Going rent my own mini yard!!! Need a contract

coffeeandabagel

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Just come back from second viewing of a lovely little yard and am going to take it on!! Although owner has rented it out before he has never used a contract. He says if I present him with one and he is happy with it he will sign it. How do I make it stand up to scrutiny?

Does anyone have a contract I could see please - not sure where to start!

He says he will do all maintenance for yard and pasture, fencing, take away muck heap, allow us access at any time, allow dogs. No extra cost for power or water. The areas are clearly defined.

What have I missed?

Then I will need contracts for the two people I will need to join me. Do I need insurance if they are paying me?

Will scour the old posts on here for help but your comments please......?
 
I'd draw a basic one up with points you think are important and then get a solicitor to sit down with you. Not worth the paper it's written on if not done properly.

Make sure you build a decent notice period in (longer than standard livery contract).

Make clear who is responsible for water, electric etc. Whether rent is fixed and for what period.

Get a fixed period for having damaged fencing repaired by. And it's his responsibility to check perimeter fencing at minimum.

Ensure that there are no known access/rows or if there are they are on contract.

What is the time period for muck removal. He may think full is different to you.

What is field maintenance. If topping ensure you have sufficient notice to move horses off field. If building/stable repairs what time period.

Any repairs that will not be his responsibility (ie horse kicking fence/stable if not covered as general maintenace)

And yes, the others joining will need to be on a contract with you too. Not worth the risk without.

Look at BHS website for example contracts, but definitely only use them as a draft.
 
All v good points by PandorasJar above :)

Also note: The big one - make sure which person is responsible for paying yard owner...
You never know who you might (or might not) fall out with in the future & you dont want to have to leave if others have a problem - helps you keep in control as YM.

My recco is to have 1 person to sign to rent the yard in its entirety (best for yard owner too) and they are the one responsible for paying rent, not 2 or 3 different people as this muddies waters if payments are forgotten or delayed by one party.

Hope it works out :)
 
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