Resolved Question: Sitting tenant after 12 yrs without contract?

I have a friend who has been renting a 5 acre piece of land with some outbuildings on it for almost 12 years now. She had approached the owner in person about their neglected small holding and they’d verbally agreed to rent the land to her 12 years ago. No contract was ever signed, but a rent book has always been filled and signed. The landlord died in an accident 4 or 5 years ago and his family inherited the property, although probate took a long time. During the probate period and beyond (until present time) my friend has continued to rent the land and have the rent book signed. Recently, the ‘family’ have appointed a business manager who is making life difficult for my friend. It is evident he is attempting to drive them off the rented property through unscrupulous means. My friend is feeling vulnerable and is unsure what their position is legally. Presumably the manager would have simply given notice if it were that simple to remove my friend as their unwanted tenant? Does anyone have experience in such matters? With thanks for reading this 🙂