Legal Definitions - farm let

Farm let is a historical legal term that means to lease or rent out land, typically for agricultural purposes, in exchange for rent or other consideration. It was commonly used in property agreements, particularly leases, in earlier legal periods to describe the act of a landowner granting temporary use of their land to another party.

• Example 1: In 17th-century England, a wealthy landowner with extensive estates might decide to farm let a portion of their arable land to a local tenant farmer. The farmer would then cultivate crops and raise livestock on that land, paying the landowner an agreed-upon annual rent, often in the form of money, a share of the harvest, or labor. This arrangement allowed the landowner to profit from their property without directly engaging in farming, while providing the tenant with a means of livelihood.

  Explanation: This scenario directly illustrates "farm let" as the act of a landowner leasing out land for agricultural use in exchange for rent, a common practice in historical property management.

• Example 2: During the expansion of colonial America in the 18th century, a proprietor who had acquired a large tract of undeveloped land might choose to farm let smaller parcels to new settlers. These settlers would agree to clear the land, build a homestead, and begin farming, paying a yearly rent to the proprietor. This method helped populate and develop new territories, providing opportunities for individuals to establish farms without the initial capital to purchase land outright.

  Explanation: Here, "farm let" describes the historical practice of renting out land to encourage settlement and agricultural development, demonstrating its application in a different geographical and developmental context.

• Example 3: Imagine the executor of a large estate in the early 19th century, tasked with managing the deceased owner's assets. If the estate included several productive agricultural fields, the executor might be legally obligated or strategically advised to farm let these fields to experienced local farmers. This would ensure the land remained productive, generated income for the estate's beneficiaries, and maintained its value until a permanent disposition, such as a sale or distribution among heirs, could be arranged.

  Explanation: This example shows "farm let" in the context of estate administration, where land is leased out to maintain its economic viability and generate revenue for the estate, aligning with the historical meaning of renting land for productive use.