I need to loan my Bluthner grand to a temporary home for a few years to free up space at home. I have found the ideal person to take it and everything will be going ahead soon. Both I and the person borrowing the piano are keen that we have a formal contract. Does anyone in the forum have either a long term instrument hire or loan contract that I can take a copy of to base mine on? Thanks.

I would draw up your own contract with your own terms and conditions stated clearly, date it and let both parties have a copy, signed by both of you. Take photographs and details of any damage to the casework etc and get a piano technician to write a condition report and valuation. You will need make sure that it is covered by insurance in transit and whilst at the other property and agree on how often it will be tuned and maintained etc and allow for fair wear and tear. I hope that it will enjoy its holiday.

Dear Petrat, thank you for your advice. I am not a lawyer, so I'm hoping to short-cut creating my own contract from scratch by basing it on one that a forum member can share with me.