until symptoms worsen.

• Acknowledge tenant reports immediately
• Log all contact and contractor notes
• Provide clear timelines for inspection and repairs

2️⃣ Fix the source, not just the stain

• Painting over mould no longer counts as a “repair.”
• Investigate ventilation, insulation, leaks and cold bridging
• Install extractor fans where needed
• Consider preventative upgrades

3️⃣ Carry out scheduled inspections

• Most damp issues can be prevented with regular checks.
• Look for early signs at each inspection
• Record findings with photos and notes
• Share guidance with tenants on ventilation and heating

4️⃣ Keep records

When law changes, documentation will protect landlords.

• Reports
• Inspections
• Contractor dates
• Photos before/after
• If enforcement action ever occurs, evidence matters.

✅ How Albany Lettings Is Preparing for 2026

Albany Lettings already operates to the principles expected under Awaab’s Law:

✅ Rapid response to damp and mould reports
✅ Qualified contractor network
✅ Routine inspections
✅ Transparent updates for landlords and tenants
✅ Full compliance with the Repairing Standard and tribunal processes

Because good management prevents risk — and protects both property and people.

✅ The Bottom Line

Awaab’s Law has already changed housing expectations across the UK.
With Scotland planning to introduce its own version by March 2026, landlords who prepare early will:

✔ Stay compliant
✔ Avoid Tribunal action
✔ Reduce long-term repair costs
✔ Protect tenant health
✔ Safeguard property value

The best approach is proactive, not reactive.

✅ Need Support?

Albany Lettings can help with:

• Damp and mould investigations
• Repairs and contractor management
• Scheduled inspections
• Compliance planning ahead of 2026
• Tenant communication and reporting systems

If you’d like to future-proof your rental portfolio, we’re here to help