A thematic review on social landlords’ performance against the new damp and mould indicators in the Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) has been published today. The Regulator introduced the indicators to improve understanding of landlords’ response to reports of damp and mould in social housing.

According to the review, condensation-related cases were typically resolved more quickly than those caused by structural or other issues.

There was no recurrence in 92% of damp and/or mould cases resolved during 2025/26. Where landlords reopened cases, condensation was the most common cause, accounting for over half (52%) of cases.

Landlords reported that they have been developing more detailed policies and procedures, delivering training to staff and investing in housing management systems and software to help strengthen their approach to managing cases of damp and mould and prepare for Awaab’s Law in Scotland.

Michael Cameron, chief executive, said: “This report provides an initial picture of how social landlords are responding to reports of damp and mould. It can have a significant impact on tenants and their families, so it is important that landlords respond quickly and effectively when cases are reported. The findings show that, in most cases, landlords addressed the issue and there was no recurrence during the reporting year.

“This is the first year of landlords reporting on the new damp and mould ARC indicators. When we launched the new damp and mould indicators, we said we would review them after the first submission. We will be engaging with landlords, tenants and other stakeholders over the coming months as part of that review.”