Legal Definitions - grassum

Definition: A grassum is an additional payment made in anticipation of or in addition to rent in Scots law. It is a lump sum payment made by a tenant to a landlord at the start of a lease.

For example, if a tenant wants to rent a property for a year, they may pay a grassum of £1000 in addition to the monthly rent of £500. This payment is made to secure the lease and is usually non-refundable.

Grassums are allowed in Scots law, but there are limitations on how much a landlord can charge. The rent cannot be diminished to the point where it becomes too low to be considered reasonable. Additionally, if the property is under an entail, the heir in possession must not take more than the annual rent and profits, leaving enough for future heirs.