Awaab's Law - Guidance for tenants in Scotland

Overview

This guidance will come into effect on 6 October 2026. Any cases reported before 6 October are not subject to Awaab’s Law timeframes.

Everyone deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair.

The Scottish Government has introduced new duties on landlords to tackle damp and mould. This is 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, landlords must investigate reports of damp or mould and begin any necessary repairs within set timescales.

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

This guidance aims to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Awaab’s Law applies if you have a ‘Scottish Secure Tenancy’, ‘Short Scottish Secure Tenancy,’ or most private tenancies – the most common being a ‘Private Residential Tenancy’. If you are unsure of your tenancy type or whether Awaab’s Law applies, you should contact your landlord in the first instance. A tenancy checker is also available on Shelter Scotland’s website: Check what type of tenancy you have - Shelter Scotland

If you are a Gypsy/Traveller tenant on a site provided by a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) or council, similar protections apply. This is set out in Annex C of the Minimum Site Standards Guidance.

Regardless of tenure, your landlord has a duty to ensure that you live in a safe and secure home.