A special report on the issues was prepared for the Housing Services Policy, Development and Scrutiny Panel.

There are three types of damp that can appear in a property: condensation; rising damp; and penetrating dampness. Each requires different treatment so it is important to know which type of damp is affecting a property.

West Lothian Council maintains all housing stock to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. This involves proactive work to prevent damp where possible and processes are in place to address any damp issues that arise quickly.

Stock condition surveys were carried out to collect more information on the type, location and potential causes of damp. This concluded that there were no specific issues with damp in any particular type of council home or location.

A pilot using environmental sensor technology is set to launch soon, which will see 100 council properties monitored, with information being sent directly to tenants in real time to help them to take steps to mitigate issues as they arise. The data from this pilot will also be used to inform improvement work to homes as required. Air quality and ventilation measures will also be included in the capital investment programme along with energy efficiency measures going forward.

Executive councillor for housing services, George Paul, said: “Damp can be a significant issue and we would encourage any tenants to report any problems as soon as possible.

“When the cause is rising or penetrating damp, we will aim to carry out repairs as soon as possible to tackle the issue.

“The modern-day lifestyle can lead to increased condensation, so we work with tenants to raise awareness of condensation and the practical steps they can take to reduce it. More information on this is available on the council’s website at Condensation.”

He added: “We will continue to engage with our tenants to resolve any damp issues, and ensure air quality and ventilation are a key part of future housing investment programmes going forward.”