Fact sheet: Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024

Based on findings from a survey of over 700 letting agents, The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has published new guidance to help agents, landlords and tenants to deal with condensation, damp, and mould in their properties. Casework undertaken by the service in 2023 included over 1,000 enquiries, 200 investigations, and £36,000 in compensation awarded for cases involving damp and mould.

The culprit claimed she could not afford to carry out maintenance at the property, and ignored an Improvement Notice and further requests from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). For several years, tenants at the property were forced to put up with a temperamental boiler that often left them without heating or hot water, as well as a condemned cooker. An HSE investigation found that the landlord was receiving full rent from the tenant at the time enforcement action was taken.

The final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry has concluded that the 72 deaths caused by the devastating fire on 14 June 2017 were avoidable. Sir Martin Moore-Bick, who chaired the Inquiry, stated that there was widespread incompetence from those responsible for the safety of the building and its occupants, including the local authority, contractors, and tenant management organisations. Prime Minister Kier Starmer, MP, said it is likely that further legislation will be needed to implement recommendations made in the report and proposals will be put before parliament as soon as possible. He also accepted that remediation work is behind schedule and must be speeded up.

From 9–15 September, we will again support the biggest awareness campaign to highlight the importance of regular gas safety checks emphasising this year’s theme, Checking – Every Check Counts.