With consistent participation since the indicators were introduced in April 2025, SHN says a more reliable picture of sector performance is now emerging and that landlords are becoming increasingly confident in their reporting.

Across local authority and RSL members, the average number of resolved Damp & Mould cases per 100 tenancies remained low throughout the year, though with some movement:

• Q1: 1.1
• Q2: 0.9
• Q3: 1.5

RSLs saw the sharpest rise into Q3, reaching 1.5 cases per 100 tenancies, while local authorities remained closer to 1.0. SHN interprets the increase not as a deterioration in conditions but as evidence of improved identification and closure of cases, particularly among RSLs, as definitions and processes become more embedded.

The average time taken to resolve cases showed a settling pattern over the three quarters:

• Q1: 14.5 days
• Q2: 23.3 days
• Q3: 20.1 days

SHN notes that landlords experienced an initial adjustment period as case volumes rose and definitions were clarified. By Q3, processes appeared more predictable, though variances remain between RSL and local authority performance.

As more landlords began reporting reopened cases, the combined percentage stabilised in the mid‑teens (14–16%) during Q2 and Q3, following a higher but less representative figure in Q1. RSLs reported mid‑teen levels, while local authorities recorded lower re‑open rates, though from a smaller reporting base.

Open cases at quarter end continued to decline, with the most notable reductions among local authorities. SHN attributes this to shrinking backlogs and steady performance across RSLs.

The damp and mould measures mirror the Scottish Housing Regulator’s Charter indicators 31–33, covering:

• Incidence: resolved cases
• Timeliness: average days to resolve
• Quality: percentage of reopened cases
• Backlog: open cases at quarter end

SHN says this alignment is helping landlords build confidence ahead of their 2025–26 Charter submissions.

SHN initially collected the indicators discreetly to allow landlords to refine their definitions and evidence trails. They now appear in the organisation’s Quarterly Dashboard, enabling members to benchmark performance more openly.

Boris Mingay, data analyst at SHN, said: “I’m hugely encouraged by how our members have leaned into this work. Quarter by quarter, they have refined their data, improved consistency, and strengthened the evidence that sits behind their decisions.

“This growing confidence doesn’t just support a robust Charter submission - it supports better practice, better organisational learning, and ultimately better outcomes for tenants. The sector should feel proud of the progress shown in these early quarters.”