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.
Checks and time rules
Landlords must act when they find out about damp or mould. This could be when:
- you report it
- someone else tells them
- they see it when they visit your home
The problem must be looked at by someone who is properly trained. Your landlord may ask someone from another company to check it.
Your landlord will need to get into your home to check it. Also to do repairs to make your home safe. You should let your landlord in for this.
Your landlord should work with you to agree a good time to visit. They should tell you before.
They might ask for a video call or another way to look at it without a visit.
You should speak to them if you have any questions or worries about the visit or call.
If your landlord has tried to get in touch with you and you do not let them in, they may not be expected to meet the time rules.
Sometimes it can be hard to understand the cause of damp or mould and what repairs are needed. It may need to be checked more closely or by someone else. They might not be able to do all this in 10 working days.
It might be that your landlord cannot check the problem in 10 working days because of something they cannot help. If this happens, they must write to tell you why they cannot do it in time. They must tell you when they will do it.
They should do what they can to help stop the damp or mould while you wait. This could be a short-term repair or keeping an eye on the problem.