Letter template: ask for unlawful fees to be refunded

Copy and paste this sample text and personalise it with your details.

Attach any proof you have of paying the fee to your email, or send a copy in your letter.

Subject: Refund unlawful fees for <address>

To <landlord’s or letting agent’s name>

I’m writing to ask you to return the £<amount> I was charged in relation to renting <address>. Attached is <a receipt/bank statement/other proof that the fee was paid>.

Under the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984, it's unlawful for landlords or letting agents to charge a premium for the granting or renewal of a tenancy.

As this charge was not for rent or a refundable deposit, it is unlawful. Please confirm that you will refund the money within 7 days.

If I do not hear from you, I will consider taking legal action to recover the money.

Thank you,

You can also send the letter as an email attachment or through the post:

Word template: request refund of unlawful fees (docx, 23 kb)
OpenDocument template: request refund of unlawful fees (odt, 9 kb)

Where to send your letter or email

If you rent from a private landlord, their contact details should be in your tenancy agreement or on the Scottish landlord register.

You can ask a letting agency for an email address, check their website, or search the Scottish register of letting agencies.

If you need more help

Check our advice on:

Last updated: 14 April 2024