Landowners who have telecommunications masts on their property are facing huge reductions in rental income from mast operators.

It stems from the interpretation of a new law in the UK that effectively allows mast operators to offer much lower rents when lease agreements are up for renewal.

“In reality, if you renew the lease, your annual rent will be dramatically reduced. I’m not a defeatist, I’m just a realist,” said Scott Edmundson from Country Estates.

During an online event organised by the UFU, the example was given of a local landowner who was offered an annual rent of £50, down from over £4,000 before the renewal.

Relaxing

However, Edmundson suggested that there was beginning to be a “slight relaxing” of the tough negotiation stance that is being taken by mast operators.

One of his clients was initially offered £350/year in a rent review, but this was later updated to £1,000/year plus a £6,000 one-off payment.

“In NI over the past few weeks, we have seen better rental and compensation offers being made by operators,” Edmundson said.

The advice to landowners with telecommunication masts is to seek expert legal assistance when the mast operator makes an offer under a rent review.

“There are a number of specialist telecoms solicitors based in NI and your fees will be covered by the [mast] operator,” Edmundson said.