House Clearance South Kensington Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which House Clearance South Kensington provides house clearance, rubbish removal and related waste collection services to domestic and commercial customers within our operating areas. By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following words have the meanings set out below:

1.1 "Company" means House Clearance South Kensington, the provider of house clearance and waste collection services.

1.2 "Customer" means any individual, business or organisation that books or uses the services of the Company.

1.3 "Services" means any house clearance, rubbish removal, waste collection, loading, transportation, recycling or disposal service provided by the Company.

1.4 "Site" means the property or premises where the Services are to be carried out.

1.5 "Waste" means any items, materials, furniture, appliances or other goods to be removed and disposed of, recycled or re-used as part of the Services.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides house clearance and waste collection services, which may include the removal of household items, furniture, general rubbish, garden waste and certain commercial waste, subject to these Terms and Conditions.

2.2 The Company does not handle or remove hazardous, clinical or specialist waste, including but not limited to asbestos, chemicals, gas cylinders, medical waste, oils, paints and solvents, unless expressly agreed in writing in advance and in compliance with relevant regulations.

2.3 The Customer is responsible for informing the Company in advance of any items that may be hazardous or require special handling. The Company reserves the right to refuse to remove any item at its sole discretion where it considers removal unsafe or non-compliant with waste regulations.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be made by telephone, email or any other method made available by the Company from time to time.

3.2 When making a booking, the Customer must provide accurate and complete information about the Site, access, parking, the approximate volume and nature of the Waste, and any items that may require special handling.

3.3 The Company may provide an estimated price based on the information supplied by the Customer. This estimate is not binding and may be subject to change upon inspection of the Site and Waste on the day of collection.

3.4 In some cases, the Company may arrange a site visit prior to confirming a quotation. Any quotation provided following such a visit will usually be a fixed price, subject to any additional items or circumstances not disclosed or not reasonably apparent at the time of quotation.

3.5 A booking is only confirmed when the Company has accepted the booking and, where required, received any deposit or pre-payment requested.

4. Access, Parking and Customer Obligations

4.1 The Customer must ensure that the Company has safe, reasonable and lawful access to the Site at the agreed time, including suitable parking arrangements for the Company’s vehicles.

4.2 Any parking charges, permits or access fees incurred while carrying out the Services will be payable by the Customer and may be added to the final invoice.

4.3 The Customer must ensure that all items intended for removal are clearly identified and that any items not to be removed are safely separated or clearly marked. The Company will not be liable for removing items that were not identified or for leaving behind items that were not clearly indicated.

4.4 The Customer, or a responsible representative authorised by the Customer, must be present at the Site for the duration of the clearance unless agreed otherwise in writing.

5. Pricing, Estimates and Quotations

5.1 Prices may be based on volume, weight, labour time, type of Waste, access conditions, disposal costs and any additional services requested by the Customer.

5.2 Where the Company provides an estimate without a prior site visit, the final price will be confirmed on arrival after inspection of the Waste and the Site. If the Customer does not accept the revised price, the Company reserves the right to cancel the Service and may charge a call-out fee to cover its costs.

5.3 Quotations following a site visit are generally fixed, provided that the scope of work and the volume and nature of the Waste are as described and have not materially changed on the day of the Service.

5.4 Any additional work requested by the Customer on the day of the Service, or any unforeseen circumstances that materially affect the time, labour or disposal costs, may result in additional charges which will be agreed with the Customer where reasonably possible.

6. Payments and Invoicing

6.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due in full upon completion of the Services on the day of collection.

6.2 The Company accepts payment by cash, debit card, credit card or bank transfer, subject to the options available at the time of booking or completion.

6.3 For business Customers or larger projects, the Company may agree alternative payment terms, including deposits or payment on invoice. Any such arrangement must be confirmed in writing.

6.4 Where payment is not received on the due date, the Company reserves the right to charge interest on the overdue amount at the statutory rate, together with any reasonable costs incurred in recovering the debt, including legal and collection fees.

6.5 Title to any items removed passes to the Company only once full payment for the Services has been received and cleared.

7. Cancellations and Amendments

7.1 The Customer may cancel or amend a booking by giving the Company as much notice as reasonably possible.

7.2 Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the scheduled start time will not usually incur a cancellation fee, unless a non-refundable deposit has been taken or specific costs have already been incurred by the Company in preparation for the Service.

7.3 Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled start time may be subject to a cancellation charge, which may include any deposit taken and a reasonable sum to cover the Company’s lost time and costs.

