hire terms & conditions
important notice
these terms govern all tool hire transactions on our platform. by using our service, both tool owners and hirers agree to these terms. last updated: january 2025. we recommend reading these terms in full before listing or hiring any equipment.
1. definitions
- "platform" - UK Tool Hire website and services
- "owner" - person or business listing tools for hire
- "hirer" - person or business hiring tools
- "tool" - any equipment, machinery, or apparatus listed for hire
- "hire period" - agreed duration from collection to return
- "security deposit" - refundable amount held against damage or loss
2. eligibility & registration
2.1 age requirements
- all users must be 18 years or older
- proof of age may be required for certain equipment
- some tools require specific licenses or certifications (e.g., CSCS card, PAT testing certificate)
2.2 account verification
- valid photo ID required (driving license, passport)
- proof of address (utility bill, bank statement within 3 months)
- payment method verification
- business users must provide company registration documents
2.3 account responsibilities
- you are responsible for maintaining account security
- you must not share login credentials
- you must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
- you are liable for all activity under your account
3. tool owner responsibilities
3.1 tool condition & safety
- all tools must be in safe, working condition
- electrical equipment must have valid PAT testing (within 12 months)
- lifting equipment must have LOLER certification where applicable
- all safety guards and features must be present and functional
- tools must comply with UK health & safety regulations
3.2 accurate listings
- descriptions must be accurate and complete
- photos must show actual condition (not stock images)
- any defects or limitations must be clearly stated
- age and usage history should be disclosed
- included accessories must be listed
3.3 availability & communication
- keep availability calendar up to date
- respond to booking requests within 4 hours
- provide clear collection/delivery instructions
- be available during agreed collection times
- notify hirers immediately of any issues
3.4 liability protection
- owners should consider appropriate liability protection
- tools valued over £1,000 should have appropriate cover
- owners remain responsible for tool maintenance
4. hirer responsibilities
4.1 competence & training
- hirers must be competent to use the hired equipment
- required certifications must be provided before collection
- if unsure, request training or demonstration from owner
- never use equipment beyond your skill level
4.2 proper use
- use tools only for their intended purpose
- follow manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines
- do not modify or alter equipment
- use appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment)
- do not use tools under influence of alcohol or drugs
4.3 care & maintenance during hire
- keep tools clean and in good condition
- store securely when not in use
- protect from weather and theft
- perform basic maintenance (e.g., refueling, cleaning filters)
- report any faults or damage immediately
4.4 prohibited uses
- no sub-letting or lending to third parties
- no commercial use unless agreed
- no use outside UK without permission
- no illegal activities
- no use in hazardous environments without proper certification
5. booking & payment
5.1 booking process
- bookings are confirmed when owner accepts request
- payment is taken immediately upon confirmation
- security deposit is held separately and refunded after inspection
- booking confirmation includes collection details and terms
5.2 pricing
- prices shown include VAT where applicable
- platform fee: 15% of hire price (paid by owner)
- payment processing fee: 2.5% (paid by hirer)
- delivery charges are additional if applicable
- fuel/consumables may be charged separately
5.3 security deposits
- deposits range from £50 to £2,000 depending on tool value
- held for up to 7 days after return for inspection
- refunded in full if tool returned in same condition
- deductions made for damage, cleaning, or late return
- disputes handled through our resolution process
5.4 payment methods
- credit/debit cards accepted
- business accounts can use invoice payment (approved accounts only)
- payment must clear before collection
- refunds processed within 5-10 working days
6. collection & return
6.1 collection procedure
- bring photo ID and booking confirmation
- inspect tool thoroughly before accepting
- take photos/video of condition
- test tool operation if possible
- confirm all accessories and manuals included
- sign collection checklist
6.2 return procedure
- return by agreed time on final day
- clean tool to reasonable standard
- refuel if applicable (or pay refueling charge)
- return all accessories and manuals
- joint inspection with owner recommended
- sign return checklist
6.3 late returns
- grace period: 1 hour (no charge)
- 1-4 hours late: 25% of daily rate
- 4-24 hours late: 100% of daily rate
- over 24 hours: full daily rate per day
- contact owner immediately if delayed
- extensions must be agreed in advance
7. damage, loss & liability
7.1 hirer liability
- hirer is responsible for tool during hire period
- liable for damage beyond normal wear and tear
- liable for loss or theft
- must report incidents within 24 hours
- police report required for theft
7.2 damage assessment
- owner inspects tool within 48 hours of return
- photos/evidence of damage must be provided
- repair quotes from qualified professionals
- hirer has right to dispute assessment
- platform mediates disputes
7.3 damage protection
- security deposits protect against damage
- hirers liable for damage beyond normal wear and tear
- owners and hirers should consider appropriate protection
- see help page for damage resolution process
7.4 personal injury
- platform not liable for injuries during use
- hirers should consider appropriate protection
- report all accidents immediately
- HSE reporting requirements apply for serious incidents
8. cancellations & refunds
8.1 hirer cancellations
- more than 48 hours before: full refund minus 5% admin fee
- 24-48 hours before: 50% refund
- less than 24 hours: no refund
- no-show: no refund, owner may claim compensation
8.2 owner cancellations
- full refund to hirer
- owner may face penalties for repeated cancellations
- platform may assist finding alternative tool
- compensation may be due if cancellation causes loss
8.3 weather & force majeure
- severe weather: negotiable cancellation/postponement
- force majeure events: full refund, no penalties
- government restrictions: full refund
9. disputes & resolution
9.1 dispute process
- attempt to resolve directly with other party first
- if unresolved, contact our disputes team within 7 days
- provide evidence (photos, messages, receipts)
- we mediate and make binding decision within 48 hours
- decision based on evidence and terms
9.2 common disputes
- damage claims: requires photo evidence and repair quotes
- cleaning fees: must be reasonable and evidenced
- late returns: timestamp evidence required
- tool condition: collection checklist is key evidence
9.3 escalation
- if unhappy with decision, request senior review
- legal action is last resort
- UK law and jurisdiction applies
10. platform rules & conduct
10.1 prohibited activities
- no off-platform transactions (to avoid fees)
- no fake reviews or ratings manipulation
- no harassment or abusive behavior
- no fraudulent listings or bookings
- no spam or unsolicited marketing
10.2 account suspension/termination
- we may suspend accounts for terms violations
- serious violations result in permanent ban
- fraudulent activity reported to authorities
- outstanding payments must be settled
10.3 reviews & ratings
- reviews must be honest and based on actual experience
- no offensive language or personal attacks
- both parties can review after hire period
- reviews visible after both parties submit or 14 days
11. data & privacy
- we process data in accordance with UK GDPR
- see our privacy policy for full details
- we share necessary information between owners and hirers
- payment data handled by PCI-compliant processors
- you can request data deletion (subject to legal requirements)
12. limitation of liability
- platform acts as intermediary only
- we do not own or control listed tools
- we are not liable for tool condition or fitness for purpose
- we are not liable for injuries or property damage during use
- our liability limited to platform fees paid
- nothing excludes liability for death/injury caused by negligence
13. changes to terms
- we may update these terms from time to time
- users notified of significant changes via email
- continued use constitutes acceptance of new terms
- previous version available on request
14. contact & complaints
for questions about these terms:
email: legal@toolhireuk.co.uk
phone: 0800 123 4567
for complaints:
email: complaints@toolhireuk.co.uk
we aim to resolve complaints within 14 days.
these terms were last updated: january 2025
by using our platform, you agree to these terms in full. if you do not agree, please do not use our service. these terms are governed by the laws of england and wales.