This page keeps its address, but we found no evidence that NFU Mutual is a landlord of tenanted farms, so it describes no NFU Mutual process. The guidance applies to any institutional or private landlord, and the table lists every source relied on.
What NFU Mutual publishes
NFU Mutual’s About us page describes it as a mutual insurance society run for its members, with insurance, investments and pensions among its services. It does not say NFU Mutual owns or lets farmland. If your landlord is an insurer, pension fund or other institution, ask who owns the land, who manages it and what is written down.
Which law governs your tenancy
Two Acts matter: the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 (the 1986 Act), covering many older tenancies, and the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 (the 1995 Act), covering farm business tenancies. Both are marked on legislation.gov.uk as extending to England and Wales. Confirm which governs your agreement before drafting a request, because their rules on fixtures and compensation differ.
Removing what you fix to the building
Section 8 of the 1995 Act lets a farm business tenant remove fixtures they attached and buildings they put up, during the tenancy or afterwards while still in possession. It excludes items installed under an obligation, items replacing the landlord’s own and items already compensated for, and the tenant must repair damage caused. Section 10 of the 1986 Act is similar but adds notice and a landlord’s option to buy.
Consent and compensation
Get consent in writing and say what it covers. Section 17 of the 1995 Act and section 67 of the 1986 Act both make written landlord consent a condition of compensation, and either can carry terms. Neither says how a roof array is classified, so ask the land agent to state whether it is treated as an improvement, a removable fixture or neither.
Who repairs the roof under the array
A roof array depends on the roof under it. Under the 1973 repairing regulations, as made, roof repairs and replacements fall mainly to the landlord of an agricultural holding, with some tenant duties, unless a written agreement says otherwise, so a failing roof is a conversation to have first. solar panel weight and roof loading lists the questions for a structural engineer, and solar panels on asbestos cement farm roofs covers asbestos cement.
What to put in the written request
A written request is easier to answer if it covers:
- the building, roof age and material;
- the proposed system and where it sits;
- a structural assessment, as in solar panel weight and roof loading;
- cost and funding, including tax (farm solar cost guide, grants and funding);
- insurance, grid connection and your proposal for the end of the tenancy.
The same checklist is set out for tenants of the Wellcome Trust, Bedford Estates and Buccleuch. Roof and system questions are in solar panels for agricultural buildings; tenant farmer solar and landlord consent gives background.
| Point on this page | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mutual insurance society; page does not say it owns or lets farmland | NFU Mutual, About us | undated |
| Tenants may remove fixtures and buildings they add, with exclusions | 1995 Act s.8, 1986 Act s.10 | current text |
| Landlord’s written consent; compensation for improvements | s.17, s.67 | current text |
| Default roof repair duties on an agricultural holding | SI 1973/1473, Fixed Equipment Regulations | 1973, as made |
Common questions
How do I find out who my landlord’s agent is?
The tenancy agreement and rent correspondence should name the landlord and anyone acting for it. If not, ask in writing before sending a proposal.
Which law applies to my tenancy?
Older tenancies are often under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986, newer ones often farm business tenancies under the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995. Your agreement and a solicitor can confirm which.
Can I take the array with me when the tenancy ends?
Section 8 of the 1995 Act and section 10 of the 1986 Act let tenants remove some fixtures, with exclusions. Whether an array qualifies is for a solicitor; get the landlord’s view in writing.
Other estate-landlord and tenant-farmer pages
See the wider UK estate-landlord and tenant-farmer solar resource set: