Rent cuts 'up to 30pc' (From Gazette & Herald)

Rent cuts 'up to 30pc'

THE Tenant Farmers Association is urging tenants throughout the country to continue to press their landlords for rent reductions whenever opportunities present themselves.

"Farm rents are normally reviewed on a

three yearly cycle and at a time of continuing low incomes it is vital that these opportunities are not missed," said TFA national chairman Reg Haydon.

"Rent is a large cost for most farm

businesses and we need to be hammering it down as far as possible. I would encourage all tenants to look at their tenancy agreements to confirm when their next rent review can take place and to start planning for it now.

A TFA survey found that nearly all rents under review are falling. Average reductions for arable and dairy farms are around 7pc and for livestock farms nearly 12pc. "However," Mr Haydon added, "we have see reductions up to 30pc.

"Average arable rents are now consistently settling at or below £50 per acre. Livestock rents are between £40 and £45 per acre and average dairy rents are £60 to £65 per acre."

Members are asked to contact the TFA if they want advice.

Updated: 13:05 Wednesday, May 21, 2003