Terms and Conditions

Harrow Removal Company Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which our removal company provides household and commercial removal, packing, loading, transport, delivery and related services. By placing a booking or allowing our staff to commence work, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

These terms apply to all customers and all services unless we expressly agree alternative written terms signed by an authorised representative of the company.

Definitions

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

Company means the removal service provider supplying the services.

Customer means the person, firm or organisation requesting the services.

Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, transportation, storage, or associated services provided by the company.

Goods means the items, furniture, belongings, equipment or materials to be moved, handled, packed, stored or otherwise dealt with as part of the services.

Premises means the collection address, delivery address, or any other property where services are carried out.

Contract means the agreement between the company and the customer incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation.

Service Area

The company is based in Harrow and primarily serves residential and commercial customers in Harrow and surrounding areas. Services may be provided outside this area by prior agreement. Additional travel time or charges may apply where distances or access conditions require it.

Quotations

Any quotation provided by the company, whether verbal or written, is an estimate based on the information supplied by the customer at the time of enquiry. Quotations are normally given subject to survey and to the accuracy and completeness of the details provided by the customer.

Unless otherwise stated in writing, quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, after which the company may revise prices to reflect changes in costs, availability or circumstances.

The company reserves the right to amend a quotation or apply additional charges where:

1. The information provided by the customer was inaccurate or incomplete.
2. Additional goods or services are requested that were not included in the original quotation.
3. Access to the premises is restricted, unsafe, significantly different from that described, or requires additional labour or equipment.
4. Parking arrangements differ from those advised, resulting in delays, fines, or extended carrying distances.
5. Work is carried out on different dates or times to those originally quoted, or is delayed or interrupted for reasons beyond the company’s control.

Booking Process

A booking is only confirmed when the company issues a written or electronic confirmation. Prior discussions or provisional quotations do not constitute a binding contract.

To confirm a booking, the customer may be required to:

1. Accept the quotation and these Terms and Conditions.
2. Provide full and accurate contact details, collection and delivery addresses, and any special requirements.
3. Pay a deposit or prepayment as specified by the company.

The customer is responsible for checking all booking details on the confirmation and must notify the company of any errors or changes as soon as reasonably possible. The company cannot accept liability for issues arising from incorrect information provided by the customer.

Customer Responsibilities

The customer must:

1. Ensure suitable access to the premises for the vehicle and staff, including arranging any necessary parking permissions, permits, or suspensions in good time before the service date.
2. Ensure that the premises are safe for work, including secure flooring, adequate lighting, and clear access routes free from obstruction or hazards.
3. Properly pack, secure and label goods, unless packing services have been specifically included in the contract.
4. Remove, disconnect and prepare any appliances or equipment prior to removal, unless otherwise agreed.
5. Be present or represented at the premises during the work to provide instructions and sign any necessary documentation.
6. Comply with all applicable regulations and instructions regarding restricted or hazardous items.

The company may refuse to carry out part or all of the services if, in its reasonable opinion, the premises are unsafe, access is unsuitable, or the customer requests unlawful or unsafe practices.

Items Not Accepted for Removal

Unless explicitly agreed in writing, the company does not accept responsibility for and may refuse to remove, handle or transport:

1. Hazardous, toxic, flammable or explosive materials including gas cylinders, fuel, paint, chemicals and similar substances.
2. Perishable items, refrigerated or frozen goods, and items requiring controlled environments.
3. Live animals, plants, or biological materials.
4. Money, jewellery, watches, precious metals, valuable collections, securities or important documents.
5. Any goods that are illegal to possess or transport.

If any such items are included without the company’s knowledge, the customer does so at their own risk and may be liable for any resulting damage, loss, or regulatory action.

Payments and Charges

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the following payment terms apply:

1. A deposit may be required at the time of booking to secure the service date.
2. The balance is typically due on or before the day of the move or upon completion of the service, as specified in the quotation or confirmation.
3. Charges may be based on hourly rates, fixed prices, or a combination of both, depending on the nature of the service.

The company reserves the right to charge for:

1. Waiting time where delays are caused by the customer or by circumstances under their control.
2. Additional labour where the scope of work exceeds that set out in the quotation.
3. Parking charges, penalties, tolls or congestion charges incurred in the performance of the services.

All amounts are payable in the currency stated in the quotation. If payment is not received when due, the company may:

1. Suspend or refuse to commence or continue the services until payment is made in full.
2. Charge reasonable interest and collection costs on overdue sums in accordance with applicable law.

Cancellations and Changes

If the customer wishes to cancel or change a booking, they must notify the company as soon as possible.

Unless otherwise stated in writing, the following cancellation charges may apply:

1. More than 7 days before the service date: any deposit may be refunded at the company’s discretion, less any non-recoverable costs.
2. Between 7 and 2 days before the service date: up to 50 percent of the quoted price may be payable.
3. Less than 2 days before the service date or on the day of the service: up to 100 percent of the quoted price may be payable.

