Termination of a verbal agreement for a plot of grassland

Questioner

I have been using a plot of grassland since 2005 through a verbal agreement. I want to cancel this as of January 1, 2022. Can I do this verbally so that it is dissolved or do I have to do this in writing with or without a signature? I would like to hear from you Yours sincerely ,

Lawyer

In principle, a verbal agreement can usually also be terminated verbally. The only risk you run is that in the event of a conflict it will be difficult to prove that you have actually terminated the agreement. What kind of agreement is this? And were there any specific conditions attached to it? My advice would be to cancel by letter/mail/whatsapp/sms as you then have proof. If you want to do it verbally by phone or in person you could make an audio recording. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require legal assistance.

Questioner

Dear Mr. Uygul-van Dam, For 15 years I have been using a 1 hectare plot of grassland. At the time, it was verbally agreed with the owner of this plot that I could use this grassland for grazing a few sheep and for haymaking in order to prevent the plot from becoming overgrown. prevent this has been going on in good harmony for years. Out of nowhere, this lady's daughter suddenly came up with the idea that I earn a decent amount of money with this and now wants to see compensation. I have now decided to cancel the use of this plot and do not want to be faced with any surprises. However, the daughter does not want me to contact her mother, even though agreements have been made, so what is the wise thing to do? Is a (registered) letter to the owner of the plot stating that the verbal agreement should be terminated with immediate effect sufficient? Thank you in advance for your thoughts. Yours sincerely, Jack Bos 06 2466 7778

Lawyer

It's annoying that the situation suddenly changes due to the daughter's interference. If I understand correctly, you have been allowed to use the grassland for all those years without anything in return. That is an agreement that you can make (also verbally) with someone. Since that is the situation of the past 15 years, in case of a conflict it is up to you to prove that the agreement has been terminated. If you were to do this verbally, you run the risk that the daughter will deny that there has been a termination. With a registered letter you can indeed prove that the situation has changed and that the verbal agreement is no longer continued. This should be sufficient. In the event that the daughter would say that payment must be made for the grassland, it is up to her to demonstrate that you had agreed on this with the owner. If you have any questions or if the daughter becomes difficult, you can contact me.