Renunciation of Croft Tenancy Notification

What is Renunciation of a Croft Tenancy

A tenant crofter is entitled to notify their landlord in writing, giving one year’s notice, that they wish to renounce (voluntarily give up or relinquish) their croft tenancy at the term of Whitsunday (28 May) or Martinmas (28 November).

To renounce something means to formally declare one's abandonment of a claim, right, or possession. Essentially it is surrendering their interest in the croft.

Who should use this notification?

Things to consider

• The landlord can agree to waive the one-year written notice, and agree the date of renunciation with the tenant
• The landlord should give notice to the Commission of the renunciation within one month of being notified of it by the tenant
• It is the whole croft tenancy that is renounced.  If the tenant wishes to retain the tenancy of part of their croft, they must first apply to the Crofting Commission for consent to divide the croft
• When the tenant renounces their tenancy, they are entitled to compensation for any permanent improvements made on the croft.  The landlord is entitled to set this off against any rent that is due, or will become due, in respect of the remaining period of the crofter’s tenancy.

To find the correct form you need, please refer to the form finder.

How do I notify the Crofting Commission?

To notify the Commission, please complete the ‘Renunciation of Croft Tenancy Notification’ form

You can submit your application online or by post. The application form and guidance notes can be accessed via our form finder.

What happens after I submit a Renunciation of Croft Tenancy Notification?

If we have been given all the information required in the notification form, we will update the Register of Crofts to show the croft tenancy as vacant at the effective date, and notify; you, the former crofter, and if appropriate, the Grazings Committee. For further information on letting a vacant croft please see Letting Vacant Crofts.