The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Time limit on amnesties for improvement
The clock is ticking for farmers to make use of the amnesty on tenant improvements. The amnesty, which allows landlords and tenants to rectify any outstanding issues around notification of improvements which should qualify for compensation when the tenancy comes to an end, closes on December 12.
It was due to close in June but was extended by s ix months due to corona virus travel restrictions.
Scotland’ s tenant farming commissioner Bob McIntosh is urging all tenant farmers and landlords to agree and record improvements ahead of the December deadline.
He said current Covid-19 regulations mean it is still possible to meet outside on farms to agree improvements.
In instances where it is not possible to reach an agreement by the deadline, tenants are asked to issue a formal amnesty notice before December 12.
“I am aware that there are many discussions which are yet to be finalised and where, with goodwill on both sides, it should be possible to reach an agreement which avoids the need for the formal amnesty notice procedure to be invoked,” said Mr McIntosh.
“It is in the interest of both landlord and tenant to have an accurate and agreed schedule of tenant improvements eligible for compensation at waygo and the amnesty period prov ides the idea l opportunity to complete this task.”
NFU Scotland (NFUS) encouraged all tenant farmers to make use of the one- off amnesty, which launched in June 2017.
T he union’s head of policy Gemma Cooper said: “Those who have yet to engage in this process must crack on as soon as possible and not delay things any further.
“The NFUS and Davidson & Robertson waygo helpline regarding the amnesty on tenant improvements has already helped a good number of our tenants and landlords.
“The 01 3 1 449 6212 number remains available to help our members with any amnesty-related queries.”