Important Information About Damp, Mould and Your Rights

New guidance on damp and mould

From 6 October 2026, new Scottish Government legislation will strengthen the way landlords respond to reports of serious damp and mould, helping to ensure homes remain safe and healthy places to live.

We are committed to providing safe, warm and healthy homes for our tenants and support these changes. Tackling damp and mould is a shared responsibility, and we want to work closely with you to identify concerns early, understand the cause and take appropriate action to resolve them as quickly as possible.

If you have any concerns about damp or mould in your home, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help.

Why Damp and Mould Should Be Reported

Damp and mould can make your home uncomfortable and, if not dealt with, may affect your health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s important to let us know as soon as you notice a problem. The earlier we can investigate, the quicker we can identify the cause and take steps to put things right.

Damp and mould are not always obvious at first. Even small signs can sometimes indicate a larger issue, so please get in touch if you notice any of the following:

  • Black mould on walls, ceilings or around windows
  • Damp patches, staining or discolouration on walls or ceilings
  • Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paintwork
  • A damp or musty smell
  • Excessive condensation on windows or other surfaces

If you’re unsure whether something is a damp or mould issue, please contact us anyway. We’d much rather investigate early than allow the problem to worsen.

What To Do If You Have Damp or Mould

If you believe your home has damp or mould, please report it to us straight away:

  • Call us on 0300 323 0990 and select option 1 for repairs
    • When reporting damp and mould by phone, we will ask you questions to understand how much damp and mould there is and how serious it is.
  • Email us on repairs@albynhousing.org.uk
    • When reporting damp and mould by email, it would be useful if you can provide pictures of the affected areas. We will also call you to ask questions to understand how much damp and mould there is and how serious it is.
  • If you are a Highland Residential tenant, please contact 01463 701271, and select option 2.

Useful information to have to hand when reporting damp and mould includes:

  • Where the damp or mould is located
  • How much of the area is affected
  • How long it has been present
  • Whether anyone in the household has health conditions that may make them more vulnerable to its effects

Providing this information helps us assess the situation and prioritise our response.

What Happens Next?

Under the new legislation, where substantial damp or mould is reported, we will:

  • Arrange for the issue to be assessed within 10 working days by one of our trained Technical Officers.
  • Provide a written report within 3 working days of the inspection, this will include whether substantial damp and mould has been found and the actions we are taking to resolve.
  • Begin any necessary repair works within 5 working days of the inspection where substantial damp or mould is identified.

To help us meet these timescales, it is important that you provide access to your home when appointments are arranged.

Working Together

Tackling damp and mould works best when we work together. We will investigate any issues you report and take action where needed, and there are also some simple things that can help reduce condensation and improve airflow within your home, such as:

  • Use extractor fans where provided
  • Keep ventilation grilles and air vents clear
  • Dry clothes outdoors where possible during warmer weather
  • Keep furniture slightly away from walls
  • Maintain a consistent level of heating where affordable to do so
  • Wipe away excess moisture from windows and surfaces

These actions may help reduce condensation, but you should still report any damp or mould concerns to us.

Our Commitment

We take all reports of damp and mould seriously and are committed to ensuring our homes remain safe and healthy places to live. We will investigate all reported cases, identify any underlying causes and take appropriate action to resolve them.

If you have any concerns about damp or mould in your home, please contact our Repairs Team as soon as possible.

Together, we can help keep your home safe, healthy and free from damp and mould.

Further Information

For more information on recognising damp and mould, what to do if you spot it, and your rights and responsibilities under Awaab’s Law, please refer to the accompanying Scottish Government tenant guidance document.