Traditionally, a land agent was a managerial employee who conducted the business affairs of a large landed estate for a member of the nobility or landed gentry,[1] supervising the farming of the property by farm labourers and/or tenants and collecting rents or other payments.
In this context a land agent was a relatively privileged position and was a senior member of the estate's staff.
The older term, which continued to be used on some estates, was steward, and in Scotland a land agent was usually referred to as a factor.
[3] In the UK a land agent may also advise on related law, tax and planning matters.
[5] In the Canadian jurisdiction of the Northwest Territories, a land agent is an employee of the federal department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs tasked with guiding individuals wishing to purchase or lease crown land through the application process.