Why it still matters
The new deadlines affect how landlords triage reports, appoint competent investigators, record findings and organise repairs. Contractors may need to provide clear evidence of the cause, the work required and when it can begin.
Who this affects
Social and private landlords, letting agents, housing officers, surveyors, property inspectors, ventilation specialists and trades carrying out damp, mould and building repairs.
What to do now
- Record when the landlord first became aware of possible damp or mould; the 10-working-day investigation period starts from that point.
- Use an investigator with the skills and experience needed for the case, and identify the root cause rather than relying on a surface mould treatment.
- Give the tenant a written summary within three working days after the investigation ends, including the findings, required work and target start date.
The new deadlines
The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 came into force on 6 October. They apply to social and private rented homes in Scotland.
Once a landlord becomes aware that a home may have damp or mould, a competent person must investigate within 10 working days. The landlord must issue a written summary within three working days after the investigation concludes. If substantial damp or mould is found, repair work must start within five working days after the investigation ends.
What counts as a proper repair?
The official guidance says the work must make the home substantially free from damp and mould and, as far as reasonably practicable, prevent the problem returning. A mould wash alone is unlikely to be enough when it does not deal with the cause.
The investigation may need to consider leaks, water ingress, ventilation, heating, insulation or defects in the building fabric. No particular qualification is prescribed for the investigator, but the landlord must be satisfied that the person has the necessary skills and expertise.
Completion and records
For social landlords, the work needed to make the home substantially free from damp and mould must be completed within 20 working days from the date repairs start. Private landlords must complete the work within a reasonable time after the investigation.
Exceptional circumstances can affect the deadlines, but the guidance requires landlords to explain the delay, provide a revised timeframe and take reasonable interim steps where practicable. Clear inspection notes, photographs, specifications and contractor records will help show what was found and how the cause was addressed.
We read the original source, remove the ceremony and explain the practical consequence. This briefing is general information, not legal or professional advice. If the source changes, the official page takes priority.