Beginning Farmer & Land Access
Farm Lease Negotiation Checklist
A checklist for negotiating a farm lease as a tenant or a landowner. It helps both sides cover the key terms before a written agreement is signed.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
ChecklistBeginning Farmer & Land AccessFree PDF
What is on this checklist
- Names of landowner and tenant
- Parcel description and boundaries
- Lease term and renewal options
- Rent amount and payment method
- Who pays taxes and insurance
- Repair and improvement responsibilities
- Water and building access
- Conservation practice expectations
- Termination and notice terms
How to use this checklist
Fill in the farm, date and your name, then walk the job with the sheet in hand. A habit of five minutes on this list tends to catch small problems early.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA Farm Service Agency.
For more in this area, see the farm finance explained. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Where’s My Farm Bill?, and agribusiness farm stories.