Damp and mould are more than just unsightly — they can cause lasting damage to properties and pose serious health risks to tenants. In older housing stock, especially common in Scotland’s cities and rural areas, the issue is persistent and often misunderstood.
This blog post explains the causes of damp and mould, how to prevent it, and the legal responsibilities shared by both landlords and tenants.
What Causes Damp and Mould?
Mould thrives in moist environments — and homes that lack proper ventilation or insulation become the perfect breeding ground.
There are three main types of damp found in properties:
1. Condensation Damp
This is the most common type. It occurs when warm, moist air (from cooking, bathing, or breathing) hits a cold surface like a window or wall and condenses into water droplets.
Typical signs:
- Water on windows
- Black spots of mould around sills, corners, ceilings
- Musty smell
2. Penetrating Damp
Caused by water entering the home through:
- Damaged roofing or guttering
- Cracks in walls or around windows
- Leaking pipes
Often appears as damp patches that grow over time.
3. Rising Damp
Less common but serious. It’s caused by groundwater moving up through a wall due to a failed or absent damp-proof course.
Signs include:
- Tidemarks on lower walls
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Crumbling plaster
Prevention: What Landlords Can Do
The Repairing Standard in Scotland requires landlords to ensure their property is “wind and watertight and reasonably fit for human habitation.” This includes being free from excessive damp and mould.
Here’s what landlords should prioritise:
Regular Property Inspections
Look out for:
- Signs of water ingress
- Blocked gutters and external cracks
- Mould in kitchens, bathrooms, or cold bedrooms
Catch issues early to prevent serious damage.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
Install and maintain:
- Extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- Trickle vents in windows
- Air bricks or passive vents in older buildings
Consider mechanical ventilation for HMO properties.
Keep the Property Warm
Cold properties are more prone to condensation. Insulation, modern heating systems, and working thermostats make a big difference.
Fix Issues Promptly
Leaking pipes, broken roof tiles, or damaged render can quickly escalate. Maintain a log of repairs and photos for your records.
Tenant Responsibilities
While landlords must maintain the structure and fix defects, tenants also have duties when it comes to preventing damp and mould.
Under most tenancy agreements, tenants are expected to:
- Adequately heat and ventilate the property
- Report issues promptly
- Avoid behaviour that contributes to damp
This includes:
- Not drying clothes indoors without ventilation
- Using extractor fans where provided
- Opening windows regularly (weather permitting)
- Not blocking vents or trickle vents
What If There’s a Dispute?
Tenants who believe damp or mould is due to landlord negligence can:
- Raise the issue directly
- Contact local authority Environmental Health
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
Landlords can also take action if tenant behaviour is causing damage — but should provide clear evidence (e.g. inspection reports, communication logs).
Clear communication is key. Provide written advice to tenants about how to ventilate and heat the home effectively — especially at the start of a tenancy.
Financial and Legal Consequences
Failure to act on damp and mould complaints can result in:
- Tribunal orders for repairs
- Rent repayment orders
- Fines or loss of licence (for HMO properties)
- Invalidated landlord insurance policies
- Serious health claims (particularly where children or vulnerable adults are involved)
A small patch of mould, if ignored, can become a major legal liability.
Our Advice: Practical Prevention Checklist
For landlords:
- Inspect your property at least twice a year
- Check ventilation systems are working
- Repair structural issues promptly
- Provide tenants with a damp and mould factsheet
- Log all reports, actions, and communications
For tenants:
- Use extractor fans when cooking and bathing
- Open windows daily if possible
- Avoid drying clothes indoors unless ventilated
- Report leaks or damp smells immediately
Damp and mould is one of the top causes of complaints and disputes in the private rented sector. But it doesn’t need to be — with early action, clear communication, and shared responsibility, both landlords and tenants can keep homes healthy, safe, and free from long-term damage.
Homesbook helps landlords stay ahead of property standards with expert guidance and practical solutions. Contact us today for help with inspections, compliance, or dispute resolution.
