House Clearance Highbury Service Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which House Clearance Highbury provides house clearance and associated waste collection services. By making a booking, confirming a quotation, or allowing our team to begin work at your premises, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before placing an order.

1. Definitions

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

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

1.2 "Client" or "you" means the individual, business, landlord, agent, or other party booking or receiving the services.

1.3 "Services" means any house clearance, part-clearance, office or commercial clearance, waste collection, removal, loading, transport, disposal, recycling, or related services provided by the Company.

1.4 "Premises" means the property, land, or location at which the Services are to be carried out.

1.5 "Waste" means any items, furniture, appliances, debris, refuse, or materials to be removed or disposed of as part of the Services.

1.6 "Quotation" means the price or estimated price for the Services provided by the Company to the Client, whether in writing, by email, or verbally.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides house clearance and waste collection services, including the removal of unwanted items, bulky waste, and general household or light commercial waste, subject to applicable waste regulations.

2.2 The Company does not handle certain restricted items, including but not limited to hazardous or specialist waste such as asbestos, clinical waste, certain chemicals, gas bottles, and other items subject to specific disposal controls, unless explicitly agreed in writing.

2.3 The Company may also provide additional services such as light dismantling of furniture, removal of items from outbuildings, and small outdoor clearances, as agreed during the quotation process.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be made by telephone, email, or other communication methods accepted by the Company. All bookings are subject to availability and acceptance by the Company.

3.2 When making a booking, the Client must provide accurate information about the Premises, access conditions, parking, the type and approximate volume of Waste, and any special requirements.

3.3 The Company may provide a Quotation based on a description supplied by the Client, photographs, or an on-site visit. Quotations provided without a physical visit are estimates only and may be adjusted if the actual volume, weight, type of Waste, or access conditions differ from those described.

3.4 A booking will be confirmed once the Client has accepted the Quotation and the Company has confirmed the appointment date and time window, and, where required, received any deposit.

3.5 The Client is responsible for ensuring that a person authorised to approve work and sign completion documentation is present at the Premises at the agreed date and time.

4. Pricing and Quotations

4.1 Unless otherwise stated, prices are quoted in Pounds Sterling and are exclusive of any applicable taxes or charges that may be imposed from time to time.

4.2 Quotations are based on factors including the estimated volume, weight, type of Waste, accessibility, labour time, and disposal costs. If on arrival the situation differs significantly from that described or anticipated, the Company reserves the right to revise the Quotation before commencing work.

4.3 If the Client does not accept a revised price, the Company may cancel the job. In such a case, the Company reserves the right to charge a call-out or cancellation fee to cover reasonable costs incurred in attending the Premises.

4.4 Any additional services requested on site that were not included in the original Quotation may incur additional charges, which will be agreed with the Client before the extra work is carried out where reasonably possible.

5. Payments and Charges

5.1 Payment terms will be confirmed at the time of booking. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due in full on completion of the Services on the day of the clearance.

5.2 The Company accepts payment methods as notified to the Client, which may include cash, bank transfer, or card payment. The Company may require a deposit or pre-authorisation before confirming a booking.

5.3 For business, landlord, or agency Clients operating on account, payment terms will be agreed in writing. If no specific terms are agreed, payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date.

5.4 If payment is not received by the due date, the Company reserves the right to charge interest on the overdue amount at the statutory rate and to recover any reasonable costs incurred in enforcing payment.

5.5 All Waste remains the responsibility and, where applicable, the property of the Client until payment has been received in full and the Company has removed the Waste from the Premises.

6. Cancellations, Rescheduling and Waiting Time

6.1 The Client may cancel or reschedule a booking by giving notice to the Company. Cancellation policies and any applicable fees will be as set out in this clause or as otherwise agreed in writing.

6.2 If the Client cancels more than 48 hours before the scheduled start time, any deposit paid may be refundable or transferable at the Company’s discretion, less any reasonable administrative costs.

6.3 If the Client cancels within 48 hours of the scheduled start time, the Company reserves the right to retain all or part of any deposit and to charge a cancellation fee to cover lost time and costs.

6.4 If, on arrival, the Company is unable to gain access to the Premises, or the Client or an authorised representative is not present within a reasonable time, the Company may treat the job as cancelled and charge a call-out or cancellation fee.

6.5 Where access is delayed or the team is required to wait due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control, the Company may charge a waiting time fee at its standard rates.

