Can they hire out my stuff?

[PlayerOneNotReady]

I'm a member of a fundraising organisation which puts on community events for the local area, mainly one big event every other year. We have used some of our funds to buy some really decent audio equipment, which we use at our events. The kit in question has cost us nearly £3K to buy.
This equipment is stored in the village hall. They don't charge us for storage, but in return there's an agreement that they can use the kit for events that they are running in the hall (film nights etc.).
It's recently become obvious that they are hiring out the kit to other people who hire their hall.
We are not getting paid anything for this.
What is the legal position? Can they make money from our kit? And what would happen if some of it was damaged/lost, would they be liable for this or would we?

Well you say there’s an agreement, I’m very much assuming that’s not part of it? I’d actually be fucking raging if it was me. I guess it depends on how it’s worded, but specifically events that they are running does not include making money to hire out. I’d say that’s pretty much the equivalent of hiring out their village hall behind their backs?

Well at the very least it’s surely very muddy waters in terms of insurance for the stuff

I'm no expert but doubt there would be a legal position as such unless you have a contract? If it was broken, unless insured, you'd just have to fix it or make a claim against them.

Personally I'd either find alternative storage for a small fee at least you know it's safe. Otherwise get a lockable storage box for it and agree in advance the events they would like to use it and open it for them then check and restore.
You should also ensure they do sign something to say they would repair/replace if they damage it.

Most people wouldn't have a clue how to use decent equipment so like likelihood is it will be misused and damaged.

What did they say when you asked them why they had hired out your equipment?

@maryberryslayers not yet had the chance to have that conversation, I expect it to be quite "interesting" 😁
@Itsabitweirdinhereinnit safe to say I'm not very happy about this. I think it's more a verbal agreement, they are definitely into CF territory here

Your insurance won't cover damage caused by them if insured. Store it elsewhere.