Terms and Conditions
Definitions
- We, Us, Our: The self-storage business providing the storage services.
- You, Your: The customer entering into this Agreement.
- Agreement: These Terms and Conditions, governing the use of storage units.
- Facility: The premises where the storage unit is located.
- Property, Your Property, Goods: Any goods stored by You in a storage unit allocated at Our Facility.
- Storage Period: The period from the start date until the date of termination.
- Unit: The storage unit allocated for Your use.
- Start Date: The commencement date of the storage period.
- End Date: The date of termination of this Agreement.
- Normal Perils: Physical loss or damage to Goods caused by fire, lightning, explosion, earthquake, aircraft or articles dropped from them, storm, flood, bursting and/or leaking pipes, ingress of water or other liquid substance, moth, insect or vermin, theft accompanied by forcible and violent entry to or exit from the building or the Unit, riot, strike, civil commotion, malicious damage, and impact by vehicles.
- Prompt Payment: Payment of each sum due on the due date or within two working days afterwards; for other sums, payment within seven days of a written demand.
- Access Hours: The hours during which access to the Unit is permitted.
Conditions
1. Licence to Use
- So long as Our Fees are paid up to date, We license You (but no other person) to use the Unit for storing Goods in accordance with this Agreement from the Start Date until the End Date, and to access the Unit during Access Hours only for depositing, removing, substituting, or inspecting Goods and checking the Unit for damage or suitability. Access outside Access Hours or for other purposes is not permitted. We may change Access Hours with reasonable notice or without notice if necessary.
2. Access Control
- Only You and persons authorised in writing or accompanied by You may access the Unit. Such persons are Your agents, and You are responsible and liable for their actions. You may withdraw authorisation in writing, effective upon Our receipt. We may request proof of identity and refuse access if unsatisfactory or if We deem it necessary for safety or security.
3. Security
- You are responsible for providing a secure padlock and ensuring the Unit is locked when not in use. We will not lock any unlocked Unit. You should not leave Your key or permit access to others except Your authorised agents.
4. Our Right to Enter
- We and Our agents/contractors may enter the Unit (breaking the lock if necessary) with 7 days’ notice for inspections, repairs, maintenance, or alterations, or without notice if:
- We reasonably believe the Unit contains prohibited items (Condition 7) or breaches Condition 8.
- Required by Police, Fire Services, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs, Local Authority, government authority, or Court Order.
- In an emergency, to prevent injury/damage, or to access under Conditions 10 or 16.
5. Ownership of Goods
- You warrant that the Goods are Your property or that You have irrevocable authority from the owner to store them under this Agreement. You are liable for any costs, expenses, loss, or damage We incur due to claims from third parties with an interest in the Goods.
6. Refusal of Goods
- We may refuse to permit storage or require removal of Goods if We believe it risks safety or security of the Facility, Unit, or other units.
7. Prohibited Items
- You must not store (nor allow others to store):
- Food or perishable goods unless securely packed to prevent vermin.
- Birds, fish, animals, or living creatures.
- Combustible/flammable materials (e.g., gas, paint, petrol, oil, cleaning solvents).
- Firearms, explosives, weapons, or ammunition.
- Chemicals, radioactive materials, biological agents.
- Toxic waste, asbestos, or dangerous materials.
- Items emitting fumes, smells, or odours.
- Illegal substances, illegally obtained goods, counterfeit goods, illicit tobacco/alcohol, unlicensed medicines, unsafe goods.
- Compressed gases.
- Goods with built-in batteries unless free from defects, not stacked, stored with air circulation, and at the lowest practical charge.
- Any electronic waste or goods with lithium-ion batteries not meeting safety storage guidelines.
- You must comply with all applicable environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations when storing Goods or using the Facility.
8. Prohibited Activities
- You must not (nor allow others to):
- Use the Unit or Facility in a way that is a nuisance to Us, other users, or persons on the Facility.
- Invalidate or increase premiums on any insurance policies.
- Use the Unit as offices, living accommodation, or a business/home address, or use the Facility/Unit address for mail.
- Spray paint or perform mechanical work in the Unit.
- Attach anything to or alter the Unit’s surfaces.
- Allow liquids, substances, smells, odours, noise, or vibrations to escape the Unit.
- Cause damage to the Unit, Facility, or others’ property (You must repair, restore, replace, or reimburse costs).
- Leave obstructions in passageways, stairways, or service areas, and must exercise courtesy and care for safety.
- Leave waste/refuse (You will be charged reasonable disposal costs if non-compliant).
- Connect utilities/services without written authorisation.
9. Your Responsibilities
- You must (and ensure authorised persons do):
- Use reasonable care on the Facility/Unit and protect Our and others’ property.
- Inform Us immediately of any damage or defect to the Unit.
- Comply with Our employees’, agents’, and contractors’ reasonable directions and any further regulations We issue.
- Pay for repairs, cleaning, or making good damage caused by You or Your agents.
- Provide an inventory of Goods if requested.
10. Non-Exclusive Possession and Relocation
- This Agreement does not confer exclusive possession. We may require You to move Goods to another unit (not smaller) with 7 days’ notice for repairs/alterations or due to fire, flood, or other incidents. We will pay Your reasonable, pre-approved removal costs. If You fail to comply, We may move Goods ourselves, acting as Your agent at Your risk (except for willful/negligent damage by Us, limited by Condition 19).
