Be careful, normally rents do not carry VAT but if the building was constructed to rent out and VAT was reclaimed then I think VAT should be charged on the rent. I think also, if VAT was charged once then it should also be charged for the future.There isn't any VAT on the rent paid for a building to be used for livestock and forage is there? Although it wouldn't make much difference, since the farmer could claim back the VAT if it was charged.
Give your vat office a call explaining what your looking to do get reply in writingOld buildings, about 40+ years old, but your point is a good one.