Terms and Conditions for Removal Companies Hounslow
These Terms and Conditions apply to the services provided by removal companies in Hounslow and set out the basis on which removals, transport, packing support, storage-related arrangements, and associated services are supplied. By making a booking, confirming instructions, or allowing work to begin, the customer agrees to be bound by these terms. They are intended to provide a clear, fair, and legally sound framework for both parties and should be read together with any written quotation, booking confirmation, inventory, or service specification issued before the move.
1. Definitions and scope
“We”, “us”, and “our” refer to the removal company. “You”, “your”, and “customer” refer to the person or business arranging the service. “Services” include removal labour, vehicle use, loading, unloading, packing, dismantling and reassembly where agreed, and other related moving services. Unless otherwise stated, all references to a “booking” cover both home removals and business removals. The precise scope of the service will depend on the information you provide and the quotation accepted at the time of booking.
These terms are designed for standard moving services within the UK and should not be read as a substitute for any mandatory consumer rights or statutory protections. Nothing in these terms limits rights that cannot legally be excluded. Where a conflict exists between the customer’s informal instructions and the written confirmation, the written confirmation and these terms will apply unless we agree otherwise in writing.
2. Booking process
Bookings are generally accepted only after we have received sufficient information to assess the work required, including the type of property or premises, access conditions, approximate volume of items, packing needs, dates, and any special handling requirements. A quotation may be based on an inventory, photographs, an online survey, a video survey, or an in-person assessment. If any information provided is inaccurate or incomplete, we may revise the quotation, timetable, staffing, or vehicle size to reflect the actual requirements.
A booking becomes confirmed only when we have issued written confirmation and, where applicable, received any required deposit or advance payment. Confirmation may be by email or another written format. The customer must review all details promptly, including dates, addresses, service scope, and any agreed extras. Any request for changes should be made as early as possible, and we do not guarantee that changes can be accommodated, especially where vehicle schedules, staff allocation, or third-party arrangements are already fixed.
If access to the collection or delivery location is restricted, or if there are factors that may affect safe or timely completion, such as parking limitations, stair-only access, long carries, lift restrictions, or timed building access, you must tell us before the moving date. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in additional charges, delays, rescheduling, or cancellation at our discretion. We may refuse to commence work if we reasonably believe that it cannot be carried out safely, lawfully, or within the agreed resources.
3. Pricing and payments
Prices may be quoted as fixed fees, hourly rates, day rates, or a combination of these, depending on the nature of the removal service. Unless expressly stated otherwise, quotations are based on the information supplied at the time of assessment and may exclude parking fees, congestion-related charges, tolls, waiting time, storage, specialist handling, disposal costs, or additional labour caused by unexpected circumstances. Any estimate is given in good faith, but the final amount payable may change if the scope of work changes or if the actual conditions differ materially from what was described.
Payments are due in accordance with the payment schedule stated in the booking confirmation or invoice. We may require a deposit to secure the date, and the balance may be due before unloading, immediately after completion, or within a specified period after the service, depending on the arrangement agreed. Accepted payment methods will be notified at booking. Late or failed payments may incur reasonable recovery costs, interest where permitted by law, and suspension of future services. All prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT only if this is clearly stated in the quotation or invoice.
If the customer requests additional services on the moving day, such as extra packing materials, extended labour, dismantling not previously agreed, or an additional stop, we may charge for these items separately. We will use reasonable efforts to inform you of likely additional costs before proceeding, but where immediate action is necessary to protect items, complete the job, or maintain safety, we may incur charges that are later added to the final invoice. Payment of undisputed amounts remains due even if a separate issue is raised about another part of the service.
4. Cancellations, postponements, and customer changes
You may cancel or reschedule a booking by giving notice in writing. The amount of any cancellation charge will depend on the timing of the notice, the resources already committed, and any non-recoverable costs incurred on your behalf, such as packing materials ordered specifically for the job, parking permits, or subcontracted support. Where a deposit has been paid, it may be retained wholly or partly to reflect our genuine losses, subject always to applicable law and consumer protection requirements.
If you postpone a booking, we will try to offer an alternative date, but this is subject to availability. Repeated changes, short-notice alterations, or incomplete instructions may affect the original quotation and may result in an amended price. If you are not present on the day or fail to provide access, keys, lift permission, or the necessary authorisations, we may treat this as a cancellation or failed attendance and charge accordingly. We are not liable for losses caused by your failure to make the premises and items ready for the agreed service time.
We may cancel or suspend the service if there are safety concerns, unlawful circumstances, abusive behaviour, non-payment, or other material breaches of these terms. If we cancel for reasons within our control, we will provide a refund of any sums paid for services not yet supplied, subject to deductions for work already carried out and costs properly incurred. Force majeure events, including severe weather, traffic disruption, industrial action, accidents, fire, flood, or other events beyond reasonable control, may also require postponement or cancellation without liability for indirect losses.
5. Customer responsibilities
You are responsible for ensuring that all goods are adequately packed unless packing has been explicitly included in the booked service. Fragile, valuable, sentimental, and high-risk items should be identified in advance. Unless we agree otherwise in writing, the customer should arrange separate insurance for items of exceptional value, cash, jewellery, important documents, antiques, collectables, or irreplaceable items. Items left in drawers, cupboards, appliances, lofts, garages, sheds, or hidden spaces should be declared so that they can be properly included in the move.
