New regulations introducing specific timescales for landlords to investigate and repair damp and mould problems will take effect in Scotland from 6 October. The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 will require landlords to investigate reports of damp or mould within 10 working days.
Following an investigation, landlords must provide tenants with a written summary within three working days. If repairs are needed, work must commence within five working days of the investigation's completion.
These changes will necessitate letting agents and property managers to review their procedures for inspections, record keeping, access, and contractors. Agents may also need to consider when to involve specialist damp and mould expertise.
Separately, other tenancy changes under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 will also come into force on 6 October. Compensation for wrongful termination claims will increase, ranging from three to 36 months' rent, with a minimum award of £840.
Additionally, the qualifying period for someone to succeed to a tenancy will be reduced from 12 months to six months.