Renting out a field

[poiuytrewq]

Daughters boyfriend has a family farm. He’s been approached by the owner of a retired horse and offered £160 p/m for an unused 1.5 acre with field shelter and water.
He asked me if I thought that a good price/idea.
I have said I’m not sure it’s a great idea at all really but he’d at least need to have a contract in place saying he’s not liable for any injuries etc.
Now I’ve never rented field space and don’t want to either!
What does he need to be aware of or consider before going forward bearing in mind they are not a horsey family.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Have also pointed out that 1.5 acres will become pretty trashed unless managed very well and well drained.
Horse has a companion.
Have also pointed out that ultimately if the owner is a rubbish one he could end up with 2 old horses to look after!

 

[Zoeypxo]

In my area that price is about right

 

[poiuytrewq]

In my area that price is about right

Yes I said money wise I thought it sounded ok. It’s more the legalities I’m a bit worried about.

 

[julesjoy]

I'm sure I've read something about putting in that it can only be rented for 364 days then the horses off for a day to prevent future claims of occupation. Not sure if that's still right and glad none of my landowners have enforced. Think it's council grazing licenses. Who will be responsible for maintence of fencing/field shelters etc? Will there be a deposit? What terms of notice? Does rent include water or electricity? What happens if the horses are abandoned? Sorry, not necessarily questions for you, but things to include in contract.

 

[Palindrome]

so it's for 2 horses then if the horse has a companion (or 1 horse and 1 pony)? In that case it may be a bit cheap for 2 horses.
I think he needs to be very clear who provides care (daily checks) and supplementary feeding (hay, hard feed). I would frame it as DIY livery rather than renting a field as I think it gives more control over how many horses are kept on it and he would be able to change paddock if he wants to rest it/spray it/roll it, etc...

 

[meleeka]

He needs a contract stating who’s responsible for maintaining fences etc and stating he’s not responsible for any liability. He could also include times of visiting and removal of muck etc.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Great points thank you.

 

[ponynutz]

We have 1.5 acres for a 13.3hh and a 15.3hh. It gets trashed and they are only able to be turned out in it (with hay supplement might I add) for about 5 months of a year in the summer. They're also in at night so not 24/7 turnout.

Price seems about right and legalities could be worked out and a contract put in place but I'm most concerned about how little land owner is asking for. I can see a situation where it becomes boyfriend's 'fault' that field is trashed/unliveable.

 

[sport horse]

He needs to make sure that the field is vacated at least once a year. He needs a grazing tenancy that does not exceed 364 days or the occupant could claim an agricultural tenancy and they ar very hard to break. Good legal advice needed

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I'm sure I've read something about putting in that it can only be rented for 364 days then the horses off for a day to prevent future claims of occupation.

I may be wrong but as I understand it, you cannot establish a tenancy with horses, livestock yes, but not horses.

 

[SantaVera]

ring the BHS for legal dvice. if things are done properly there need not be problems. id be asking for 3 months rent up front incse the woner dumps the horses at least there is then money for paying the vet to pts.

 

[Polos Mum]

I would also check his insurance as there are weird rules about who's responsible if the horses escaped and caused an accident.

What is the fencing like - you need a lot of £160's to replace 1.5 acres worth of fencing to keep Shi4land companion ponies in !!