Get support

Our tenant farming helpline helps people understand and apply good practice in Scottish tenant farming.

Through this service, you can:

• Speak directly to an adviser for impartial guidance.
• Access and download Codes of Practice and guides.
• Get information about the valuation process for relinquishment or assignation.
• Access information and apply for our mediation scheme, which can help rebuild dialogue and reach solutions without legal action.
• Be signposted to professional or sector organisations for more specialised help.

You can also explore case studies which show what responsible and constructive relationships look like in practice.

You can contact us if:

• Communication between a tenant and landlord has broken down or become difficult.
• You believe a Code of Practice may have been breached.
• You’re thinking about assigning or relinquishing a tenancy and want to understand what’s involved.
• You’re unsure what good practice looks like in a particular situation.

Relinquishment and assignation provisions can help tenants with a secure 1991 Act tenancy leave their tenancy while also creating opportunities for new entrants and progressing farmers.

A tenant can either:

• relinquish the tenancy in return for compensation from the landlord, or
• assign the tenancy to a new entrant or progressing farmer if the landlord does not wish to take the tenancy back.

The Tenant Farming Commissioner has a formal role in the relinquishment process and must appoint an independent valuer to calculate the amount payable to the tenant. The Commissioner maintains a panel of experienced valuers with knowledge of the tenant farming sector.

Tenants and landlords can nominate a preferred valuer. Where appropriate, that valuer will normally be appointed. If no preference is provided, the Tenant Farming Commissioner will appoint a valuer from the panel.

Further guidance is available in the Tenant Farming Commissioner guide to relinquishment and assignation of 1991 Act tenancies.

A useful podcast from CAAV on Relinquishment and Assignation of Agricultural Tenancies in Scotland can be listened to here. If you require an accessible transcript please contact CAAV.

FAS held a 'Relinquishment and Assignation of Tenancies' webinar which focussed on the potential opportunities for new entrants you can watch it here.

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, disagreements arise. Mediation can help both parties reach a fair solution without resorting to legal action.

It’s a voluntary, confidential process led by an independent mediator who understands the tenant farming sector.

If you’re unsure whether mediation is right for your situation, our advisers can talk you through the process.