In 2020, there were 236 complaints to Perth & Kinross Council annually, but in 2023 that had climbed to 800 and last year there were 685 complaints.

Figures released to the Scottish Conservatives under Freedom of Information (FOI) laws show there were 5,013 complaints in total since 2007.

In total, the party uncovered that over 160,000 complaints had been made to local authorities in relation to damp and mould in social homes across Scotland since the SNP came to power in 2007.

Ten councils failed to respond to the Freedom of Information request, or did not have the relevant information.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Landlords for social or private rented homes in Scotland are required to make sure properties are free from damp, have adequate ventilation and are suitably insulated.

“All social landlords, including local authorities, are required to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and to ensure any requests for repairs are carried out in a timely fashion.

“Compliance is monitored by the Scottish Housing Regulator and tenants can escalate complaints to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman if landlords fail to comply.

“We have a strong track record in affordable housing, having supported the delivery of 135,000 affordable homes since 2007.

“That’s 47 per cent more per head of population than England and 73 per cent more than Wales.”

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson pointed out that the local authority is committed to maintaining healthy living environments for tenants by proactively preventing and addressing damp and mould issues in its homes.

He said: “We work diligently with tenants to prevent condensation and mould growth.

“Our comprehensive advice on preventing and dealing with condensation is readily available through our website, Youtube channel, social media, leaflets, and the tenants’ newsletter.

“In January 2023, we launched an innovative project to install free sensors in tenants’ homes.

“These sensors measure temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, transmitting data to the council via Wi-fi.

“This real-time monitoring allows us to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. This successful initiative is being expanded across our housing stock.

“We are introducing a dedicated Housing Condition Team to effectively address complex repair and maintenance issues in tenants’ homes.

“This team will work closely with tenants to resolve repair problems, including condensation and mould issues, and will conduct regular followup checks to ensure long-term solutions.

“Our support for tenants includes advice on preventing condensation and mould growth, provided through their lettings pack, during tenancy sign-ups, and via annual tenancy visits.

“We also address issues related to condensation, mould, and cold spots during the void process, installing environmental sensors in preparation for new tenancies.

“All housing staff are thoroughly trained to offer up-to-date advice and support on preventing and managing condensation, damp, and mould growth.”