If you’re a private landlord in Fife — whether in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Dunfermline or Methil — having a written tenancy agreement in Fife is not just a good idea. It’s the law.
Under Scotland’s Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) rules, landlords must provide a written tenancy agreement for every tenancy. Yet, many landlords still rely on informal verbal agreements or outdated templates — leaving themselves open to serious legal and financial risks.
A written tenancy agreement clearly outlines the terms and expectations of both landlord and tenant. It covers rent, responsibilities, notice periods, deposit protection, and more.
In Scotland, the Scottish Government provides a Model Tenancy Agreement, which most landlords use as a legally compliant template.
➡️ View the official Scottish Government model agreement
Let’s say you verbally agree to a rent amount and a tenant moves in. Later, the tenant stops paying, disputes the amount, or refuses to leave. Without a written agreement, you may struggle to:
🧾 Real example: A landlord in Leven we supported had no signed contract when a tenant damaged the property and left unexpectedly. Because there was no written agreement, legal recovery became almost impossible.
🔁 Trust is important, but protection is essential.
🔁 The law has changed. The PRT system is now mandatory.
Before a tenant moves in:
Need help? We can guide you through every step — from customising your contract to explaining it to your tenant.
At Fife Private Rental Solutions, we work with landlords across all areas of Fife to:
📍Related article: Landlord Mistake of the Week – Renting Without a Written Agreement
📞 Contact us today to make sure your paperwork is protecting your property — not exposing it.
07 July 2025
Fife Private Rentals Solutions Team