Landlord and Tenant

Our agricultural landlord and tenant solicitors expertise are unrivalled. We are nationally renowned as leaders in our field.

We advise on all agricultural tenancy issues relating to the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986, the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 and residential landlord and tenancy issues arising from farm cottages. Our practice includes drafting tenancy documents, surrenders and notices and also extends to contentious matters such as succession applications, rent reviews, repairs, entitlements and the enforceability of covenants.

We specialise in agricultural arbitrations, expert determination and applications to the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and, in Wales, the Agricultural Land Tribunal.

We advise on:

  • Forfeiture;
  • Rent review;
  • Succession;
  • Repairs;
  • Bringing tenancies to an end including surrender;
  • Enforceability of covenants;
  • Issues concerning the ownership and transfer of entitlements;
  • Reservation of sporting rights;
  • Agricultural arbitrations;
  • First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Agricultural Land and Drainage applications;
  • Drafting Farm Business Tenancies and succession tenancies;
  • Drafting Deeds of Assignment, Surrender and other tenancy documents; and
  • Farm Cottages
Recent experience

Purchasing a substantial agricultural farming company, which involved a team of 15 lawyers who provided strategic advice on the corporate, planning, environmental, employment, development opportunities, commercial contracts and property matters, which extended to some 2500 acres of farmland, 35 residential properties, commercial lets and joint venture agreements over a further 1500 acres.

Advising the owner of a large estate of nearly 1000 acres as they encountered financial difficulties and went into administration. Specialist insolvency expertise was obtained within the Firm and negotiations were conducted with both the administrator and the tenant. These negotiations resulted in an excellent outcome for the landlord.

Acting for a substantial farming business, who became the subject of a hostile claim for all of their land and business assets. This was a highly complex case, which involved the gathering and preparation of numerous detailed witness statements, recounting events going back over 30 years.

Acting for a £multi-million commercial farming tenant in a dispute with a landlord over the grant and interpretation of a tenancy to a substantial part of the business. This was a high stakes case with possible consequences which were business critical, requiring legal advice at the cutting edge, and a significant team to document the eventual settlement.

Advising on the corporate disposal of a £multi-million commercial farming operation, including advising on complex taxation considerations.

Advising landed estates in connection with the grant and administration of agricultural and sporting tenancies.

Acting for a landed estate in connection with the grant of an option to a quality house builder. The deal included finding alternative farmland for an agricultural tenant and provided for the development of the site in various phases. The landowner was keen to maintain the integrity and high reputation of the estate amongst the local community.

KEY CONTACTS
TEAM
Ben Sharples
Ben Sharples
Partner
Andrew Baines
Andrew Baines
Partner
Caroline Baines
Caroline Baines
Consultant
Adam Corbin
Adam Corbin
Partner
Rajvinder Kaur
Rajvinder Kaur
Senior Associate
Josie Edwards
Josie Edwards
Senior Associate
Charlotte Razay
Charlotte Razay
Senior Associate
Rachel O'Connor
Rachel O'Connor
Partner
Charlie Gauntlett
Charlie Gauntlett
Associate
Erica Williams
Erica Williams
Senior Associate
Jake Rostron
Jake Rostron
Trainee Legal Executive
Jonny Lane
Jonny Lane
Associate
Phil Lawrence
Phil Lawrence
Senior Associate
Zilah Nelson
Zilah Nelson
Chartered Legal Executive
Ben Luxton
Ben Luxton
Solicitor
Benjamin Dalton
Benjamin Dalton
Associate