7. Client Obligations

7.1 The Client must ensure safe and reasonable access to the Premises, including any necessary permissions for parking, loading, and unloading. Any parking charges, permits, or penalties arising from the job may be added to the Client’s bill where they result from the requirements of the location.

7.2 The Client is responsible for securing and identifying items that are not to be removed, and for clearly pointing out any items of particular value or sensitivity.

7.3 The Client must not place hazardous items or prohibited waste within materials designated for removal without prior written agreement. If such items are discovered, the Company may refuse to remove them or may charge additional fees for safe handling and disposal.

7.4 The Client agrees to provide accurate information about the Waste and Premises. The Company will not be liable for delays, extra costs, or inability to complete the job where information supplied was incomplete or inaccurate.

8. Performance of Services

8.1 The Company will carry out the Services with reasonable skill, care, and in accordance with applicable UK waste regulations.

8.2 Timeframes and arrival windows are estimates only. While the Company will make reasonable efforts to attend at the agreed time, it cannot guarantee exact arrival or completion times. The Company will inform the Client of significant delays where reasonably practicable.

8.3 The Company reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or halt work where it considers that completion of the Services would pose a risk to health and safety, breach applicable laws, or fall outside the agreed scope of work.

9. Waste Handling and Regulations

9.1 The Company operates in accordance with relevant UK waste management and environmental regulations and will use registered facilities for the transfer, recycling, and disposal of Waste as appropriate.

9.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to segregate and recycle Waste where practicable, but cannot guarantee that any particular item will be reused or recycled.

9.3 The Client confirms that they have the right to authorise the removal and disposal of all items presented as Waste. The Company is not responsible for verifying ownership of items removed in good faith.

9.4 Once Waste has been removed from the Premises and loaded onto the Company’s vehicle, it will be handled and processed in accordance with applicable legislation. Ownership of the Waste will normally pass to the Company at the point of removal, subject to full payment being received and any specific legal requirements.

10. Liability and Insurance

10.1 The Company will take reasonable care when carrying out the Services. However, minor scuffs or marks may occur when removing bulky items from tight spaces. The Client is advised to protect floors, walls, and fixtures where they are particularly vulnerable.

10.2 The Company’s liability for loss or damage to the Premises or items not intended for removal shall be limited to loss or damage caused directly by the negligence of the Company or its personnel.

10.3 The Company will not be liable for loss or damage arising from pre-existing defects, structural weaknesses, wear and tear, poor installation, or inherent risks associated with moving large or heavy items.

10.4 The Company will not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or economic losses, including loss of profit, loss of opportunity, or loss of enjoyment, arising out of or in connection with the Services.

10.5 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 legally be limited or excluded under UK law.

10.6 The Company maintains appropriate insurance cover in respect of its legal liabilities and will provide details upon reasonable request.

11. Claims and Complaints

11.1 Any concerns about the Services should be raised with the team on site where possible so that they can be addressed immediately.

11.2 If the Client wishes to make a complaint or claim after completion of the Services, this should be submitted to the Company in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, giving full details of the issue.

11.3 The Company will investigate complaints in good faith and may request additional information, photographs, or access to the Premises where relevant.

11.4 Where the Company is found to be at fault, it may at its discretion offer a remedy such as rectification of work, a partial refund, or other appropriate compensation, subject to the limitations set out in these Terms and Conditions.

12. Force Majeure

12.1 The Company will not be in breach of these Terms and Conditions or liable for any delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of its obligations where such delay or failure results from events or circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

12.2 Such events may include, but are not limited to, extreme weather, accidents, road closures, vehicle breakdowns, acts of government, strikes, or other industrial disputes affecting third parties, and interruptions to utilities or essential services.

13. Data Protection and Privacy

13.1 The Company may collect and use personal data provided by the Client for the purposes of managing bookings, providing the Services, processing payments, and maintaining records.

13.2 The Company will handle personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and will not sell or disclose such information to third parties except where necessary to deliver the Services, comply with legal obligations, or with the Client’s consent.

14. Variation of Terms

14.1 The Company may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to the Services provided under that booking.

14.2 Any variations agreed between the Company and the Client must be recorded in writing to be effective.

15. Severability

15.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, that provision will be removed or limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

16.1 These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or the Services, 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.

By booking or using the Services of House Clearance Highbury, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.