Storage Friern Barnet Terms and Conditions of Service
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Storage Friern Barnet provides storage and related removal services to individual and business customers. By placing a booking, using our storage facilities, or instructing us to carry out any removal, transport, handling, packing or related services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
These Terms and Conditions are intended to create a clear and fair framework for both parties. They apply to all services we provide unless we agree otherwise in writing. No employee, contractor or representative is authorised to vary these Terms and Conditions verbally.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:
Customer means the person, firm or company that requests or receives services from Storage Friern Barnet.
Services means any storage, removal, transport, loading, unloading, packing, unpacking, handling, or associated services provided by Storage Friern Barnet.
Goods means the items, belongings, furniture, equipment or other property that the Customer asks us to move, store, handle or otherwise deal with.
Contract means the agreement between the Customer and Storage Friern Barnet for the provision of Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions.
Premises means any property, building, room, unit, access way or land where we provide Services or to which we are asked to collect or deliver Goods.
2. Scope of Services
Storage Friern Barnet provides storage facilities and related removal and handling services. Services may include collection of Goods from the Customer, transportation to storage, placement into storage units, ongoing storage, and subsequent return or delivery of Goods as agreed.
All Services are subject to availability and to any limitations communicated to the Customer during the booking process. We reserve the right to decline any booking or to exclude particular items from the Services where necessary for safety, legal compliance or operational reasons.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Initial enquiry
The Customer may request a quotation by providing details of the Goods, the Premises, the services required, access conditions and preferred dates. Quotations are based on the information supplied and are not binding if that information is inaccurate or incomplete.
3.2 Accepting a quotation
A Contract is formed when the Customer confirms acceptance of our quotation and we confirm the booking, whether in writing or by other agreed means. Any subsequent changes to the scope, timing or nature of the Services may result in an adjusted quotation and additional charges.
3.3 Booking confirmation
We will confirm the date, approximate time window and main details of the Services. Booking times are estimates only and may be adjusted for operational reasons such as traffic conditions, vehicle availability or health and safety concerns. We will use reasonable efforts to notify the Customer of significant changes.
3.4 Customer obligations at booking
The Customer must provide accurate information regarding the volume and nature of Goods, parking and access restrictions, floor levels, lifts, narrow staircases, and any items that may require special handling. Failure to do so may lead to delays, additional charges or, in serious cases, cancellation of Services on site.
4. Payments and Charges
4.1 Pricing
Our charges are normally based on a combination of factors including storage unit size, duration of storage, labour time, distance of transport, additional services requested and any special handling requirements. All prices are exclusive of any applicable taxes unless stated otherwise.
4.2 Deposits
We may require a deposit at the time of booking. The amount of the deposit and the due date will be notified to the Customer. The deposit is applied towards the total charges payable. If the Customer cancels, the deposit may be retained or partially retained in accordance with the cancellation terms set out in these Terms and Conditions.
4.3 Payment terms
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment for removal and handling Services is due at the latest on the day the Services are carried out and before unloading is completed. Payment for storage Services is due in advance for the agreed rental period. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate Services, or to deny access to stored Goods, where payments are overdue.
4.4 Methods of payment
We may accept various payment methods such as card payments, bank transfers or other approved means. We do not accept payment by methods we have not expressly confirmed as acceptable. The Customer is responsible for any bank or transaction charges associated with payments to us.
4.5 Overdue payments
Where payments are not received by the agreed due date, we may charge interest on the overdue amount at a reasonable commercial rate, accruing daily until payment is received in full. We may also seek to recover reasonable costs incurred in pursuing late payments, including administrative and legal costs.
5. Cancellations and Changes
5.1 Customer cancellations
If the Customer wishes to cancel or significantly change a booking, they must notify us as soon as possible. Our entitlement to retain all or part of any deposit and to charge cancellation fees depends on the notice period provided.
a. More than seven days before the scheduled service date We may refund the deposit less a reasonable administrative charge.
b. Between seven days and two days before the scheduled service date We may retain all or part of the deposit and may charge a proportion of the quoted price to reflect allocated resources and lost opportunities.
c. Less than two days before the scheduled service date or on the day of service We may charge up to the full quoted price.
