For many rural landowners, a hunting lease is an excellent way to generate income and help maintain the property. But when the time comes to sell, that same lease can either add value to your property or create confusion and delays, depending on how it’s documented.

Relying on a handshake agreement might seem friendly and straightforward, but when it’s time to sell, clarity and structure are everything. Here’s why having a written hunting lease is essential before you put your land on the market.

Clear Documentation for Buyers

During the marketing phase, and especially during due diligence once the property is under contract, buyers often ask for details on all leases tied to the property. Before closing, they want a clear understanding of how these agreements will be handled after the sale.

A written lease provides clarity for everyone involved. It allows you to easily share terms, responsibilities, and expiration dates, so buyers and their attorneys know exactly what to expect.

Avoid Confusion

Even if you and your hunting tenant have a great relationship, trying to explain an informal, unwritten arrangement can raise red flags for attorneys, lenders, and most importantly, the buyer.

Without documentation, it can be unclear who has access, when the lease ends, or whether hunting rights extend beyond closing. Having the lease in writing keeps the sale process smooth, transparent, and professional.

A Written Lease Can Add Value

A well-structured hunting lease can actually enhance your property’s market value. Buyers often view income-producing recreational land as a stronger, more stable investment, especially if the lease is transferable or renewable.

On the other hand, an unwritten or poorly defined arrangement can hurt marketability. Buyers may worry about lingering access rights, conflicts with hunters after closing, or complications with terminating the agreement.

Protects Both Landowner and Tenant

While a written lease protects the landowner, it also provides fairness and security for the tenant. A properly drafted lease can outline how lease fees are prorated or refunded in the event of a sale.

It can also include a notice period, requiring the landowner to give the tenant advance notice before selling. This protects the tenant from surprise sales and gives them time to remove personal items or find another lease.

Ensures a Smooth Closing Process

When it’s time to sell, a written hunting lease isn’t just paperwork: it’s protection. It provides clarity for buyers, safeguards your interests, and ensures a smoother closing process from start to finish.

Handshake deals may work in the short term, but when you decide to put your land on the market, having every detail in writing can be the difference between a quick, confident sale and a complicated one. If you’ve got questions about setting the terms of a hunting lease, get in touch with me or one of our leasing specialists here at National Land Realty!