Finchley Removals Service Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Finchley Removals provides household and commercial removal, packing, storage and related services. By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming your booking.

1. Definitions

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

Company refers to Finchley Removals, the provider of removal and associated services.

Customer refers to the person, firm or organisation requesting or receiving the services from the Company.

Services refers to any removal, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, transportation, storage, disposal or related services carried out by the Company for the Customer.

Goods refers to the items, belongings, furniture, equipment and any other property that are the subject of the removal, transportation, storage or related services.

Contract refers to the agreement between the Company and the Customer for the provision of services, comprising these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation issued by the Company.

2. Scope of Services

The Company provides household and business removal services, including packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, local and regional transport, and short term storage. All services are subject to availability and to these Terms and Conditions.

The Company will carry out the services with reasonable care and skill and will take reasonable steps to complete the move within the estimated time frame. However, time is not of the essence in relation to the performance of the services unless expressly agreed in writing.

The Company reserves the right to use such route and such method of transport as it considers appropriate and may use sub contractors to perform all or part of the services. Where sub contractors are used, the Company remains responsible to the Customer for the proper performance of the Contract.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Quotation

Quotations are based on the information provided by the Customer, including property access, parking arrangements, number and type of items, special handling requirements, and any time restrictions. Quotations are normally provided free of charge and are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, unless stated otherwise.

The Company reserves the right to amend or withdraw a quotation where the information provided by the Customer is incomplete, inaccurate or has changed, or where a site visit identifies additional work, access issues or other factors affecting the cost or feasibility of the services.

3.2 Acceptance of Booking

A booking is only confirmed when the Customer has accepted the quotation, agreed to these Terms and Conditions, and paid any required deposit. Verbal or provisional bookings do not create a binding contract.

The Customer is responsible for checking the quotation and confirmation details to ensure that all addresses, dates, times and services are correct. Any discrepancies must be notified to the Company as soon as possible.

3.3 Changes to Booking

Any request by the Customer to alter the date, time, addresses, or scope of services must be made as early as possible. The Company will use reasonable efforts to accommodate such changes but cannot guarantee availability. Changes may result in an amended quotation and additional charges.

4. Customer Responsibilities

The Customer agrees to:

Provide accurate information regarding the nature, volume and value of the goods and any items requiring special handling, such as pianos, safes or fragile antiques.

Ensure that the properties at collection and delivery addresses are accessible, safe and ready for the services to be carried out, including clear hallways, staircases and entrances.

Arrange appropriate parking at both collection and delivery points, and obtain any required permits or permissions, paying any related charges.

Be present or represented by an authorised adult during collection and delivery to provide access, instructions and approval of completed work.

Ensure that all goods are properly packed and secured unless the Company has been specifically engaged to provide packing services.

Remove or safeguard cash, jewellery, important documents and other valuables before the services commence, as these should not be included in the goods being moved.

The Customer warrants that they are the owner of the goods or have full authority from the owner to enter into the Contract and to authorise the Company to perform the services in relation to those goods.

5. Excluded and Hazardous Items

The Company will not carry or store the following items, and the Customer agrees not to present such items for removal, transport or storage.

Explosives, ammunition, firearms, weapons, flammable liquids or gases, chemicals or other hazardous or toxic materials.

Perishable goods, live animals, plants that are easily damaged in transit, or items requiring special temperature or environmental conditions.

Illegal goods or substances, or any items whose possession or transport would contravene local or national law.

Valuables such as cash, bonds, jewellery, precious metals, important documents, artwork of exceptional value, or irreplaceable items that exceed normal household value.

If such items are moved or stored without the Companys knowledge, the Company will have no liability for loss or damage and may arrange for their removal, disposal or storage at the Customers expense.

6. Payments and Charges

6.1 Pricing

Unless otherwise agreed, prices are based on the volume of goods, labour involved, distance, access conditions and any additional services requested. All charges are quoted exclusive of any applicable taxes or statutory charges, which will be added where required by law.

6.2 Deposits and Balance Payments

The Company may require a deposit to secure the booking. The deposit amount and payment due dates will be stated in the quotation or booking confirmation. The remaining balance is normally payable before or on the day of the move, prior to the commencement of the services, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Payment must be made by a method accepted by the Company. The Company reserves the right to refuse to commence or continue the services if payment is not received in accordance with the agreed terms.

6.3 Late or Non Payment

If the Customer fails to make any payment when due, the Company may charge interest on the overdue amount at a reasonable commercial rate from the due date until payment is received in full. The Company may also suspend or cancel any further services.

Any additional costs incurred as a result of late or non payment, including storage charges, re delivery, or legal or debt recovery costs, may be charged to the Customer.

7. Cancellations and Postponements

7.1 Cancellation by the Customer

If the Customer wishes to cancel or postpone the services, the Customer must notify the Company as soon as possible. Cancellation charges may apply as follows, unless otherwise stated in the quotation or confirmation.

Where more than 7 days notice is given, any deposit paid may be refunded or applied to a future booking, at the Companys discretion.

Where between 2 and 7 days notice is given, the Company may retain some or all of the deposit and may charge a reasonable cancellation fee to cover lost bookings and administrative costs.

Where less than 48 hours notice is given, the Company reserves the right to charge up to 75 percent of the quoted price.

Where cancellation is made on the scheduled moving day or the Customer fails to provide access or otherwise prevents the services from being carried out, the Company may charge up to 100 percent of the quoted price.