Specific cancellation terms may be communicated with your quotation and will apply where they differ from this general policy.
5.2 Our right to cancel or amend
We may cancel or postpone the Services if:
a. It is unsafe or unlawful to carry out the Services.
b. Access to Premises is seriously hindered or refused.
c. The Customer fails to pay required deposits or advance payments.
d. Events beyond our reasonable control, such as severe weather, accidents, vehicle breakdowns, strikes or government restrictions, prevent us from providing the Services as planned.
Where practicable, we will offer an alternative date or agree revised arrangements. Our liability for cancellation or postponement by us is limited as set out in the liability section of these Terms and Conditions.
6. Customer Responsibilities
6.1 Access and parking
The Customer must ensure suitable access and parking are available at each Premises. Any required permissions, permits or visitor arrangements are the responsibility of the Customer. Waiting time, additional carrying distances or the use of smaller shuttle vehicles arising from restricted access may result in extra charges.
6.2 Preparation of Goods
The Customer is responsible for adequately preparing and packing Goods unless we have agreed to provide packing Services. Fragile or delicate items must be appropriately protected. We are not liable for damage resulting from inadequate or unsuitable packing carried out by the Customer or by third parties engaged by the Customer.
6.3 Prohibited and restricted items
The Customer must not present for removal or storage any items that are unlawful, dangerous, explosive, flammable, perishable, infested, or that may cause damage or nuisance. This includes but is not limited to firearms, ammunition, chemicals, gas cylinders, illegal substances, live animals, plants and food items likely to decay. We may refuse to move or store any such items and may, where legally necessary, inform the appropriate authorities.
6.4 Inventory and ownership
Unless we specifically agree to prepare an inventory, we will not usually itemise individual Goods. The Customer confirms that they are the owner of the Goods, or are authorised by the owner to enter into the Contract, and that no other person has rights or claims over the Goods.
7. Liability and Limitations
7.1 Our duty of care
We will exercise reasonable skill and care in providing the Services. However, our responsibility for loss of or damage to Goods, or for other losses incurred by the Customer, is limited by this section and by applicable law.
7.2 Exclusions of liability
We shall not be liable for loss or damage resulting from:
a. Inherent defects, natural deterioration or pre-existing damage to Goods.
b. Inadequate or unsuitable packing not carried out by us.
c. Acts or omissions of the Customer or any third party not under our direct control.
d. Normal wear and tear, scratching, scuffing or cosmetic damage inherent in moving and handling bulky items through restricted spaces.
e. Delay or failure caused by events beyond our reasonable control, such as extreme weather, traffic incidents, civil unrest or regulatory restrictions.
7.3 Limits on compensation
To the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability for loss of or damage to Goods, or for any other losses arising from the Services, shall be limited to a reasonable sum proportionate to the price paid for the Services and the nature of the Goods. We do not accept liability for indirect or consequential losses, such as loss of profit, loss of use, emotional distress or loss arising from delay, unless required by law.
7.4 Reporting damage
The Customer must inspect Goods and Premises, where practicable, immediately after completion of the Services. Any visible damage or concerns should be reported to us as soon as reasonably possible and in any event within a reasonable period following completion. Failure to notify us promptly may make it more difficult to investigate and may affect the assessment of any claim.
8. Storage Terms
8.1 Use of storage units
Storage units must be used solely for lawful storage of Goods. The Customer must not reside or allow others to reside in any unit, nor use a unit for business activities other than storage. Aisles, emergency exits and access ways must remain clear at all times.
8.2 Access to units
Access to units is subject to our opening hours, security procedures and payment of all sums due. We may temporarily restrict access for maintenance, safety or security reasons. Where possible, we will provide notice of planned restrictions.
