New tenancy agreement or addendum to old one in Scotland?
I am looking for advice, please. Bear with me – it’s a bit of a saga. I have one property I rent out – a two-bedroom flat in Scotland.
In March 2025, the previous tenants, Man A and Woman A, moved out, and their friends Man B and Woman B moved in. A new tenancy agreement was done for them, the flat checked etc, no issues seen or reported by the previous tenants.
A month later, on the return of Man B from visiting family abroad, he reported some bites. I bought traps, caught some immature bed bugs and got a professional company in to treat.
Couple B the man worked during the day and the woman at nights. At the end of the professional treatment, he was still getting bitten, and it came out that despite reassurances from all, the full flat was being treated, the woman of Couple B was refusing access to their bedroom.
I complained to the company, threatened the tenants with eviction if they did not allow access under breach of their tenancy agreement, and got another course of treatment. There has also needed to be wallpaper stripped and the tenants have installed new carpets in that room.
I have just heard from the tenant that when he was in abroad at some point, he underwent an arranged marriage, so Woman B has moved out and his wife has moved in (Woman C).
The deposit for the flat was paid by him, and Woman B doesn’t want any of it. Man B wants to stay with his wife Woman C in the property.
The question I have is, how do I do this? Do I do a whole new tenancy agreement for Man B and Woman C? But then, will the issues regarding the bed bugs and the fact that they are liable for further treatment and the timing be an issue?
Or can I do an addendum to the previous tenancy agreement, removing Woman B and putting Woman C in her place?
I would rather do an addendum if possible so that there is evidence of his tenancy lasting from March, not August, if I need his deposit to retreat the flat when he leaves, but I don’t want to do things wrong.
What would you do?
Emma
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Member Since January 2016 - Comments: 473
11:04 AM, 6th August 2025, About 9 months ago
Not sure relevance of man A and woman A unless the implication is that they brought the bed bugs – in any case you won’t be able to prove who brought the bed bugs to assign responsibility
Were Woman B and Man B on a joint tenancy? If so if it were me I would ask Woman B to formally end the tenancy so that Man B’s tenancy has ended and his guest Woman C also has to leave.
Then with an empty property I would get all the repairs and bed bug fumigation treatments done. After that you can advertise the property for new tenants without drama.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 17
11:36 AM, 6th August 2025, About 9 months ago
Please, please, please, join the Scottish Association of Landlords right this minute, and phone or email them for advice. The Property 118 forum is majorly England-focused and could well send you in the wrong direction. SAL are amazing, and will advise you correctly. It’s the best money you can spend as a Scottish landlord. You won’t regret it. Yes, I am a member, no I am not connected to them.
https://scottishlandlords.com/