What sould I consider when I go to view a yard to rent?

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Solstar

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Question in the title!!
Going to look at a small yard tomorrow that's available for Rent.
Has been empty for 6 months though, would that be a concern? Completely new to this sort of thing as have had my horses at Livery for the last 10 years!

Many Thanks
 
Things I would ask would be:
Who is responsible for maintenance?
Why has it been empty for so long?
Would you have freedom to change things to how you like them?
What are the neighbours like?
It is secure - have there been any thefts, etc?
Is it a long term lease?
Are bills for water and electricity included in the rent?
Can you sub-let stables if you want to?
 
1st find out what there is in the contract, which ought to be pretty detailed & give info on payment, length of contract, repairs & replacements etc

You need to sort out who is responsible for maintenance of fencing/buildings - and whether its new for old or repair only.
Are you allowed to 'improve' buildings or add to them (always handy to know in case you want to add a field shelter or put up a feed shed etc)
Is there any restriction for the number of animals kept? (some places do) - and can you sub-let?
Are you responsible for any payment for rates? (indeed are the buildings rated?)
Are there any restrictions on vehicle parking (your trailer/caravan/horsebox etc)
Is there any covenant for the property that you ought to know about? (eg, running a business and the like)
Insuarance - you ought to check this out too, falling branches/trees can cause a lot of damage.

You'll need to have the water meter read on moving in.(and electric etc if on site)

Worth a chat with the adjacent neighbours (just in case they keep horse eating pigs/sheep or entires close to your boundary etc - all worth knowing)

Finally:
Wouldn't worry me that yard had been empty, but you will need to check the fabric of the stables/storage areas etc, as being summer now, any damp or leaks would probably be non- existent on a cursory inspection.
Check all doors open & close properly.
Check for damp/rot/mould on walls/eaves.
Visually check all roofs of all buildings too.
Check guttering/downpipes all clear (no bushes growing out of them etc)
Are drains all clear?
Muck heap area - is it already clear for you, if not: who is going to clear it away?
Ask what the soil type is there - sand will drain well, but when over grazed will not have much grow back quickly. If clay, you'll know its going to be rather unpleasant in the winter.

If you don't know already - where is nearest bridleways?

If you take it on, before you move in: take a digi-cam & record the condition of all fences/buildings in detail & make a couple of copies, just so you can refer back at the end of the lease period.

Good luck :)
 
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