TFA Blog #371 – How Can I Prepare for the Enhanced Suitability Test when Succeeding My Parents’ Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) Tenancy?

TFA Blog #371 – How Can I Prepare for the Enhanced Suitability Test when Succeeding My Parents’ Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) Tenancy?

What is the Enhanced AHA Tenancy Suitability Test?

The Suitability Test was enhanced in September 2024, and it’s very important that anyone wishing to succeed to an AHA tenancy understands the test and gets themselves into a good position in respect of the test prior to opening succession negotiations or lodging a formal succession application with the Tribunal.

Essentially the Tribunal will be assessing the same qualities and attributes it previously assessed; the applicant’s health, age, financial standing, education, training and experience. In addition, the Tribunal will be seeking to determine if the farm was being let on the open market, would the succession applicant reasonably be expected to make the applicant shortlist.

What evidence do you need for an AHA Succession Application?

The Tenant Farming Association (TFA) is advising members to take a belt and braces approach in respect of the enhanced Suitability Test and the more evidence that can be included in the succession application the better. It’s therefore important for potential succession applicants to…

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This blog was written by Niamh Widdop, TFA Student Rural Surveyor, on 19 August 2026.

Related articles and guidance:

TFA Members also have access to an exclusive written TFA Guidance Note on this topic. This can be accessed via our TFA members area.

Further Resources from the TFA:

TFA members can get expert one-to-one advice and guidance, by calling TFA head office on 0118 930 6130.

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