Since the introduction of Farm Business Tenancies in 1995 there has been a steady decline in the amount of litigation involving agricultural tenancies and claims for succession and security of tenure in particular.
However, there are still many occasions when a detailed knowledge of agricultural law is required to secure possession of land held under an Agricultural Holdings Act agreement. There are various methods by which a landlord can serve a valid Notice to Quit and various means by which a tenant can make an effective challenge.
In some cases the ability to obtain or retain possession of a specific area of land can have significant value and might be contested. In such cases it is vital that Notices are served strictly in accordance with the specified time limits and in the prescribed form. Similar restrictions apply to applications for succession and to establishing/satisfying the specified criteria for eligibility. In all cases, therefore, it is important to obtain professional advice.
Whether it’s for succession, rent review, notice to quit or a surrender and regrant, the rural practice Team at Kirkby & Diamond with its links to the Association of Agricultural Valuers and the Agricultural Law Association can provide sound, client focused, cost effective advice to landlords and tenants alike.