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Agricultural Tenancy

Agricultural tenancy disputes and renewals handled with patience and expertise.
We advise landlords and tenants on all aspects of agricultural tenancy, from Farm Business Tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act agreements through to rent reviews, renewals, dispute resolution and farm tenders, acting for both sides of the relationship across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

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When the relationship between landlord and tenant needs careful handling

Agricultural tenancies are long-term relationships, and the decisions made at renewal, rent review or dispute stage can affect both parties for years. Whether you are a landowner letting a farm or a farmer negotiating the terms of your tenancy, having the right advice early makes a significant difference to the outcome.

We advise on the full range of agricultural landlord and tenant matters, covering both Farm Business Tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies. That includes tenancy renewals and succession, lease negotiations and rent reviews, dispute resolution, tenant right and compensation, and farm tenders. Where alternative arrangements suit your circumstances better, we can also advise on contract farming and share farming agreements.

Our Chartered Surveyors act for both landlords and tenants, so whichever side of the relationship you are on, you will be advised by someone who understands the full picture, including the pressures and priorities the other party is likely to bring to the table.

KEY CONTACTS

Alex Wilks
MRICS FAAV
Pulborough

01798 877555
Email Alex

Chris Tipping
FRICS FAAV
Haywards Heath

01444 412402
Email Chris

Open metal field gate at dusk with rolling countryside beyond

Between tenancies, or thinking of letting instead?

If a tenancy is ending, or you are weighing up letting land rather than managing it yourself, it is worth seeing what farms and land are currently in demand before deciding your next move.

Explore Farms and Land for Rent

Common questions about agricultural tenancy

A Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) is the most common form of agricultural tenancy in England and Wales, introduced under the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995. It gives landlords and tenants flexibility to agree their own terms, including rent, length of tenancy and permitted use of the land.

An older form of agricultural tenancy governed by the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986, which gives sitting tenants significantly stronger security of tenure than an FBT. Many of these tenancies have been in place for decades and carry specific rights around succession and compensation that require specialist advice.

The rent is reassessed, usually against open market rental values for comparable land in the area. Both landlord and tenant are entitled to professional representation during this process, and the outcome can be referred to arbitration if agreement cannot be reached.

Under an Agricultural Holdings Act tenancy, succession rights can apply, meaning a close family member may be able to take on the tenancy when the current tenant retires or dies. Farm Business Tenancies do not carry the same automatic succession rights, though succession can be agreed contractually.

In a contract farming arrangement, a contractor farms the land on behalf of the landowner for an agreed fee. In share farming, two parties farm together and share both the costs and the proceeds. Both can be useful alternatives to a traditional tenancy depending on the landowner’s circumstances and objectives.

Take advice as early as possible. Many agricultural tenancy disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation before they reach arbitration or tribunal, but the earlier you get professional advice, the more options you have.