The Renters’ Rights Act 2025, coming into force on 1 May 2026, introduces significant changes to residential tenancies in England. These reforms also affect farm workers’ accommodation, and are particularly relevant to farmers and rural landowners who provide housing to agricultural workers.
Agricultural workers have long enjoyed a distinct legal status in housing law. Where certain conditions are met, occupation of farm‑provided accommodation can give rise to statutory tenancy rights, even where the parties believe they have created a conventional residential letting.
The effect can be that the occupier acquires enhanced security of tenure, significantly restricting the landlord’s ability to recover possession.
When does an agricultural worker qualify?
To obtain statutory protection as an agricultural worker, the occupier must satisfy the “employment in agriculture” requirement. In broad terms, this requires that the individual:
- Has been employed in agriculture for at least 91 weeks out of the previous 104 weeks;
- Has worked not less than 35 hours per week during those weeks; and
- Occupies accommodation provided by the landlord or farmer in connection with that agricultural employment.
Where these criteria are met, the law may treat the occupier as an agricultural worker for housing purposes, regardless of how the tenancy has been described.
The historic role of the Form 9 notice
Under the previous regime, where a farmer wished to grant an Assured Shorthold Tenancy of accommodation to an agricultural worker without conferring statutory tenancy rights, it was essential to serve a Form 9 notice.
Replacement of Form 9: the new section 24A notice
From 1 May 2026, the Form 9 notice will be abolished. It is replaced by a new notice regime under section 24A of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
The purpose of the new notice is similar: it is intended to prevent an agricultural worker from acquiring statutory tenancy rights where the parties intend to create a standard residential letting. However, the stakes remain high.
If the section 24A notice is not served before the tenancy is granted, the occupier may:
- Acquire statutory tenancy rights under the Housing Act 1988 or the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976; and
- Benefit from significantly enhanced security of tenure, making recovery of possession more complex, slower and, in some cases, uncertain.
As with the former Form 9 notice, timing and compliance are critical.
Possession has fundamentally changed
Even where the correct section 24A notice is served, landlords should be aware that the wider possession landscape has altered substantially.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 abolishes section 21 “no‑fault” notices. The long‑established ability to recover possession simply by giving two months’ notice at the end of an assured shorthold tenancy will no longer exist.
Instead, landlords must rely on the revised statutory grounds for possession, each of which carries its own evidential and procedural requirements. For farmers, this means that:
- The correct notice at the outset is more important than ever; and
- Regaining possession of farm workers’ accommodation will require careful planning and, in many cases, early legal advice.
Further information can be obtained here: Abolition of Section 21: Key Dates and Timeline Now Confirmed.
Practical implications for farmers and landowners
The changes coming into force on 1 May 2026 mean that farmers providing residential accommodation should:
- Review all existing and proposed lettings of farm cottages and dwellings;
- Ensure the correct section 24A notice is served before any new tenancy is granted to an agricultural worker; and
- Take advice before seeking possession, particularly where the occupier has a long employment history in agriculture.
Failing to comply with the new regime can result in unintended statutory rights arising, with lasting implications for farm management and succession planning.
We’re here to help
If you would like advice on farm workers’ accommodation, the service of section 24A notices, or possession options under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, our teams headed up by Sean Spinetto, Director & Head of Agriculture & Strategic Land Development, and Josh Unwin‑Millichamp, Head of Real Estate Litigation, are experts in their field.
Get in touch with a member of our team today to arrange a meeting with one of our speialist solicitors, complete our form below or call us on 0800 118 1500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is farm workers’ accommodation under housing law
Farm workers’ accommodation is residential property provided to an individual in connection with their employment in agriculture. Where certain statutory conditions are met, the occupier may acquire enhanced tenancy rights, regardless of how the agreement is described.
When does an agricultural worker gain statutory tenancy rights?
An occupier may qualify if they have been employed in agriculture for at least 91 of the previous 104 weeks, worked a minimum of 35 hours per week, and occupy accommodation provided in connection with that employment.
What is a section 24A notice?
A section 24A notice is a new statutory notice introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. It replaces the former Form 9 notice and must be served before a tenancy is granted to prevent an agricultural worker from acquiring statutory tenancy rights.
What happens if a section 24A notice is not served?
If the notice is not served correctly and in time, the occupier may acquire statutory protection under the Housing Act 1988 or the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976, making possession significantly more difficult.