7.2 Cancellation by the Company

The Company may cancel the Contract or any part of the services by providing reasonable notice to the Customer where:

The Customer has failed to pay amounts due or to comply with material obligations under these Terms and Conditions.

Carrying out the services would put staff, contractors or the public at risk of injury or damage due to unsafe conditions, hazardous materials or unlawful activity.

External events beyond the Companys reasonable control, such as severe weather, road closures, accidents or strikes, prevent the services from being carried out as planned.

Where the Company cancels for reasons other than the Customers breach or unsafe conditions created by the Customer, any deposits paid for unused services will be refunded. This refund will constitute the Companys sole liability for such cancellation.

8. Delay and Events Beyond Control

The Company will not be liable for any delay in the performance of the services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control. Such circumstances may include, without limitation, traffic, road works, accidents, vehicle breakdowns, extreme weather, strikes, public events, police or security operations, or the actions or omissions of third parties.

If a delay significantly affects the timing of the services, the Company will take reasonable steps to keep the Customer informed and to complete the services as soon as reasonably practicable. Additional waiting time or extended labour arising from such events may be charged at the Companys standard rates.

9. Liability for Loss or Damage

9.1 Duty of Care

The Company will take reasonable care of the goods while they are in its custody and control. However, the Customer accepts that removals inherently involve a degree of risk of loss or damage.

9.2 Limitations of Liability

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Companys total liability for loss of or damage to goods, however arising, shall be limited to a reasonable sum based on the value of the affected items, subject to an overall monetary cap for each move or storage contract.

The Company shall not be liable for:

Loss or damage arising from the Customers failure to pack items properly when packing is carried out by the Customer.

Minor cosmetic damage, including scratches, scuffs or dents that are commensurate with normal handling and transport.

Damage to items made from brittle or weak materials, or that are inherently defective or in poor condition.

Loss or damage to valuables, prohibited or excluded items, or items not properly declared to the Company.

Indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profits, loss of business, loss of opportunity, or emotional distress.

9.3 Damage to Property

The Company will take reasonable care to avoid damage to property such as floors, walls, door frames and staircases during the performance of the services. The Customer is responsible for arranging any protective coverings or measures they deem necessary. The Companys liability for damage to property is limited to the reasonably foreseeable direct loss and shall not exceed a reasonable monetary amount based on the nature and extent of the damage.

10. Claims and Complaints

Any loss, damage or dissatisfaction with the services should be reported to the Company as soon as reasonably possible, and in any event within 7 days of completion of the services or discovery of the issue.

The Customer should provide details of the items affected, the nature of the damage or loss, and any relevant supporting information. The Company will investigate the complaint and may request to inspect the items or property before any repairs, replacement or disposal is undertaken.

Failure to notify the Company within the stated period may prejudice the Companys ability to properly investigate and settle the claim and may reduce or extinguish any liability.

11. Insurance

The Company maintains insurance appropriate to its business operations. However, the Customer remains responsible for ensuring that they have adequate insurance cover in place for the full value of their goods and property, including during transit and temporary storage.

Upon request, the Company may provide general information about insurance options, but it is the Customers responsibility to arrange additional cover if required.

12. Waste, Disposal and Environmental Regulations

Where the Customer requests the removal and disposal of unwanted items, the Company will carry out such services in accordance with applicable waste and environmental regulations.

The Customer confirms that they have the right to dispose of the items and that the items do not contain hazardous or prohibited materials. Additional charges may apply for waste collection, disposal fees, or handling of bulky or difficult items.

The Company reserves the right to refuse collection or disposal of items that are unsafe, non compliant with regulations, or impractical to remove. The Company will dispose of waste only at authorised facilities and will not be responsible for any items mistakenly included in waste unless clearly identified by the Customer prior to removal.

13. Access, Parking and Permits

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that suitable access is available for the Companys vehicles at both collection and delivery locations, including clear roads, driveways and access routes.

The Customer must arrange and pay for any parking permits, dispensations or special access permissions required by local authorities or property managers. Any parking fines, penalties or towing charges incurred due to insufficient or incorrect permissions may be charged to the Customer.

Where access is restricted or unsuitable, resulting in extended carrying distances, use of additional staff, shuttle vehicles, or other measures, the Company may apply additional charges.

14. Storage Services

Where the Company provides storage, goods will be stored at a facility chosen by the Company. Storage is provided on a weekly or monthly basis, and charges are due in advance unless otherwise agreed.

The Customer must keep their contact details up to date and pay storage fees on time. If storage fees remain unpaid for a specified period, the Company may exercise a lien over the goods and, after giving notice, may sell or dispose of some or all of the goods to recover unpaid charges and reasonable costs. Any surplus funds remaining after costs will be held for the Customer.

15. Lien and Right of Retention

The Company shall have a lien over the goods and any property in its possession for all sums due under the Contract or any other contract with the Customer. Where amounts remain unpaid, the Company may retain goods and, after giving reasonable notice, may sell or dispose of them to recover outstanding charges and associated costs.

16. Data Protection and Privacy

The Company will collect and process personal data provided by the Customer for the purposes of administering bookings, providing services, handling payments, and complying with legal obligations.

The Company will take reasonable steps to keep personal data secure and will not sell or disclose personal data to third parties except where necessary to perform the services, to comply with legal or regulatory requirements, or with the Customers consent.

17. Variation of Terms

The Company may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of the booking will apply to that Contract unless a varied version is expressly agreed in writing by both parties.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be interpreted in a way that most closely reflects the original intent, or if that is not possible, it shall be deemed deleted. The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

19. 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.