When it comes to renting a property in Edinburgh, one of the most common types of tenancy agreement is a short assured tenancy agreement (SAT). This agreement is usually used for private residential properties and grants the tenant the right to stay in the property for a fixed term, typically 6 or 12 months.
If you`re a landlord in Edinburgh, it`s important to have a written SAT agreement in place that outlines the terms of the tenancy, including the rent amount, payment terms, and the obligations of both the landlord and the tenant.
The Edinburgh City Council provides a standard SAT agreement that landlords can use. This agreement is designed to be fair to both parties and complies with Scottish legislation. It can also be used for tenancies that have already started, as long as the appropriate clauses are added.
Some of the key clauses that are included in the Edinburgh City Council SAT agreement include the following:
– Rent: The agreement outlines the rent amount, payment frequency, and when rent is due. It also details any penalties for late payments.
– Deposits: The agreement explains the amount of deposit required, how it will be held, and under what circumstances it will be returned. It is important for landlords to protect deposits using a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.
– Tenant obligations: The agreement outlines the responsibilities of the tenant, such as keeping the property clean and tidy, avoiding damage, and taking care of any repairs that are the tenant`s responsibility.
– Landlord obligations: The agreement also outlines the responsibilities of the landlord, such as providing a safe and habitable property, ensuring that gas and electrical safety certificates are up to date, and adhering to the Repairing Standard.
– Termination: The agreement explains the circumstances under which the landlord can terminate the tenancy, such as if the tenant breaks the terms of the agreement or if the landlord needs to sell the property. It also outlines the notice periods required.
As a landlord, it is important to have a well-drafted SAT agreement in place that protects your rights and ensures a fair deal for both you and your tenants. By using the Edinburgh City Council`s standard agreement, you can make sure that you are complying with the law and giving your tenants a secure and comfortable home.