New legislation in Scotland aims to hold social landlords accountable for fixing mould and damp in homes, following the tragic case of Awaab Ishak. If passed, the bill will set strict deadlines for repairs, ensuring tenants no longer suffer prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions.
Government Pushes for Stricter Housing Standards
Scottish ministers are preparing to amend the Housing (Scotland) Bill, introducing legally enforceable repair deadlines for social landlords. This move is in response to mounting public pressure after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, which was directly linked to mould exposure in his family’s home.
The proposed changes are expected to be debated next month. If approved, the bill will set a legal precedent for how quickly landlords must address issues of damp and mould. Currently, landlords must comply with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS), but enforcement has been inconsistent, leaving many tenants struggling with uninhabitable conditions.
Awaab’s Law and Its Impact
Awaab’s Law, originally introduced in England, mandates swift action from landlords to tackle damp and mould. The Scottish government’s move mirrors these regulations, ensuring tenants receive faster resolutions to serious housing issues.
- Awaab Ishak died in 2022 due to prolonged exposure to mould.
- His father repeatedly reported the issue to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), but no action was taken.
- The Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which includes Awaab’s Law, was passed in England in 2023.
- Scotland is now set to introduce similar legal obligations for social landlords.
These measures aim to prevent future tragedies and protect vulnerable tenants from the health risks associated with prolonged mould exposure.
Tenants Share Their Struggles
Many tenants in Scotland have experienced significant health issues due to poor housing conditions. Stacey Lamb, a mother from Glasgow, recounted how her children suffered from severe asthma and chest infections due to mould-infested rooms in their former home.
“I had black mould growing out of the walls in the bedrooms,” Lamb said. “Even after cleaning and repainting, it kept coming back—worse each time.”
She only secured alternative housing after threatening legal action. It took ten months to move, but the improvement in her family’s health was “amazing.”
Others remain trapped in unlivable homes, waiting for landlords to act. Social housing tenants have reported waiting months, sometimes years, for repairs, leading to preventable illnesses and financial burdens from attempting to treat the problem themselves.
Uncertainty Over Deadlines
While the bill outlines stricter landlord responsibilities, exact timelines for repairs have yet to be confirmed. Current guidelines require landlords to address damp and mould “within a reasonable timeframe,” but this vague wording has left many tenants in limbo.
A clearer legal framework would:
- Define specific repair deadlines for mould and damp issues.
- Hold landlords accountable for delays.
- Ensure quicker intervention to prevent serious health consequences.
The Scottish government has yet to announce what these deadlines will be, but campaigners are calling for immediate action.
Landlords Push Back
Not everyone is on board with the proposed legislation. The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) has voiced concerns, arguing that the new requirements could worsen Scotland’s housing crisis.
“Imposing strict deadlines without addressing the root causes—such as funding and resource shortages—could create further problems,” an SAL spokesperson said.
Landlords argue that while they support improving housing standards, they need government assistance to meet these new requirements, particularly in cases where repairs are costly or complex.
The Bigger Picture
The Housing (Scotland) Bill extends beyond mould-related repairs. If passed, it will also:
- Introduce long-term rent controls for the private sector.
- Require local councils to assess the condition of private rental housing.
- Strengthen tenant rights and enforcement mechanisms.
The debate over these amendments comes amid a housing emergency declared by multiple Scottish local authorities. As the crisis deepens, the pressure on both landlords and the government continues to grow.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, “Everyone in Scotland deserves the right to live in a warm, safe, and secure home, free from disrepair.”
With public health, tenant rights, and housing policies all on the line, the coming months will be crucial in determining how far the Scottish government is willing to go to protect its residents.
