Aberdeen Damp and Mould: Granite Tenements and a Rental Market Tied to Oil Cycles

Half of Aberdeen's homes (50.2%) are flats, against 34.4% across Scotland, and the rental stock is dominated by granite tenements. Granite is a different material from the sandstone of Edinburgh and Glasgow, but the damp risks are similar, and the rental market has tracked North Sea oil and gas cycles, which affects how much landlords have to spend and when.

Aberdeen in numbers (compared with Scotland)

• Private rented households: 19.4% (Scotland 12.4%); social rented: 22.4% (Scotland 22.5%)
• Terraced homes: 16.0% (Scotland 18.2%); flats: 50.2% (Scotland 34.4%)
• Homes with no central heating: 2.3% (Scotland 2.1%)
• Overcrowded households: 2.4% (Scotland 2.4%)
• Properties at medium flood risk (rivers, sea and surface water combined): 15% (Scotland 12.5%)
• Rainfall: about 833 mm a year at Dyce, roughly six miles away

How does damp get into granite?

Granite itself is dense and takes up little water, so damp usually comes in through the joints and the parts around the stone: failed pointing, worn roof flashings, chimney heads, window surrounds and communal gutters. As in other tenements, a fault in a shared part can show up in a flat far below, so it helps to look up as well as at the stain.

Oil cycles and maintenance

A private rented share of 19.4%, well above the Scottish figure of 12.4%, reflects a market that has expanded and contracted with the oil industry. In a downturn, rents can fall and maintenance can be deferred, and deferred maintenance on a tenement roof or gutter is how a small defect becomes a damp complaint. Planned inspection and a repair reserve are cheaper than reactive repairs.

Flood and weather

Combined medium flood risk is 15% against 12.5% for Scotland, and rainfall at the nearest station is about 833 mm a year. Ground-floor and basement flats deserve a check for water ingress and drainage, while upper flats are more likely to show roof and gutter faults.

What landlords must do in Scotland

In Scotland, the Repairing Standard under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 already requires a private rented home to be free from damp and mould posing a significant health risk. Since 6 October 2026 the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 also require private landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould within set timescales and complete repairs within a reasonable time. A tenant whose landlord does not act can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

Awaab's Law as it applies in England does not apply in Scotland, which has its own regulations. For the wider UK picture, see our guide to Awaab's Law and the private rented sector.

To find a specialist, see our Aberdeen damp and mould page.