All parties need to act quickly for Amnesty on Tenant’s Improvements

Time is running out for those who wish to make use of the amnesty on tenants’ improvements which closes in June 2020. This is a one-off opportunity to claim eligible improvements where the tenant may not have followed the correct procedure, such as notifying the landlord.

Speaking about the tenant’s amnesty, Tenant Farming Commissioner Bob McIntosh said,

“The onus to complete the amnesty process is on both the tenant farmer and the landlord, and I would encourage all parties to ensure the process is completed before the deadline.

“It can take time to pull together all the evidence a tenant farmer may need to submit through an amnesty notice and to agree the list with the landowner.

“I have a Code of Practice which outlines the behaviour expected by all parties. It emphasises the importance of having a site meeting to help move the process along.

“Once tenant and landlord have assembled and shared information for the origin and eligibility of claimed improvements, a site meeting is the best way to see and discuss any disputed items and to reach agreement without the need for endless back and forward correspondence.

“Everyone needs to work together to make the most of the valuable opportunity this amnesty provides.”

The Code of Practice, guidance and templates produced by the Tenant Farming Commissioner, together with Scottish Tenant Farmers Association, NFU Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, CAAV and SAAVA explains how the amnesty works and how landlords and tenants can work together to agree a list of tenants improvements which may be eligible for compensation at waygo. More information can be found at landcommission.gov.scot/tenant-farming.