‘Vital’ that landlords and tenants learn new law on damp, says Scottish housing secretary

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She made the remarks ahead of the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026, known as Awaab’s Law.

Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his family’s housing association flat in England, it will require reports of damp or mould to be “swiftly investigated” and landlords “appropriately tackle” the root cause.

Ms Somerville said: “Everyone deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair.

“The vast majority of homes in Scotland are already free from damp and mould, but we’re determined to protect everyone, which is why we’re extending these safeguards to social and private tenants.

“With the law coming into force next week, it’s vital that both landlords and tenants take the time now to understand their rights and responsibilities.”

Asthma + Lung UK Scotland charity head Joseph Carter said: “We are delighted that this legislation is coming into force next week.

“For the hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland living with asthma and other lung conditions like COPD, being exposed to mould could bring on a potentially fatal asthma attack or cause a flare-up requiring emergency hospitalisation.

“Studies have also shown that long-term exposure to mould can bring on the development of asthma in previously healthy people, particularly children, as well as other lung conditions such as aspergillosis, a condition caused by breathing in aspergillus mould.

“A damp and mouldy environment can also put people at greater risk of chest infections, colds and flu.”