Owning land - what are your responsibilities?
Discussion
depends on what the title deeds say. Some may say that you have to maintain a stock proof fence or similar etc, or not to disturb neighbours with shooting etc
I dont think there is any obligation to take out liability insurance as there is not obligation to take out building insurance. May be sensible to do so but not required. Sensible to ensure that if a person enters the land that there is nothing obvious that will injure them ie open mine shaft/ hidden barbed wire etc.
I dont think there is any obligation to take out liability insurance as there is not obligation to take out building insurance. May be sensible to do so but not required. Sensible to ensure that if a person enters the land that there is nothing obvious that will injure them ie open mine shaft/ hidden barbed wire etc.
Edited by superlightr on Tuesday 29th March 12:01
You will need public liability insurance. If someone trespasses on your land, breaks their leg in a rabbit hole, they can sue you.
When I first became a land owner (nearly 20 years ago) that was the legal advice I paid for and was given.
Can you successfully defend yourself against lawsuits brought by a trespasser? I have no idea. Insurance is relatively cheap, lawsuits are very much not.
I suspect that the situation regarding maintaining boundaries, drainage etc will depend on what can be proven for the land in question (if the land is registered the LR may show responsibilities, but AFAIK that isn't always the case).
Just re-read the above and realise that I've probably missed making the most important point. If you don't farm the land yourself, you will soon find that maintaining the land in good order is extremely expensive. Your best bet will be to find a neighbouring farmer who is prepared to use the land for you and keep it in good order. If you are lucky you may get a very small payment in return!
When I first became a land owner (nearly 20 years ago) that was the legal advice I paid for and was given.
Can you successfully defend yourself against lawsuits brought by a trespasser? I have no idea. Insurance is relatively cheap, lawsuits are very much not.
I suspect that the situation regarding maintaining boundaries, drainage etc will depend on what can be proven for the land in question (if the land is registered the LR may show responsibilities, but AFAIK that isn't always the case).
Just re-read the above and realise that I've probably missed making the most important point. If you don't farm the land yourself, you will soon find that maintaining the land in good order is extremely expensive. Your best bet will be to find a neighbouring farmer who is prepared to use the land for you and keep it in good order. If you are lucky you may get a very small payment in return!
Edited by lol64 on Tuesday 29th March 23:06
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