1. Booking and Deposits
- A 25% non-refundable deposit of the original quoted price is required to secure your booking and chosen clearance date.
- Dates cannot be reserved until the deposit has been received.
- The remaining balance must be paid in full on the day of the clearance, unless otherwise agreed in writing (e.g., for estate or solicitor-managed jobs payment terms are to be agreed in writing).
2. Payment Terms
- Payment can be made by bank transfer, cash, or an agreed method before or on completion of the clearance.
- If payment is being made from an estate or third party, a payment date must be agreed in writing by both parties prior to the clearance.
- Portsmouth House Clearances reserves the right to withhold removal of items or delay disposal until full payment is received.
3. Cancellations and Rescheduling
- Cancellations made within 7 days of the booked date may result in loss of deposit.
- Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled clearance mean the deposit will not be returned.
- We will always try to accommodate date changes where possible, subject to availability.
4. Quotations and Additional Items
- All quotations are based on the information and photographs taken at the site visit/quotation visit.
- No additional items should be added after the quote without prior agreement.
- Any additional items present on the day that were not included in the original quote will either:
- be left at the property, or
- be removed at an additional cost, agreed on site.
- Photos are taken at the time of quoting for reference and accuracy.
5. Access and Property Conditions
- The customer is responsible for ensuring safe and clear access to the property at the agreed time.
- Parking arrangements should be made or discussed in advance; any parking charges or restrictions will be added to the final invoice.
- If access is delayed or obstructed, additional waiting time may be charged.
6. Hazardous and Restricted Waste
- We do not remove or dispose of hazardous materials, including but not limited to:
- Asbestos
- Gas bottles or cylinders
- Fire extinguishers
- Chemicals, paints, oils, or fuel
- Clinical or biological waste
- If such items are found during a clearance, they will be left on site, and the customer will be advised on how to dispose of them safely.
7. Valuables and Personal Items
- It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that personal or valuable items are removed before the clearance begins.
- Portsmouth House Clearances cannot accept responsibility for any items later found to have been removed unintentionally.
8. Disposal and Recycling
- All waste is disposed of in accordance with UK waste regulations.
- We are a licensed waste carrier and aim to recycle or donate items wherever possible.
- A waste transfer note can be provided upon request.
9. Liability and Damage
- Reasonable care is taken throughout the clearance process; however, Portsmouth House Clearances cannot be held liable for:
- Minor scuffs or marks to walls/floors occurring during normal removal operations
- Any pre-existing damage to the property or items being removed
- Customers must inform staff of any areas requiring special attention before work begins.
10. Weather and Delays
- In the event of extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances (e.g., vehicle breakdown), Portsmouth House Clearances will notify the customer immediately and rearrange the clearance at the earliest opportunity.
11. Photographs and Records
- Photos may be taken before and after clearance for our records, proof of work, or promotional use (with customer consent).
12. Acceptance of Terms
- By paying the deposit or confirming the booking in writing, the customer agrees to these terms and conditions in full.