The Scottish Government has launched a new model tenancy agreement in a bid to offer more protection to private tenants in Scotland. The new agreement, which has been designed to replace the previous Short Assured Tenancy (SAT) agreement, is part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing efforts to reform the country’s private rented sector.

The new model tenancy agreement sets out a clear framework for tenancy agreements, and offers a range of new protections for tenants. These include better protection against rent increases, the ability to challenge unfair evictions, and the right to have repairs carried out within a reasonable timeframe.

The agreement also includes a number of new provisions for landlords, including the ability to charge a tenant for damage caused by their own negligence, and the right to evict tenants who are engaged in anti-social behaviour.

The Scottish Government hopes that the new model tenancy agreement will help to create a fairer and more transparent rental market in Scotland, and make it easier for tenants to understand their legal rights and obligations.

Under the new agreement, landlords must provide tenants with a written statement setting out the terms of their tenancy. This statement must include information on the length of the tenancy, the amount of rent to be paid, and any other charges or fees that the tenant is liable for.

Landlords must also provide tenants with a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property. This will help tenants to understand the energy efficiency of the property, and could help them to save money on their energy bills.

In addition to these new protections, the Scottish Government has also introduced a new system of rent controls, which will limit the amount by which landlords can increase rents. The aim of this system is to help ensure that rent increases are affordable for tenants, and do not cause unnecessary hardship.

Overall, the new model tenancy agreement is a positive step towards creating a fairer and more transparent rental market in Scotland. It offers new protections for tenants, while also providing landlords with the tools they need to manage their properties effectively. If you are a private tenant in Scotland, it is important that you understand your legal rights and obligations under the new agreement.