Requests to change dates, times or scope of work are subject to availability and may result in revised charges. The company is not obliged to accommodate changes but will act reasonably where possible.

Delays and Access Issues

The company will make reasonable efforts to arrive and complete the services at the agreed times, but timing is not guaranteed. The company is not liable for any loss or inconvenience arising from delays caused by traffic, weather, accidents, road closures, vehicle breakdowns, or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

If access to the premises is not available at the agreed time, or if the premises are not ready for work, the company may charge for waiting time, additional labour, or extra visits as necessary to complete the service.

Customer Warranties

The customer warrants that:

1. They are the owner of the goods or have full authority from the owner to enter into the contract.
2. The goods do not include items prohibited under these Terms and Conditions or by law.
3. All relevant information concerning the goods and the premises has been disclosed to the company.

The customer shall indemnify the company against any claim or expense arising from a breach of these warranties.

Liability for Loss or Damage

The company will take reasonable care in handling, packing and transporting goods. However, the company’s liability is subject to the limitations set out in this section.

The company is not liable for:

1. Loss or damage arising from the inherent condition, defects, fragility, or pre-existing damage of any goods.
2. Normal wear and tear, minor marks, or cosmetic damage reasonably associated with handling and moving.
3. Loss of or damage to goods packed by the customer, unless caused by the company’s negligence in handling clearly labelled and adequately packed items.
4. Loss of or damage to goods not declared or not reasonably visible at the time of loading.
5. Any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, revenue, anticipated savings, use, or enjoyment.

Where the company is found liable for loss of or damage to goods caused by its negligence, its liability will be limited to the reasonable cost of repair or replacement of the affected goods, up to a maximum aggregate amount per job as specified in the quotation or otherwise notified to the customer.

The customer is encouraged to arrange appropriate insurance cover for their goods during the move. The company’s liability shall be reduced or excluded to the extent that the customer is or ought to be covered by such insurance.

Damage to Property

The company will take reasonable care to avoid damage to property during the provision of the services. The customer must point out any particularly delicate surfaces, fixtures or access issues before work begins.

The company is not liable for:

1. Damage to premises where such damage arises from the movement of large or heavy items in confined spaces where damage could not reasonably be avoided.
2. Damage resulting from poor construction, defective materials, or pre-existing weaknesses in furniture, fixtures or structures.
3. Damage to driveways, paths or surfaces arising from the weight or movement of vehicles where the customer has requested or allowed access.

The customer must notify the company in writing of any alleged damage to property as soon as is reasonably practical and, in any event, within a reasonable time after completion of the services.

Claims and Time Limits

If the customer believes there has been loss, damage or other breach of contract, they must notify the company in writing as soon as possible with sufficient details to enable investigation.

Except where prohibited by law, the company shall not be liable for any claim unless:

1. The alleged issue is reported within a reasonable time after the customer becomes aware of it.
2. Legal proceedings are commenced within the relevant statutory limitation period.

Waste Regulations and Disposal

The company complies with applicable waste and environmental regulations. The customer must not request or permit the company to dispose of waste unlawfully.

Where the services include removal or disposal of unwanted items, the following apply:

1. Only items agreed in advance will be taken for disposal, and additional charges may apply.
2. The company will use authorised facilities or contractors for waste disposal, where required by law.
3. The customer is responsible for ensuring that any items presented for disposal are free from hazardous materials, unless otherwise agreed.

The company may refuse to take items that cannot lawfully or safely be carried, stored or disposed of. Any fly-tipping or unauthorised dumping is strictly prohibited. If the customer’s instructions could lead to a breach of waste regulations, the company may suspend or terminate the relevant part of the services.

Storage Services

If the company provides storage services, the terms of storage will be either included in these Terms and Conditions or set out in a separate storage agreement. The customer is responsible for ensuring that stored goods are adequately insured and compliant with any restrictions notified by the company.

Subcontracting

The company may use employees, agents or subcontractors to carry out all or part of the services. Where subcontractors are used, the company will remain responsible for the performance of the services under the contract, subject to these Terms and Conditions.

Force Majeure

The company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, natural disasters, fire, accidents, civil unrest, industrial disputes, road closures or governmental restrictions.

In such circumstances, the company may suspend or reschedule the services without liability and will endeavour to notify the customer as soon as reasonably practicable.

Termination

Either party may terminate the contract with immediate effect by written notice if the other party materially breaches these Terms and Conditions and, where capable of remedy, fails to remedy the breach within a reasonable period after being notified.

On termination, the customer shall pay for all services provided up to the date of termination and for any unavoidable commitments the company has reasonably entered into in anticipation of carrying out the services.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

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

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 their subject matter or formation.

General Provisions

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held by a court or competent authority to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

No failure or delay by the company in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall be construed as a waiver of that right or remedy.

These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the company and the customer in relation to the services and supersede any prior understandings, statements or representations, whether oral or written.

The customer acknowledges that they have read and understood these Terms and Conditions and agree to be bound by them when booking and using the company’s removal services.