How would you go about asking to renting land?

[Lukey]

As the title says really! Been looking at a few disused fields in my area recently, and thought about how to approach the owner of them too ask if they would consider leasing them out. Finding out who the field belongs to is not a problem because I can use HM Land Registry and I would deal with any paperwork/maintenance i.e. Grazing Licenses, cutting back overgrowth etc. Would you do a formal letter or go knock on there door, if local of course. Also the important thing, the price. What is the going rate per acre per annum these days for simply just grazing, no mains water or electric, just bare field in the South West Wales area.

Luke

 

[Suechoccy]

Letter. "Dear Mr/Mrs xxx, I am writing to ask if you might be interested in renting your field in Dun Lane for horse grazing as I am looking for somewhere to keep my two well-behaved geldings. I and my horses are fully insured for public liability, and I am able to repair/maintain fencing. I do not need water or electricity. If possible I am looking to rent for at least a year and I am happy to sign a contract and pay a deposit. I have lived in village X for ten generations and can provide excellent references if needed (Dr Yes and Farmer YourBestFriend). My contact details are LANDLINE (00000), mobile (0000), email (000), address (000). Thank you for your time and consideration. Yours sincerely, Lukey."

 

[oldjumper]

As the title says really! Been looking at a few disused fields in my area recently, and thought about how to approach the owner of them too ask if they would consider leasing them out. Finding out who the field belongs to is not a problem because I can use HM Land Registry and I would deal with any paperwork/maintenance i.e. Grazing Licenses, cutting back overgrowth etc. Would you do a formal letter or go knock on there door, if local of course. Also the important thing, the price. What is the going rate per acre per annum these days for simply just grazing, no mains water or electric, just bare field in the South West Wales area.

Luke

I've always got rented land by knocking on the door. Usually successfully. You can discuss terms face to face once you've convinced land owner you're a genuine, responsible person. Can't help with prices I'm afraid as they vary so much and you're well out of area.

 

[only_me]

I’d knock on the door or find their phone number and give them a ring.

A letter is rather formal, it’s much better to speak directly to the person. Also a lot more effective usually as you can explain and discuss better than trying to write it down.

 

[flying_high]

I’d combine approach. Knock in person and take a copy of letter and leave it with them.

 

[Goldenstar]

I’d combine approach. Knock in person and take a copy of letter and leave it with them.

That’s what I would do .

 

[Finlib]

Just mentioning that a lot of land owners won't rent for horses particularly a!l year round We are in West Wales 2 of the near properties rent land one will have horses on from May to October and the other rents to a couple who also have sheep and own land adjoining rents them land to cut a crop of hay and then graze their sheep. Too many over grazed and poached fields put people off. Good luck hope you have better luck

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I got mine via letter and a follow up visit/phone call. A letter might be formal but I'd prefer someone wrote to me first rather than turning up on my doorstep.
Took about 6 months as they are all cattle farmers round here and they don't like stock out in the in the winter-plus horse owners have a rep for not paying and trashing the grazing by overgrazing and poaching . then a local I got friendly with vouched for me and a farmer who's sister had horses when he was growing up offered me some land. he's now renting me two fields and a byre-we're good mates and I can turn out all year round.
It was easier in the area I moved from-again did it via letter and follow up.

 

[Lukey]

Firstly, Thanks for all your replies, they have been very helpful.
I've always prefered too send a letter, as I'm better typing a letter than speaking to a stranger! But from farmers I have spoken too, they see horses 'a waste of good land' due too being not profitable like sheep/cattle.
Hopefully I've landed myself 6 acres, by e-mailing a local factory. It needs attention(spraying/flail mowing/fencing etc) as it was previously fly-grazed by travellers but they've said that would reflect in the price.
Thanks again,

Luke