Awaab's Law - Guidance for tenants in Scotland - Easy Read version
From 6 October 2026, social and private landlords in Scotland must investigate reports of damp and mould, and begin any necessary repairs within set time frames. The Scottish Government has prepared guidance to help tenants understand their rights and responsibilities. This is an Easy Read version.
Introduction
There will be a new law from 6 October 2026. Landlords in Scotland will have to check reports of damp or mould. They will have to start repairs quickly.
Damp and mould can be bad for people’s health.
This guide is to help you understand your rights. It is important that landlords and tenants work together and talk to each other.
You have the right to live in a home that is:
- warm
- safe and secure
The new rules are only for substantial damp or mould. Substantial means it is large and may cause harm. This could be because:
- there is a lot of it
- it has been there a long time
- someone is at more risk because of their age or health
Landlords have:
- 10 working days to check the problem. Working days means not weekends or public holidays
- 3 working days after the check they must give you a written report of what they found
- 5 working days after the check to start fixing any substantial damp or mould found
The new law applies to you if you rent from a social landlord. Like a council house or housing association.
The new law also applies to most homes rented from private landlords.
If you do not know what type of tenancy you have, or if the new law applies, you can ask your landlord.
You can also look on Shelter Scotland’s website: Check what type of tenancy you have - Shelter Scotland
There are similar rules if you are a Gypsy or Traveller tenant on a council site, or a site provided by a Registered Social Landlord.