Agent review part two launched

A second phase of the investigation into the conduct of land agents during rent reviews and other dealings with tenant farmers has been initiated by the Scotland’s Tenant Farming Commissioner (TFC).

Following a meeting of the Scottish Land Commission earlier this week it was announced that work on the review of agents would include further interviews and consultation.

With the survey into the views and experiences of tenant farmers and landlords regarding their satisfaction with the conduct of agents acting on their behalf now complete, TFC Bob Mcintosh said: “We now want to dig deeper into the reasons behind expressions of dissatisfaction through follow up interviews with a sample of the respondents who were not satisfied with the conduct of an agent working for them or for the other party.”

He said that, following analysis of the interviews, a summary report of the full research findings would be discussed with representative bodies, and taking into account any submissions in reply, a final report with recommendations would be submitted to Scottish ministers.

“Agents play an important role in facilitating the relationship between landlord and tenant,” said Mcintosh.

“A good agent can deliver for the client while maintaining sound professional standards and avoiding souring the landlord/ tenant relationship. It is the responsibility of everyone involved to work together to ensure that this approach is the norm.”

Welcoming the deeper review, Scottish Tenant Farming Association chairman Christopher Nicholson said that although the situation had improved since the establishment of the TFC and the drawing up of codes of practice, there were still reports of unnecessary conflict arising.