The aims of this study were to: identify the range of factors operating in the tied cottage system and the way these interact; to obtain first-hand information from farmers and farm workers about the satisfactory and unsatisfactory features of the system; to assess the value of the tied cottage in both socio-economic and narrowly economic terms. Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions The Tied Cottage: the stock of cottages on the farm; number, changes, occupiers, condition of stock, constraints imposed by law. Economics of cottage stock; income from rents and subsidies, outgoings for rates and maintenance, comparative and subjective capital value. Farmers were asked for their assessment of need for tied cottages and if they had any experience of legal or financial problems. The Farm: mix of enterprise, range and structure of jobs, management style (professionalism and education of farmers), organisation of labour (delegation, use of casual and part-time workers, involvement of farmer in farm work, dependence on key workers, conditions of employment provided), recruitment and retention of labour, involvement of farmer in community activities. Background Variables Age, sex, age finished full-time education, qualifications. Farm: type, location (rural/urban, high vs low housing pressure), size, tenure, crop acreage, number of livestock, miles to nearest shopping centre.