Bad news - am about to lose my grazing

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Faro

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Received a phone call from my landlord farmer last night giving me notice on the land and facilities I rent. (Really disappointed, because the place is perfect for me). This is because he has plans to redevelop the place (basically, since a barn opposite got PP to be converted to residential, he wants to do the same at my place).

Considering yesterday was July 20th, he says he wants us to leave by 1st September. I've still got to dig out my copy of the contract, but I am certain it says 3 months' notice from either party (got to double check this to make sure I'm right).

If I am right, however, and it is a full 3 months' notice, but the annual renewal is actually due on 1st September (the reason he wants us out by then), does anyone know if I have any rights to stay the full length of 3 months - i.e. until 20th October? Because I might need this time, as I've now got very little time indeed to find a place for my 4 horses.

I am a BHS member, and once I've got a copy of the contract in front of my I will be contacting their legal helpline - but meanwhile I wonder if any of you have any experience of situations like this and could advise.

Also, of course, if any of you happen to know of a minimum of 6 acres available to rent (preferably with some outbuildings/storage facilities) in the South Bucks area (all options considered), I'd be more than pleased to hear from you.
 
Sheesh, you must be gutted. I really feel for you, it is a horrible situation.

I was desperate to get out of my last yard and searched fruitlessly for another. Eventually I began visiting little private yards or wherever I saw horses grazing and either asking or leaving a little note (actually a nicely written notecard in an envelope - first impressions matter!) I described myself and my horse, my age and profession.

In next to no time I had a call from a lady with a small private yard (her 2 horses and one livery and space for another). Also had all year turn out and a school. It is perfect! And cheap! It wasn't any of the places I had visited or left cards but had been passed on to her from one of the places where I left a card. I would definitely recommend this course of action. You have to be proactive and get the info out there.

Best of luck and let me know how it goes.

Jane
 
If it is three months notice, and you haven't found anywhere by the 1st September it would be suprising if he weren't flexible. Presumably you have a good relationship - just talk to him about it.
 
Had another thought- would he allow you to stay on a much shorter notice contract? that way he can have an income whilst he goes through planning (which could well take months) and its not such a panic to find somewhere for you? i had a field on a one month notice as the owner had great plans- well when i left 2 years later, he still hadnt got around to submitting plans!
 
Oh dear, that is not good at all :o
Do not know of any yards/land off the top of my head but will keep an eye open for you.
I know it is not what you are after but there are DIY livery spaces at the farm at the moment if you got desperate.

P.S If you haven't made the link as to who I am then just think red riding boots!!
 
Darkly_Dreaming_Dex said:
Had another thought- would he allow you to stay on a much shorter notice contract? that way he can have an income whilst he goes through planning (which could well take months) and its not such a panic to find somewhere for you? i had a field on a one month notice as the owner had great plans- well when i left 2 years later, he still hadnt got around to submitting plans!
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DDD this is a very good idea and I agree this is worth asking about.

Just a thought on this point, is it worth asking him if he is selling the whole plot or just the barn and some of the land. If he is retaining some of the land, it may be asking if you could still rent this. Then he would not only get the income from the conversion but also from you renting the land...... from his persepective a win win situation.
 
i would agree with some of the above posts. planning takes a long time. i would have a nice chat with him, explain your situation and see if you can come to a compromise, but still look around so you are not left high and dry!
 
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