TranslateDamp and mould information for tenants
The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026, commonly known as Awaab’s Law, came into force on 6 October 2026. It requires landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould and carry out any necessary repairs within set timescales. Here’s what you need to know if you find damp or mould.
Tell us as soon as possible
You can report it the same way you would report any other repair or problem with your home. Provide as much information as you can, including:
- where the damp or mould is
- how much there is
- how long it has been there
- if it is getting worse
- if it has happened before
- if you have any concerns about how it is affecting you or someone in your household
You don’t need to know what is causing the problem before you report it. It is our job to investigate it.
What happens next
Under the legislation we are obligated to complete the following:
10 working days to investigate
A trained inspector will assess the problem and decide whether repairs are required under Awaab's Law. This may involve someone visiting your home to have a look at the problem. It is important to give them access to your home to allow them to investigate and carry out any necessary work.
There may be circumstances out of our control which mean we cannot complete an investigation within the usual 10 working days. If this happens, we will tell you in writing why there is a delay and when the investigation will take place. In the meantime, we will consider what we can do to reduce the problem to keep your home safe.
A written summary of the findings will be provided within three working days. Where repairs are required, but do not qualify, these are completed under other Repairs Policy timescales.
If damp and mould are linked to household factors, we will provide advice and support.
Five working days to start repairs
If our investigation finds damp or mould and repairs are needed, we will start the necessary repair work within five working days of the investigation being completed.
20 working days to complete repairs
We will aim to complete necessary repairs within 20 working days.
Where we have tried to arrange access and you do not allow us into your home, this can also affect timescales. Where access is not provided for an arranged appointment, timescales will restart once access is provided.
Support
North Ayrshire Council is committed to keeping homes free from damp and mould through prompt repairs, practical advice and support. We can also signpost tenants to services, such as Money Smart which can provide guidance on managing household finances, improving energy efficiency, and reducing fuel costs; or Home Energy Scotland for free, expert and impartial advice on saving energy at home, staying warm, reducing energy bills.
Damp and mould can affect your health. If you are concerned about damp or mould in your home, please contact North Ayrshire Council Repairs on 01294 310000 as soon as possible.
If you disagree with our investigation findings or think the problem is more serious than we have suggested, have new information to provide, or find that the problem is continuing, please report it again as soon as possible. We will consider any information you provide and decide whether another investigation is needed. If a new investigation is needed, the process will start again.
The Scottish Government has published guidance to help tenants understand Awaab’s Law and what it means for them. The resources below provide further information.