TFA launches Responsible Landlord Scheme to improve tenant-landlord relationships

The programme was launched after several landlords approached the TFA to ask for help with setting up a tenancy which was fair both to them and their new farm tenants.

At a cost of £189, landlords will be able to request a package which includes a template Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) agreement, a guidance note looking at considerations for drawing up a tenancy agreement and a special voucher for their new tenant entitling them to a year’s full membership of the TFA.

Chief executive George Dunn said: "We are not seeking to advise landlords, but we are responding to the apparent desire from some within the landlord community for us to provide a little guidance on how to draw up a fair tenancy agreement between landlords and tenants.

"As we are constantly arguing for better landlord-tenant relationships, we felt we had a responsibility to assist those landlords who approach us for help.

"We believe this service will help to cement a good landlord and tenant relationship from the beginning and it will create the right platform for a sustainable future."

The FBT template has not been designed to replace professional advice, put to provide a starting point for landlords and tenants to agree terms for a new letting.