Introduction

Hello and welcome to the sixth issue of Industry insights. This insight will focus on Mold and its impact on lives

Ever since the tragic death of a young resulting from exposure to mold in Rochdale, landlords and factors now have an onus on them more than ever to eradicate mold in a proper, professional and timeous manner

I hope you find this article useful and as always contact details are included should you require a quote or further information.

Damp and Mould Are Not Just Maintenance Issues—They Are a Health Crisis and Compliance Risk

Let’s be clear: dampness and mould in our homes are not just technical defects or minor maintenance issues—they are dangerous health hazards. They put tenants, customers, staff, and contractors at risk and threaten the integrity of the very assets we exist to protect.

In the wake of national tragedies and rising public scrutiny, the moral, legal, and operational imperative is undeniable. Failing to take proactive, accountable action can—and has—led to fatal consequences. It is no longer acceptable to respond reactively or treat these issues as isolated events.

🔥Why Every Landlord Must Have a Dampness and Mould Statement—Now

A clear, transparent Dampness and Mould Statement is not an optional document—it is the foundation of compliance, tenant protection, asset preservation, and reputational credibility.

It tells your tenants, regulators, and your own staff that you take their safety, health, and dignity seriously. It puts in writing that your organisation will act with urgency, consistency, and accountability.

Without it, you are not just at risk of regulatory failure—you are vulnerable to legal action, tenant mistrust, and catastrophic reputational damage.

📋 Regulatory and Policy Expectations in Scotland

• The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) expects all social landlords to provide homes that are “safe and meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS).”
• The SHQS explicitly requires homes to be “free from serious disrepair” and “free from damp and condensation.”
• The Annual Assurance Statement demands that landlords confirm compliance with all legal and regulatory duties. It is now considered best practice to publish how you identify, respond to, and prevent damp and mould.
• Under the Repairing Standard (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006), all landlords must ensure homes are wind and watertight, and fit for human habitation—which unquestionably includes being free of damp and mould.
• The Scottish Government has issued clear warnings: landlords must adopt a zero-tolerance approach. The lessons of Rochdale and other national failures must not be repeated.

🧱 This Is About More Than Compliance

This is about the real-world impact on children with asthma, elderly tenants in frail health, people with compromised immune systems, and frontline staff exposed to hazardous environments.

It’s about showing leadership, building trust, and creating homes—not just properties—that are safe, warm, and habitable.

It’s also about protecting your organisation’s assets. Untreated damp leads to long-term structural decay, accelerated deterioration of fabric, and increasing repair liabilities. In short: inaction costs more.

✅ What Should Your Dampness and Mould Statement Include?

Your statement must be clear, actionable, and public. It should cover:

• Your approach to identifying, reporting, and remediating damp and mould
• Clear service standards (e.g., response times, inspection frequencies)
• Defined responsibilities of both landlord and tenants
• Proactive prevention measures including surveys, data analysis, and environmental monitoring
• Support for vulnerable households and clear communication strategies
• Staff and contractor protocols—including training, PPE, and reporting systems
• Commitment to ongoing review and learning

🛡️Who Are You Protecting?

• Your tenants—especially the most vulnerable
• Your staff and contractors—who work in affected homes
• Your organisation—from financial risk, regulatory breaches, and litigation
• Your properties and long-term assets—from avoidable decay and cost
• Your reputation—from being the next failure on the front page

📣Our Call to Action

We strongly urge all housing providers to:

• Review your current policies and procedures
• Consult with tenants and staff
• Develop and publish a clear, accountable Dampness and Mould Statement
• Ensure it is embedded in your organisational culture—from boardroom to front line

This isn’t just about policy. It’s about doing what’s right—before the headlines, before the complaints, before someone gets seriously hurt.

If you’d like support in drafting or reviewing your own Dampness and Mould Statement, or want to share best practice across the sector, please get in touch. Let’s work together to make every home safe, warm, and fit for life—not just in regulation, but in reality.

For any further information on Regan consultancy or any other matters, please feel free to contact us.