‘Sharp practice’ rent tactics criticised by TFA

Some landlord’s agents are accused by the Tenant Farmers Association of sharp practice in their approach to this year’s spring rent reviews.

Pressing tenants to settle rents without getting proper advice was particularly shocking and had happened more than once, said TFA chief executive George Dunn.

In addition, inappropriate use was being made of aspects of a recent Scottish rent decision.

“A significant number of rents settle reasonably,” acknowledged Mr Dunn, who said that the ‘bully tactics’ which the TFA was criticising were not the actions of one or two individuals but a handful of firms.

Other practices criticised by the TFA include:

• Implying that rents on Farm Business Tenancies are direct comparables with rents under traditional, Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies • Over inflating the value of farm houses within agricultural tenancies and the use of rents being paid on residential tenancies as comparables

• Inappropriate, selective use of rent information issued by the TFA

• Setting a rent based on a split of the profit from the holding and then adding in spurious amounts for such things as farm houses and agri-environment payments.

“Whilst there are standard rules which apply, every farm rent review is conducted within a unique set of circumstances. It should never be the case that individuals on either side of a rent review are prevented from seeking independent advice,” said Mr Dunn.