NAS Legal Support for Allotment Holders and Associations

Free Initial Legal Advice

Members submit enquiries via the website form or email
contact@thenas.org.uk , including any relevant documents such as tenancy  agreements. Telephone discussions are available for up to 15 minutes , with a total of three hours of advisor support per issue.

Tenancy Agreements and Leases

NAS legal can review tenancy agreements, leases, and notices to ensure members fully understand their obligations and rights. This includes checking compliance with the
Allotments Acts , highlighting areas that may need clarification, and suggesting improvements where necessary. Members also have access to NAS template tenancy and lease agreements , drafted in collaboration with our solicitors at Wilson Browne , which can simplify document preparation and provide a legally sound starting point.

Land Disputes and Site Threats

Land disputes are a common source of concern for allotment holders, and NAS offers guidance on a variety of scenarios. This includes questions about threats to allotment plots, boundary disputes, and issues with site management. Our advisors can clarify notice periods, termination procedures, and other legal obligations, helping members take informed steps before matters escalate to formal disputes or court action. While personal conflicts between members cannot be directly advised upon, NAS can provide guidance on dispute procedures and may assist in mediation where appropriate.

Health & Safety and Environmental Issues

Allotment management comes with legal responsibilities around health, safety, and the environment.
NAS legal advice can cover member obligations to ensure sites are safe for users, comply with relevant regulations, and manage environmental concerns responsibly. This guidance helps associations and tenants avoid common pitfalls and ensures allotments operate safely and sustainably.

Contract, Company, and Association Law

NAS supports members with matters relating to
contract law, company law, and the legal structure of allotment associations.
This includes advising associations that are considering incorporation or changes to their governance arrangements. We can help explain the different options available—such as remaining an unincorporated association, forming a company limited by guarantee, becoming a charity, or registering as a co-operative—and outline the advantages and responsibilities of each structure.

Many allotment associations choose to register as a
co-operative , as this model often reflects the democratic way allotment sites are run. As a sponsoring body, NAS can assist associations using our model rules approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), helping to simplify the registration process and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Employment, HR, and Trustee Guidance

For associations with staff or trustees, NAS legal services provide guidance on employment matters, HR obligations, and trustee  responsibilities.

This ensures that committees comply with regulations, understand their duties, and operate in line with best practices, helping prevent legal or financial risks.

Discounted Legal Services

Beyond initial advice, NAS members benefit from discounted legal services from our appointed solicitors. Areas covered include commercial litigation, commercial property, company and commercial law, employment law, and HR , as well as wills, trusts, and estate planning . This ensures members have access to specialist legal support at preferential rates when issues require more detailed attention.

Advising on Section 8 Statutory Allotments

NAS provides guidance on Section 8 statutory allotments, supporting both members and local authorities. Under Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925, councils cannot sell, appropriate, or dispose of land purchased or appropriated for allotments without the consent of the Secretary of State. NAS advises members on their rights, helps them gather supporting documentation, and guides them through communications with councils. At the same time, we also advise councils on compliance with the legislation, ensuring that statutory allotment land is managed correctly and any proposals for disposal follow the proper legal process. While NAS does not act as legal representatives in court, our expertise ensures all parties are informed and able to protect these vital community spaces.

Join The National Allotment Society

Become a National Allotment Society member and help to preserve and protect allotments for future generations. 

You'll also gain a range of benefits including free liability insurance, initial legal support, expert advice and much more.