You must ensure that appliances are disconnected safely, pets are secured, children are supervised, and pathways are clear. It is your duty to inform us of any hazardous, restricted, or heavy items, including gas cylinders, chemicals, paint, batteries, fuel, asbestos-related materials, or items requiring special permits or handling. If prohibited or unsafe items are presented for transport without prior agreement, we may refuse them, separate them from the load, or require their removal at your cost. We are entitled to rely on your statements about what is to be moved.
Where keys, codes, permits, or access instructions are needed, you must provide accurate details in good time. Any delay caused by missing information may be charged at our applicable waiting rate or may require a revised schedule. If the delivery address is not ready to receive the goods, we may place items in a safe location, store them temporarily at your risk and cost if agreed, or return at a later time subject to further charges. The customer remains responsible for ensuring that the destination is prepared to accept the delivery.
6. Liability, risk, and insurance
We will take reasonable care in handling your belongings and property. However, removals involve practical risks, and some minor scuffs, wear, or damage may occur even when reasonable care is taken. Our liability for loss or damage is limited to direct loss arising from our proven negligence or breach of contract, and only to the extent permitted by law. We are not responsible for indirect, consequential, or economic losses such as loss of profit, missed deadlines, business interruption, or emotional distress, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
If you believe an item has been damaged or lost, you must notify us as soon as reasonably possible and, in any event, within a reasonable period after delivery or discovery. You should retain the item and packaging if possible and provide reasonable evidence, such as photographs or descriptions, to support the claim. Claims may be reduced or rejected where items were inadequately packed, previously damaged, improperly labelled, or moved contrary to instructions. Any claim must be assessed in good faith and in line with the evidence available.
Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded. Where we provide materials, packing, or dismantling/reassembly assistance, we will exercise reasonable skill and care, but we do not guarantee that third-party furniture, appliances, or fittings will be suitable for reassembly unless expressly agreed. You are responsible for telling us about items that are unstable, defective, or likely to fail when moved.
7. Waste regulations and disposal
If the service includes the removal of waste, unwanted items, packaging, or materials for disposal, both parties must comply with applicable UK waste laws and regulations. We will only transport, handle, or dispose of waste where we are authorised and where the arrangement has been clearly agreed in advance. Items intended for disposal must be identified before the job begins, and the customer must not assume that anything left behind will automatically be treated as waste unless this has been expressly confirmed.
Waste must be described accurately. Hazardous waste, electricals, batteries, fridges, freezers, mattresses, paint, oils, chemicals, tyres, and similar regulated items may require separate handling or specialist disposal routes. We may refuse to collect items that are illegal to transport, unsafe to load, contaminated, or likely to breach environmental law. Where we accept waste for disposal, the customer warrants that they have the right to transfer it to us and that it is not subject to any restriction, prohibition, or hidden contamination that would make the transfer unlawful.
If waste transfer documentation, receipts, or duty-of-care records are required, we may prepare or retain them in accordance with legal obligations. The customer must cooperate fully by providing accurate item descriptions and any information needed for compliance. Any cost arising from incorrect description, undeclared hazardous material, fly-tipping risk, or refusal by a disposal facility may be charged to the customer. We reserve the right to recover expenses where non-compliant waste is discovered after collection or where additional handling is needed to remain within the law.
8. Storage, third parties, and subcontracting
If storage is arranged as part of the service, separate terms may apply to storage duration, access, inventory control, insurance, charges, and release procedures. Goods placed in storage may be subject to an inventory count or condition record. If the customer fails to pay charges due, we may retain goods to the extent permitted by law until outstanding sums are settled. Where third-party facilities or contractors are used, we will exercise reasonable care in selecting them, but any separate contractual terms imposed by those third parties may also apply.
We may sub-contract some or all of the service where appropriate. This does not reduce the customer’s obligations under these terms. Any subcontractor acting on our behalf will be expected to follow the same standards of care and conduct, but we remain entitled to manage the service in the most practical and efficient way. If specialist equipment or external access arrangements are required, the customer must disclose this early so that the correct resources can be assigned and the service priced accurately.
9. Complaints and dispute handling
If you are dissatisfied with any part of the service, you should notify us promptly so that the issue can be reviewed and, where possible, resolved quickly. Reasonable evidence may be requested, including photographs, inventory lists, or a description of the circumstances. We ask that you allow us the opportunity to investigate and, where appropriate, to inspect the relevant item or location before remedial action is taken. Any informal attempts to resolve a complaint do not prevent either party from relying on their legal rights.
10. Governing law and jurisdiction
These terms, and any dispute or claim arising from them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction, except where consumer law allows a customer to bring proceedings elsewhere. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that part will be removed or limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
The parties agree that these terms represent the entire agreement relating to the service, subject to any written variation signed or otherwise expressly agreed by both sides. Failure by us to enforce any right at a particular time does not waive that right. Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. References to statutes or regulations include any amendments, re-enactments, or successor legislation applicable in the UK from time to time.
11. Final provisions
By proceeding with a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these conditions. You also confirm that you have authority to instruct the removal service for the relevant premises and goods. If you are booking on behalf of a business, landlord, tenant, or other party, you warrant that you have the necessary authority to do so. These terms are intended to operate fairly and transparently and to support safe, lawful, and efficient removals under a clear contractual arrangement.