Rural residential tenancies in England

Residential lettings are a common feature on rural estates and farms. Twenty years on from the change in emphasis from assured tenancies to assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), the number of non-shorthold arrangements is decreasing, although a shift back to assured tenancies is now likely in 2025, with the proposed abolition of ASTs pursuant to the Renters' Rights Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in September 2024.

In a rural context, significant statutory protection continues to be conferred on agricultural workers. When dealing with an occupier who is or was employed in agriculture or with a proposed new letting to an agricultural employee, it is important to consider this statutory overlay.

The protection of agricultural occupiers originates from the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 and that Act continues to govern arrangements granted to qualifying agricultural workers which pre-date 15 January 1989. Since 15 January 1989, agricultural workers have been protected by the Housing Act 1988 in the form of assured agricultural occupancies (AAOs).

Although the parties can choose to contract out of the AAO regime and instead opt for an AST, this requires formal action to be taken before the worker goes into occupation. This process is often overlooked, leading to the inadvertent creation of AAOs, the undesirable outcome of which is the creation of a secure occupancy – an increasingly novel concept in an era when short term ASTs are now the norm.

Residential tenancies in Wales

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (‘RHWA’) came into effect on 1 December 2022. It introduced a new housing law regime in Wales and marks a very significant change to Welsh housing law. Further details can be found in Other statutory regimes.

This section is maintained by Josie Edwards and Vivienne Williams of Michelmores LLP.

RICS templates: Farm Business Tenancy Agreements