Condensation Advice for Edinburgh Tenants
Albany Lettings · Edinburgh tenant advice
A shower, a pan of pasta and a load of washing can all add moisture to your home. Helping that moisture escape can make your rented home more comfortable as the weather gets colder.
Condensation forms when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, such as a window or outside wall. If surfaces stay damp, mould can develop. There are useful things you can do around your usual routine, whether you live in an Edinburgh tenement flat or a newer home.
Leaks, heating faults, insulation problems and inadequate ventilation can also contribute. Please report damp or mould as soon as you notice it, even if you are already following the advice below.
Small habits that can help
Choose the steps that work for your home and routine. If a window, fan or heating system is not working properly, please let us know.
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After a shower or bath
Use the bathroom extractor while showering or bathing and keep the door closed while steam clears. A brief opening of the window can also help where safe and practical. Follow the fan’s instructions and let any automatic run-on finish. Keep window restrictors in place.
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While you are cooking
Use lids on pans where possible to reduce the amount of steam and moisture released into the room. Use the kitchen extractor and close the kitchen door, if there is one, while cooking. Keep ventilation running as intended and ask your property manager if you are unsure how the system works.
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When washing needs to dry indoors
Outdoor drying is helpful when space and weather allow. Indoors, use a drying rack in a room with working ventilation and keep the door closed to stop moisture spreading through the property. Avoid drying wet clothes over radiators, as this releases more moisture into the air.
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When you notice wet windows
Wipe condensation from glass and sills so water does not sit on the surface. Keep trickle vents open and permanent vents clear. If windows stay very wet or moisture keeps returning, include that in your report.
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Around furniture and storage
Where space allows, leave a little room behind large furniture on cold outside walls so air can circulate. Avoid overfilling cupboards and wardrobes, and keep belongings clear of radiators and vents. Check tucked-away corners for damp patches or a musty smell.
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When you turn the heating on
Use the controls to keep your home comfortably warm when needed. Leaving heating on constantly just to tackle condensation can be expensive. Report heating or extractor faults, and ask for help with unfamiliar controls. Home Energy Scotland offers free advice on warmth, energy use and available support.
When to ask for help
Tell us about visible mould, persistent damp patches, a musty smell, recurring heavy condensation or a leak. Report it as soon as you notice it so we can look into the cause and decide what action is needed.
A useful report includes:
- Which room is affected and where the problem appears.
- When you first noticed it and whether it is spreading or returning.
- Photos, if safe to take, and whether it gets worse after rain.
- Any leak, heating or ventilation fault, and suitable times for access.
Mention any health concerns privately to your property manager so they can be taken into account. If you are worried about symptoms, seek medical advice as well as reporting the property problem.
If you suspect mould behind wallpaper or carpets, leave them in place and report it. Removing them can release mould spores. Ask about appropriate treatment for visible mould, and report it again if it returns after work has been carried out.
Already reported it? Add any changes to the existing report and ask for an update if the next step is unclear. Let us know if access arrangements need to change.
Looking after the home together
Your landlord is responsible for making sure your home meets Scotland’s Repairing Standard. That includes the condition of the building and the systems provided for heating and hot water. Everyday habits help manage moisture, while defects need proper investigation and repair.
The Scottish Government’s guidance makes clear that condensation cannot simply be assumed to result from tenant behaviour. Your observations help identify what is happening, but you do not need to organise a roof inspection or repair an extractor yourself.
In a shared Edinburgh building, a repair may involve a factor or other owners. If Albany manages your home, report the problem to us so the relevant people can be involved. We can also agree access for inspections and work with you.
What Awaab’s Law means for you
Awaab’s Law is named in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died following prolonged exposure to mould in his home. His death highlighted why damp and mould concerns need to be heard and acted on.
From 6 October 2026, new Scottish rules introduce set timescales for private and social landlords. For tenants, this means a clearer process for investigation, written findings and the start of necessary repairs.
10working days
A competent person must investigate within 10 working days of the landlord becoming aware of the damp or mould.
3working days
The landlord must issue a written summary of the findings within 3 working days after the investigation is completed.
5working days
Where substantial damp or mould requires repairs for which the landlord is responsible, work must begin within 5 working days after the investigation is completed.
The 3-day and 5-day periods both run from the completed investigation. For private rentals, the 5-day deadline is for starting work; repairs must be completed within a reasonable time and as soon as reasonably practicable.
If circumstances beyond the landlord’s control prevent a deadline being met, they must explain the delay, give a revised timeframe and take reasonable steps, where practicable, to limit the damp or mould in the meantime.
Existing repair duties already apply, and urgent problems need prompt attention. Please report concerns now rather than waiting for October. Read Albany’s Awaab’s Law update or the Scottish Government’s tenant information sheet for more detail.
Tell us what you have noticed
If Albany manages your home, use our online reporting system to tell us what you have noticed and attach any useful photos. If your landlord manages repairs directly, contact them through the arrangements in your tenancy.
For an urgent problem outside office hours, follow our emergency maintenance guidance. Online reporting does not replace emergency help where there is an immediate risk.