Housing Disrepair, Damp and Mould: Your Rights in Glasgow City
Tenants and landlords in Glasgow City are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of Scotland when it comes to housing disrepair, damp, and mould issues. This guide aims to clarify your rights and responsibilities under these laws, ensuring that you understand how to address disrepair effectively. The issue is particularly relevant today due to ongoing concerns over poor living conditions and health impacts.
Disrepair can lead to significant health risks, such as respiratory problems from mould or injuries from unsafe structural defects. In 2026, with the introduction of Awaab's Law through the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025), there has been a renewed focus on ensuring that rented properties meet minimum standards for habitability and safety.
What the Law Says
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, specifically Section 11, obligates landlords to maintain their property in good repair. This means repairing structural elements like walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors. Additionally, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 sets out criteria for a home to be deemed fit for human habitation, including provisions against damp and mould.
Awaab's Law, formally part of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, builds on these statutes by mandating that private landlords must address disrepair issues promptly. This includes structural repairs and tackling problems like damp and mould, which can have severe health implications for tenants if left unresolved.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The RRA 2025 introduces new obligations for private landlords regarding property maintenance. It mandates that landlords must ensure their properties are structurally sound and free from conditions harmful to human health, such as damp and mould. The act specifies timeframes within which these issues need resolution. For example, a landlord may have up to eight weeks to fix structural defects but only two weeks for urgent repairs like those involving electrical faults or heating.
Awaab's Law under the RRA 2025 also sets out specific requirements for addressing damp and mould issues. Landlords are now legally required to respond more swiftly to complaints about these conditions. Which can significantly impact tenants' health and wellbeing. This includes regular inspections of properties and proactive maintenance measures to prevent such problems from arising.
What This Means for Tenants in Glasgow City
Under the statutory framework established by Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Awaab's Law, tenants are entitled to a property that's safe, structurally sound, and free from damp and mould. The law dictates that landlords must undertake necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
If you experience issues like structural damage, leaks, or persistent damp and mould, your landlord has the legal duty to address these promptly. For instance, if damp and mould are affecting your health, the RRA 2025 mandates that landlords must take action swiftly-typically within two weeks of being informed about the problem. This ensures that tenants don't have to endure unhealthy living conditions due to disrepair.
Your Next Steps If You Need Help in Glasgow City
If you encounter disrepair issues and your landlord doesn't respond adequately, start by documenting everything carefully. Keep records of all correspondence with the landlord, including emails, texts, and letters. Photograph any damage and note the date and time each issue arises.
Once you have gathered evidence, contact your local council's housing team in Glasgow City to report the disrepair formally. The Glasgow City environmental health team can serve improvement notices if necessary, compelling landlords to make urgent repairs.
For additional support and advice, reach out to free services such as Citizens Advice or Shelter. These organisations provide valuable guidance on tenant rights and legal procedures for resolving disputes with landlords. They may also assist in mediating discussions between tenants and landlords or help you pursue formal complaints through the courts if necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tenants often make the mistake of not reporting disrepair issues promptly, thinking that the problem will resolve itself over time. This can exacerbate issues like damp and mould, leading to more severe health risks and costly repairs later on.
Another common error is neglecting to keep detailed records of all communications with landlords regarding disrepair. Without clear documentation, proving your case becomes much harder should you need to escalate the issue legally.
Landlords might mistakenly believe that minor maintenance tasks aren't their responsibility, or they may underestimate the urgency required for certain repairs under Awaab's Law. This can lead to legal disputes and negative press if tenants feel neglected and unsupported.
When to Get Professional Advice
If your landlord continues to ignore disrepair issues despite repeated requests. You may be entitled to seek professional advice from a regulated solicitor. Legal representation is important in more complex cases or when attempting to recover costs incurred due to the landlord's failure to act. However, for less severe disputes, free services like those offered by Citizens Advice and Shelter typically suffice.
To find a reputable solicitor, check with legal directories or ask for referrals from trusted sources. Always ensure that any solicitor you consult is regulated and has experience in tenant law. Remember to check directly with Glasgow City council if you're unsure about local regulations or specific procedures they may offer for resolving disrepair issues.