7.4 Where the Company arrives at the Site at the agreed time and is unable to carry out the Services due to lack of access, refusal of entry, or the Customer not being present, this may be treated as a late cancellation and a call-out or cancellation fee may apply.

7.5 The Company reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a booking at any time due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including adverse weather, vehicle breakdown, staff illness or compliance with law or regulation. In such cases, the Company will aim to offer a new appointment as soon as reasonably practicable and will not be liable for any indirect loss arising from such cancellation.

8. Customer Property and Valuables

8.1 The Customer is responsible for ensuring that no valuable, sentimental or important items are included in the Waste intended for removal. The Company does not accept responsibility for checking the contents of bags, boxes, drawers, cupboards or furniture.

8.2 Once items have been removed and loaded onto the Company’s vehicle, they may be mixed with other Waste and sent for disposal, recycling or re-use. Recovery of any item after removal may not be possible.

8.3 The Company does not accept liability for loss of any item that was not expressly identified and retained by the Customer prior to clearance.

9. Waste Handling and Environmental Regulations

9.1 The Company operates in accordance with applicable waste management and environmental regulations and holds any licences or registrations required to carry out waste collection and disposal activities.

9.2 The Customer confirms that they are the owner of the Waste or have the owner’s authority to arrange its removal and disposal.

9.3 The Company will transport Waste only to authorised facilities for disposal, recycling or recovery, and will take reasonable steps to maximise recycling and reuse where practicable.

9.4 The Customer agrees not to request the Company to dispose of Waste unlawfully or in a manner that would breach any environmental or waste management regulations.

9.5 The Company may issue a waste transfer note or other documentation where legally required. The Customer must retain any such documentation as part of their records where applicable.

10. Liability and Limitations

10.1 The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. However, minor cosmetic damage may occur in tight or restricted spaces when removing large or heavy items, and the Customer accepts this risk where access is limited.

10.2 The Customer should protect floors, walls, fixtures and fittings as necessary before the Services commence. The Company will not be liable for pre-existing damage or for damage resulting from inadequate protection where access is inherently difficult.

10.3 The Company’s total liability for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the Services, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, shall not exceed the total price paid or payable by the Customer for the specific Service giving rise to the claim, except where such limitation is not permitted by law.

10.4 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes the Company’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for any other liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.

10.5 The Company shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit, loss of business, loss of opportunity or loss of goodwill arising out of or in connection with the Services.

11. Insurance

11.1 The Company maintains appropriate public liability insurance and, where applicable, employer’s liability insurance in connection with the provision of its house clearance and waste collection services.

11.2 Evidence of insurance cover may be provided to the Customer upon reasonable request.

12. Complaints

12.1 If the Customer is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, they should notify the Company as soon as possible, and in any event within 48 hours of completion, giving full details of the issue.

12.2 The Company will investigate any complaint and may request supporting information or photographs. Where the Company considers a complaint to be justified, it may, at its discretion, offer a remedy such as a partial refund, a price reduction or a return visit to address the issue, where practical.

13. Data Protection and Privacy

13.1 The Company will collect and use personal information about the Customer only as necessary to manage bookings, provide the Services, process payments and comply with legal obligations.

13.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to protect Customer data from unauthorised access, misuse or loss and will not sell or share personal information with third parties except where required for the provision of the Services, payment processing or as required by law.

14. Force Majeure

14.1 The Company shall not be liable for any delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of its obligations under these Terms and Conditions if such delay or failure results from events, circumstances or causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, accidents, traffic disruption, strike, industrial dispute, or actions of public authorities.

14.2 In such circumstances, the Company shall be entitled to a reasonable extension of time to perform its obligations or may cancel the affected Services without liability, other than to refund any amounts paid in advance for Services not provided.

15. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

15.1 The Company reserves the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any revised terms will apply to new bookings from the date they are published or communicated.

15.2 The version of the Terms and Conditions in force at the time of a confirmed booking will apply to that booking, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

16.1 These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, the Services, or their subject matter or formation, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

16.2 The parties agree that 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 the Services provided by the Company.

17. General Provisions

17.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed deleted, but such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.

17.2 No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.

17.3 The Customer may not assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations under these Terms and Conditions without the prior written consent of the Company. The Company may assign or subcontract its rights and obligations where reasonably necessary for the provision of the Services.

17.4 These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer in relation to the Services and supersede any prior discussions, correspondence or understandings.