- You may request to upgrade, downsize, or extend the Storage Period with written notice, subject to availability and Our approval. Any change may adjust Our Fees, effective from the next due date, with 30 days’ notice required.
11. Payment of Fees
- You must pay Our Fees for the minimum storage period on signing and for each subsequent period on the due date. All sums become due immediately upon termination.
12. Fee Adjustments
- We may alter Fees with written notice, effective the next billing cycle. You may terminate without charge before the new Fees take effect (Condition 22).
13. Late Payment Fees
- A late payment fee and an administrative charge for bounced payments may apply, as specified by Us.
14. Interest on Overdue Amounts
- Interest may apply to overdue amounts at a rate above the base rate of a nominated bank, calculated from the due date until paid, including post-judgment interest.
15. Deposit
- A refundable deposit is required, refundable after termination (without interest) less deductions for breaches, unpaid fees, removal charges, or repair/cleaning costs to restore the Unit/Facility to its original condition.
16. Lien and Disposal Rights
- If any sum is overdue, We may hold Goods until paid, charge ongoing Fees, refuse access, install a new lock, move Goods, or dispose of them. We may sell Goods after one month’s written notice if the debt remains unpaid, using proceeds to cover costs and the debt, holding any balance for You. Unsellable Goods may be destroyed at Your cost.
17. Suitability of Unit
- You must ensure the Unit is suitable for Your Goods. We do not warrant suitability and recommend inspection before and during storage.
18. Insurance
- Storage is at Your sole risk. You must insure Goods against Normal Perils for their full replacement value, maintaining coverage throughout. If insured under Our optional policy, We will maintain coverage per a Summary of Insurance document, but You are responsible for ensuring the value is adequate. We exclude liability for advice on insurance suitability.
19. Our Liability
- We exclude liability for business losses, consequential loss, lost profits, or business interruption, and for loss/damage to Goods from Normal Perils (including negligence) beyond a standard excess amount, as specified in Our insurance documentation provided to You. We do not exclude liability for physical injury or death due to Our negligence or willful default.
20. Your Liability
- You will compensate Us for all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses arising from Your use of the Unit/Facility, or breaches by You, Your employees, agents, or any persons You invite or allow access, whether authorised or not.
21. Force Majeure
- We are not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond Our control (e.g., Act of God, riot, strike, fire, flood, terrorism, power failure). Access may be restricted during such events.
22. Termination
- Either party may terminate with 30 days’ written notice ending on a due date. Immediate termination applies if:
- We breach and fail to remedy within 14 days of Your notice.
- You breach and fail to remedy within 14 days of Our notice.
23. End of Agreement
- On the End Date, You must remove all Goods, leave the Unit clean and in its original condition, and remove rubbish. Failure incurs cleaning/disposal costs. Remaining Goods may be treated as abandoned and disposed of per Condition 16.
24. Outstanding Rights
- Termination does not affect outstanding rights or duties, including Our right to recover money owed.
25. Dispute Resolution
- Before court proceedings (except emergencies), notify the other party in writing. Attempt informal conciliation within 20 business days, then use an Alternative Dispute Resolution procedure within 90 days if unresolved.
26. Variation
- We may modify terms with written notice. Continued use after notification implies acceptance. You may terminate without charge before changes take effect (Condition 22).
27. Assignment
- This Agreement is personal to You. You may not assign rights or part with possession of the Unit/Goods.
28. Third Parties
- No third-party rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
29. Governing Law
- Governed by English law, with disputes decided by English/Welsh Courts unless You request local UK law/jurisdiction.
30. No Lease or Bailment
- This Agreement does not create a lease or tenancy or constitute Us as bailees.
31. Joint Obligations
- If You are multiple persons, obligations apply to each separately.
32. Notices
- Notices must be in writing, delivered by hand or pre-paid post, or by email to the Site Manager’s email address listed in the customer portal. Served at delivery or 48 hours after posting to the address provided or notified alternative.
33. Data Protection
- We process Your data per applicable data protection laws (including GDPR) for Agreement purposes, payments, communication, and account maintenance. We retain Your data for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes or as required by law, and You may request deletion (subject to legal obligations) by contacting Us. A small charge may apply for data copies. We may share with credit/fraud prevention agencies, insurers, or buyers if We sell assets.
34. Business Rates and Insurance
- You are liable for business rates and insurance. Contact the relevant rate office for details.
35. Tariff Commitment
- Quarterly/yearly tariffs are binding with no early refunds.
36. Introductory Discount
- Available to new customers only, one unit per customer. Previous renters are ineligible; We may verify eligibility.
37. Customer Charter
- Our Commitment: We provide safe, secure storage with CCTV, controlled access, instant unit access, daily availability, no hidden fees, competitive pricing, flexible payments, clean units, quick responses, and flexible contracts.
- Your Responsibilities: Ensure compliance with these terms, follow Facility rules to keep communal areas clean and safe, and inform Us of any issues.
38. Waiver of Rights
- If We do not exercise or enforce any right against You at a particular time, this does not prevent Us from doing so later unless We waive it in writing.
4. Our Right to Enter