Show Notes
From 6 October 2026, private and social landlords across Scotland must follow strict new timescales when damp or mould is reported: investigate within 10 working days, provide written findings within three working days and begin any required repairs within five working days of the investigation.
Paul Newing of PRN Water Services joins Nick and Steven to explain Scotland’s implementation of Awaab’s Law and what landlords and letting agents need to do to prepare. They discuss when the clock starts, who can carry out an investigation, what evidence should be retained and why landlords can no longer dismiss a complaint as “tenant lifestyle” without investigating it properly.
They also examine condensation, penetrating damp and rising damp; ventilation and extractor-fan problems; four-week humidity monitoring; treating mould correctly; repeat complaints; and the complications caused by communal repairs and property factors.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS • The new duties affecting private and social landlords from 6 October 2026 • The tragedy behind Awaab’s Law and why Scotland introduced its own regulations • The 10-working-day deadline for investigating reported damp and mould • Providing a written summary within three working days • Beginning required repairs within five working days of the investigation • Why landlords cannot immediately blame a tenant’s lifestyle • How normal living, cooking and drying clothes increase indoor moisture • Condensation versus penetrating damp and rising damp • What landlords should check with windows, vents and extractor fans • Using four weeks of humidity and dew-point data to establish the cause • Why photographs, emails, reports and a clear paper trail are essential • What “commencing repairs” means when parts or contractors are unavailable • How to clean, treat and redecorate mould-affected areas properly • When recurring problems may not require a complete new investigation • How communal roofs, gutters and factors complicate landlord compliance
CONNECT WITH PAUL Paul Newing — Managing Director, PRN Water Services Website: https://www.prnwaterservices.com/
OFFICIAL GUIDANCE Scottish Government: https://www.gov.scot/policies/private-renting/housing-standards/
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This episode is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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