Farm Business Tenancy

Our Rural team has provided expert advice on farm business tenancies (FBTs) to landowners and tenant farmers throughout Cornwall and Devon since 1995, when they were first introduced as part of the Agricultural Tenancies Act. Combining our deep understanding of the farming sector and the commercial pressures facing farmers with our technical knowledge of the relevant law, we are well placed to advise you on the benefits and potential risks of FBTs, and will ensure that any new agreements support your priorities.

FBTs differ significantly from Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancies (AHA 86), share farming agreements and grazing licences and require careful consideration from both parties and expert legal input in drafting.

In essence, FBTs provide greater flexibility for both landlords and tenants, allowing them to agree specific terms and conditions, most importantly the business, notice and agriculture conditions that define the FBT. Landlords in particular need to be mindful of these conditions and their application to avoid inadvertently granting a business tenancy that would give the tenant security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and entitle them to a new lease at the end of the contractual term.

Our farming experts can advise on all the agreements listed above, as well as contracting agreements, and help you to maximise the value of your land holdings while controlling the risks.