8.3 Non-payment and lien
If the Customer fails to pay storage or other charges when due, we may exercise a lien over the Goods. This means we may retain the Goods until all outstanding sums, including reasonable costs of enforcement, are paid in full. Where amounts remain unpaid after reasonable notice, we may, as a last resort and in accordance with applicable law, arrange for sale or disposal of Goods to recover amounts owed, returning any surplus funds to the Customer where identifiable.
9. Waste and Disposal Regulations
9.1 General waste obligations
The Customer must comply with all applicable waste and environmental regulations. Goods stored with us must not include hazardous or regulated waste materials. Any packaging, unwanted items or waste created by the Customer during access to storage units must be removed by the Customer or disposed of in accordance with our instructions and any applicable charges.
9.2 Prohibited waste
The Customer must not deposit in storage or leave on site any controlled or hazardous waste, including chemicals, solvents, oils, medical waste, batteries in bulk, asbestos or electrical items requiring special treatment under local regulations. If such items are discovered, we may, where lawful, arrange for safe removal and disposal and charge the Customer the full cost of doing so, including any associated administrative or regulatory costs.
9.3 Disposal of abandoned items
Where Goods appear to have been abandoned or left in breach of Contract, including after termination of storage for non-payment, we may dispose of or sell the Goods in accordance with applicable law and with any notices we are required to give. We will act reasonably in deciding the method of disposal, taking into account the nature and apparent value of the Goods.
10. Health, Safety and Security
10.1 Conduct on site
All persons entering our premises must follow safety and security instructions, including any signs, guidance from staff and emergency procedures. Children must be supervised at all times. Smoking, vaping, use of open flames and consumption of alcohol or illegal substances are not permitted on site.
10.2 Security measures
We implement reasonable security measures appropriate to a storage and removal environment. However, we do not guarantee absolute security. The Customer should consider whether additional insurance or personal security measures are appropriate for their particular Goods.
11. Insurance and Risk
11.1 Customer insurance
The Customer is strongly advised to arrange adequate insurance for Goods in transit and in storage, either through their own insurer or an insurer of their choice. Unless we expressly agree in writing to provide or arrange specific insurance, our charges do not include insurance cover for the full value of Goods.
11.2 Risk during access
Risk in the Goods remains with the Customer at all times. However, we accept a duty of care when Goods are in our physical possession during the course of providing Services, subject to the limitations set out in these Terms and Conditions.
12. Personal Data
We may collect and use personal data relating to the Customer in order to process bookings, perform the Services, apply payments, manage security and comply with legal obligations. We will handle personal data in a lawful and proportionate manner. Customers may request details of the personal data we hold about them and may ask us to correct any inaccuracies.
13. Complaints and Disputes
13.1 Raising concerns
If the Customer is dissatisfied with any aspect of our Services, they should contact us promptly with details of the issue, the date of the Service and any supporting information. We will review the matter and aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe.
13.2 Resolution
We will work with the Customer to seek a fair resolution. Where disputes cannot be resolved directly, the parties may consider independent advice or alternative dispute resolution methods where appropriate and available.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, or with any Contract between the Customer and Storage Friern Barnet, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or their subject matter, formation or termination, whether contractual or non-contractual.
15. General Provisions
15.1 Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be interpreted in a way that best reflects its original intent and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
15.2 Assignment
The Customer may not transfer or assign their rights or obligations under the Contract without our prior written consent. We may assign or subcontract all or part of our rights and obligations where necessary for operational reasons, provided that this does not materially reduce the standard of Service.
15.3 Entire agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or written variation agreed by us, constitute the entire agreement between the parties in relation to the Services. They supersede any previous understandings, representations or agreements, whether written or verbal, relating to the same subject matter.
15.4 Changes to terms
We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will normally govern the Contract. Where changes are required by law or regulation, they may take effect immediately. Customers are encouraged to review the current Terms and Conditions when arranging new Services.
