Will I Be Liable For My Neighbour's Property?

[oracle39]

If I let my neighbour who is a tree surgeon park his trailer on my drive, and get him to sign an agreement that we will not be held responsible for it should it be stolen or damaged in any way, would such an agreement stand up in court? He cant find a garage to rent and doesn't like leaving it on the road. We don't mind having it on the drive, but don't want any come back if it was stolen or vandalised or damaged in any way.

[boxtops]

That should be OK, IMO. How could he hold you responsible for damage if it's parked on a open driveway, to which everyone has access?

You ought to have a reciprocal arrangement, too, that if the trailer causes any damage to your driveway, he's responsible for rectifying it.

[Peter Pedant]

is he paying you ?

if he is you need a contract

if you are just letting him because you are a good soul
you only need write a letter saying yes you can park, no you are not responsible for damage and you expect him to arrange his own insurance. I would say it is for a year renewable too.

[oracle39]

Not charging, just being neighbourly

[oracle39]

My main worry was that if it got nicked that he might try and claim off my household insurance? He said he has insurance for it, but might his insurance company try and claim off me? I think Peter I will just lay it out in writing and get him to sign the agreement. I just wondered if it would stand up in court though.

[Peter Pedant]

without money changing hands - then it is not a contract but a licence and you dont have many duties under that and you can specifically exclude liability for theft if you wish

[Peter Pedant]

I dont think he has to sign

you issue the document like a Prince of the Realm on high
and if he doesnt like it he parks elsewhere