Agricultural resource
Farm business tenancy disputes: rent, repairs, notices and compensation
Published 6 May 2026 · Reviewed for England and Wales, May 2026
Farm tenancy disputes are rarely about one clause in isolation. Rent, repairs, cropping, diversification, environmental schemes, access and end-of-tenancy compensation often overlap. The paperwork matters, but so does the history of how the holding has actually been run.
About this guidance
This page is about England and Wales only. It is general information only, not legal advice.
Reviewed by Resolutor Legal Support for England and Wales in May 2026.
Know the tenancy type
GOV.UK explains that agricultural tenancy agreements are unique, and that the two main statutory types are Farm Business Tenancies under the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 and older 1986 Act tenancies under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. The distinction matters because security, succession, rent review and compensation rules can differ sharply.
Start by gathering the written agreement, notices exchanged before the tenancy began, rent review paperwork, plans, side letters, licences, scheme documents and correspondence about changes in use.
Rent reviews
Rent review disputes often turn on timing, comparables, productive capacity, restrictions in the agreement and changes to the holding. GOV.UK notes that parties to a Farm Business Tenancy can negotiate rent review arrangements, but either landlord or tenant can usually demand a rent review every three years unless the agreement replaces that position.
Evidence should be practical: current rent, historic rent, cropping and stocking records, soil condition, buildings, access, water, environmental restrictions, comparable lettings and any landlord or tenant improvements.
Repairs and fixed equipment
Repairs disputes need detail. Which party is responsible for roofs, tracks, drains, fences, water supply, yards, gates, fixed equipment and buildings? Is the issue repair, renewal, improvement or damage? The answer may affect who pays.
Photographs, inspection reports, contractor quotes, historic condition records and dated complaints are useful. A landlord or tenant who waits years before raising disrepair may face a more complicated evidential argument.
Diversification and use
Many modern holdings involve diversification: storage, events, renewables, glamping, direct sales, equestrian use or environmental schemes. Check whether the tenancy permits the use, requires consent, affects rent, or creates planning, insurance or tax consequences.
Do not assume a sensible business idea is allowed simply because it helps the holding make money. The tenancy terms, planning position and scheme rules all need checking.
Ending the tenancy
GOV.UK states that landlords and tenants of a Farm Business Tenancy can end the tenancy by notice to quit, with a minimum notice period of 12 months. In practice, the exact route depends on the tenancy terms, statutory rules and any breach alleged.
Notices should be treated carefully. A defective notice can waste time and cost money. Record service, dates, the land affected and the legal basis being relied on.
Compensation
End-of-tenancy compensation can involve tenant improvements, residual value, growing crops, tenant right and alleged disrepair. GOV.UK notes that farm business tenants may be entitled to compensation for physical improvements where consent was given, and for changes increasing the holding’s value where left behind.
Keep consent letters, invoices, photographs, specifications and evidence of value. If a dispute is likely, valuation expertise is often essential.
The short version
Farm tenancy disputes are document-heavy and fact-sensitive. Identify the tenancy type first, then organise the evidence around rent, repairs, use, notices and compensation. Arbitration or expert determination may be the route if agreement cannot be reached.
Nothing in this guide is legal advice for your specific situation.