Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Virginia
Rental Agreement
I recently rented a horse pasture for 2 of my horses. The person I rented from stated prior to signing the agreement that his horses were friendly. The agreement states that he will not be responsible for injuries to my horse. I have not yet been there a month and he is now saying I have to pay an additional $50 per horse. In addition, one of his horses attacked one of my horses resulting in cuts that will leave scars. I am now in the process of moving my horses since I refuse to pay the increase since I did not agree to it. Can I do anything?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Rental Agreement
Your rights under this agreement would be defined by its terms. Unless it stated otherwise the lessor will be entitled to raise the rent/board as he wants. With respect to the friendliness of the horses, the boarder will typically bear the risk of injuries to his/her own horse. While potentially this risk was switched by his statement that his horses were "friendly" this is still a problem with respect to your proof that he breached the contract. There are horses that are "friendly" but that will nonetheless injure another horse in the field during a dominance dispute, or, while merely kicking up their heels for fun. In light of the struggle any claim against the lessor, I advise that you focus your energy on moving your horses to a more agreeable place (and sign a complete/useful contract prior to any boarding arrangement).
Re: Rental Agreement
Your rights under this agreement would be defined by its terms. Unless it stated otherwise the lessor will be entitled to raise the rent/board as he wants. With respect to the friendliness of the horses, the boarder will typically bear the risk of injuries to his/her own horse. While potentially this risk was switched by his statement that his horses were "friendly" this is still a problem with respect to your proof that he breached the contract. There are horses that are "friendly" but that will nonetheless injure another horse in the field during a dominance dispute, or, while merely kicking up their heels for fun. In light of the struggle any claim against the lessor, I advise that you focus your energy on moving your horses to a more agreeable place (and sign a complete/useful contract prior to any boarding arrangement).
Re: Rental Agreement
Your rights under this agreement would be defined by its terms. Unless it stated otherwise the lessor will be entitled to raise the rent/board as he wants. With respect to the friendliness of the horses, the boarder will typically bear the risk of injuries to his/her own horse. While potentially this risk was switched by his statement that his horses were "friendly" this is still a problem with respect to your proof that he breached the contract. There are horses that are "friendly" but that will nonetheless injure another horse in the field during a dominance dispute, or, while merely kicking up their heels for fun. In light of the struggle any claim against the lessor, I advise that you focus your energy on moving your horses to a more agreeable place (and sign a complete/useful contract prior to any boarding arrangement).
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