Awaab's Law: Guidance for landlords in Scotland
This guidance is intended to assist social and private landlords to comply with
their duties under the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 which come into force on 6 October 2026.
5. Written summary
5.1 Following the conclusion of an investigation, the landlord must issue a written summary of investigation findings to the tenant(s) or the tenant’s representatives within 3 working days after the day in which the investigation has concluded.
5.2 Where multiple investigators have been involved in an investigation, the findings of each investigator must be recorded within the written summary. In such instances, landlords should also ensure the summary is clear, with unambiguous conclusions and next steps.
5.3 The summary must be in a ‘written’ format and can be issued electronically, by post, in-person or equivalent. Landlords should consider the most appropriate method of communication for their tenant. The timescale of 3 working days relates to when the summary is issued, rather than when the tenant receives the information.
5.4 Whilst individuals, like letting agents or contracted staff, may draft or issue the summary on the landlord’s behalf, the landlord has overall responsibility for the production and issue of the written summary.
Required information
5.5 Landlords are encouraged to ensure that the written summary is clear and easy to follow. The summary does not need to be exhaustive, but it must detail:
- The name of the persons or organisations who conducted the investigation.
- A brief summary of the investigation process and findings, with explicit confirmation as to whether the house is substantially free from damp and mould.
- Details of any repair work carried out during the visit, if appropriate.
- If substantial damp or mould is identified, confirmation of the work required and a target timeframe for beginning the repair work.
- If substantial damp or mould is not identified, the reasons as to why and, if appropriate, whether any repair work will be conducted through the landlord’s own repair policy, procedures or service standards instead (where they exist).
5.6 Landlords should also look to signpost tenants to appropriate information or advice services, as necessary.
5.7 “Repair work” includes temporary safety measures, relevant safety work, specialist intervention, and advice and monitoring.
5.8 An example summary has been provided in Annex C.