Equipment hire terms and conditions

1.1We agree to hire to you the equipment listed on the hire document for the period stated, at the charges stated.

1.2Dry hire means equipment supplied without an operator, technician, or supervision. You are solely responsible for its operation, safety, and suitability for your intended use.

1.3We do not warrant that the equipment is fit for any purpose beyond its ordinary function. You are responsible for satisfying yourself that the items ordered meet your requirements.

2.1The hire period begins when the equipment is collected by or delivered to you and ends when it is returned to and checked in at our premises. You are responsible for the equipment throughout this period.

2.2Hire charges are calculated per hire day (a single working day) on the number of chargeable days stated on the hire document, which may be fewer than the number of days in the hire period. Where no number of chargeable days is stated, every day of the hire period is chargeable.

2.3If equipment is not returned by the agreed time, additional hire days are charged at the full daily rate until it is returned, plus any losses we incur where the equipment is committed to another booking.

2.4Quoted prices exclude VAT, which is charged at the prevailing rate.

2.5Unless you hold an approved credit account with us, payment in full is due before the equipment is released. Account customers are invoiced on our standard terms of 30 days from invoice date. We may charge interest and recovery costs on late payment under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

3.1Where you collect and return the equipment, you are responsible for transport in both directions and for the equipment at all times while it is off our premises.

3.2Collection and return take place during our normal working hours at the times agreed. Please contact us in advance if your timings change.

3.3Equipment must be transported securely and protected from impact, moisture, and extremes of temperature, and must not be left unattended in an unsecured vehicle.

3.4On a first hire we require photographic identification and proof of address before releasing equipment. We may also hold card details or take a deposit as security for any hire.

4.1Equipment is supplied clean, complete, and in good working order. You are responsible for checking it and its accessories at collection.

4.2Any shortage, fault, or damage must be reported to us before the equipment leaves our premises, or in any event within four hours of collection. Equipment not reported on is deemed accepted as complete and in good order.

4.3All returned equipment is checked in by us on return. Our record of its condition and completeness, including photographs taken at check-out and check-in, is final in the absence of manifest error. Charges for loss or damage identified at check-in will be invoiced separately.

4.4Equipment must be returned clean, dry, and in the cases supplied. A cleaning charge may apply to equipment returned soiled.

5.1You must ensure the equipment is used only by competent persons, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and in a safe manner.

5.2You must not modify, repair, dismantle, or attempt to service the equipment, or remove or deface any labels, serial numbers, or ownership markings.

5.3You must not use the equipment for any unlawful purpose or in breach of applicable health and safety requirements.

5.4Consumables such as batteries, tape, and media are chargeable at cost unless expressly included.

5.5Equipment is PAT tested and safe on issue. Responsibility for safe use, including risk assessment and any site-specific electrical or rigging requirements, rests with you.

6.1Title in the equipment remains with us at all times; hire confers a right of possession only. Risk passes to you on collection or delivery, whichever applies, and remains with you until the equipment is returned to and checked in at our premises.

6.2You must either insure the equipment for the hire period against loss, theft, and damage for its full new replacement value on a hired-in equipment basis, or take our damage waiver under clause 6.4. We may require evidence of cover before releasing equipment.

6.3Insurance or a damage waiver does not limit your liability under clause 7, except as set out in clause 6.4.

6.4Where offered, our damage waiver is an optional, non-refundable charge shown on the hire document. If taken, your liability for accidental damage to or theft of the equipment is limited to the excess stated on the hire document. It does not cover negligence or misuse, equipment left unattended in a vehicle or unsecured location, theft without forced entry, liquid damage, unauthorised sub-hire, or any incident not reported to us within 24 hours, and it is not a policy of insurance.

7.1You are liable for the cost of repairing any damage to the equipment, and for the full replacement cost of any equipment lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged beyond economic repair, charged new for old at current market price.

7.2Where equipment is lost or unusable, you are also liable for continuing hire charges at the full daily rate until it is repaired or replaced, subject to us using reasonable efforts to source a replacement promptly.

7.3You must notify us immediately of any loss, theft, or damage. Theft must be reported to the police and a crime reference number given to us.

7.4Fair wear and tear consistent with proper use is excepted.

8.1You must not sub-hire, lend, sell, pledge, or otherwise part with possession of the equipment without our prior written consent.

8.2You must keep the equipment free from any charge, lien, or encumbrance and notify us immediately if any third party attempts to take possession of it.

8.3The equipment must not be taken outside the United Kingdom without our prior written consent.

9.1Cancellation more than seven days before the hire start date: no charge.

9.2Cancellation between seven days and 24 hours before the hire start date: 50 per cent of the hire charge.

9.3Cancellation within 24 hours of the hire start date, or failure to collect: 100 per cent of the hire charge.

9.4Costs we have already incurred on your behalf, including cross-hire and carriage, remain payable in full whenever notice is given.

10.1Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud, or for any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

10.2Subject to clause 10.1, we are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, revenue, business, contract, data, or recorded material, or wasted expenditure, arising from any failure or malfunction of the equipment.

10.3Subject to clause 10.1, our total liability in connection with any hire is limited to the hire charges paid for that hire.

10.4Where equipment fails through no fault of yours during the hire, our obligation is limited, at our option, to replacing the item where practicable or refunding the hire charge for that item.

10.5We are not liable for any failure or delay caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

11.1We may terminate the hire and repossess the equipment immediately and without notice if you breach these terms, fail to pay any sum when due, become insolvent, or we reasonably believe the equipment is at risk.

11.2You grant us and our agents the right to enter any premises where the equipment is, or is reasonably believed to be, to recover it.

12.1These terms and the hire document form the entire agreement between us and supersede any prior discussions or representations.

12.2No variation is effective unless agreed in writing by us.

12.3If any provision is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

12.4A person who is not a party to this agreement has no rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

12.5These terms and any dispute arising from them are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of its courts.