Housing law: housing agricultural workers in England
Please note that this guidance is intended to be used for general information purposes only, is not intended to be a definitive guide to the law and cannot be a substitute for independent advice. NFU members can obtain free initial legal and professional advice from NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
This business guide explains the law on providing housing for agricultural workers, in particular the types of agricultural housing tenancies that exist, and what rights they confer on the tenants.
Agricultural worker tenants have a special status in housing law, so it is important to understand the implications of having such a tenancy. There are different rules depending on whether the tenant took occupation before or after 15 January 1989.
Not all living arrangements are tenancies. Please see our business guide https://www.nfuonline.com/member-resources/housing-law-an-overview-in-england/ for information on the basic requirements of a tenancy.
Please note that this guide relates to tenancies of properties situated in England only.
Housing law is changing. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA) gained Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and the government has now set out a phased timetable for implementing the various changes. Except where otherwise indicated, this guide deals with the law as at the date of publication. Members wanting to know more about the upcoming changes should contact CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.