Hernehill Storage Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Hernehill Storage provides self-storage and related storage services to customers in the United Kingdom. By making a booking, accessing a storage unit, or using any associated services, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before entering into a storage agreement. The purpose of these terms is to define the rights and responsibilities of both the customer and the storage provider in a clear, fair, and practical way.

Throughout this document, references to storage services, self-storage, or Hernehill Storage refer to the storage arrangement entered into by the customer for the use of a unit or space provided by the company. These terms apply whether the customer is an individual, sole trader, partnership, or company. Where a variation is agreed in writing, that variation will only apply to the extent stated and will not affect the remainder of these terms.

Use of the storage facility must always comply with applicable UK law, including laws relating to health and safety, environmental protection, consumer rights, fire safety, and waste management. Customers are responsible for ensuring that goods stored are lawful, safe, properly packaged, and suitable for storage. Nothing in these terms removes or limits any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded under UK law.

1. Booking Process

To begin a booking, the customer must provide accurate information, including their full name, contact details, identification details if requested, and the nature of the goods to be stored. Hernehill Storage may require proof of identity and may refuse or delay a booking if information is incomplete, misleading, or inconsistent with these terms. A booking is not confirmed until the required information has been provided, the booking has been accepted, and any initial payment or deposit has been received.

We may offer online, telephone, or in-person booking methods. Regardless of the method used, the customer must ensure that all information supplied is correct and kept up to date. If the customer is booking on behalf of a business or another person, they confirm that they have authority to do so. The person making the booking will remain responsible for all charges and obligations under the storage agreement unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The customer should review the chosen unit size, access conditions, and any restrictions before confirming the booking. Any estimate of space required is provided for convenience only and is not a guarantee that all goods will fit. Hernehill Storage does not accept responsibility for items that are too large, unsuitable, or improperly packed for the selected unit. The customer is responsible for deciding whether the unit is appropriate for their needs.

2. Payments and Charges

All charges must be paid in accordance with the pricing and billing cycle agreed at the time of booking. Fees may include storage rent, administration charges, deposits, late payment charges, insurance-related charges where applicable, and other lawful sums notified to the customer in advance. Unless otherwise stated, payments are due in advance and must be made by the method(s) accepted by Hernehill Storage. Time for payment is essential.

Where payment is not received on time, Hernehill Storage may apply reasonable late fees, suspend access to the unit, or exercise any other rights available under the storage agreement and applicable law. Continued non-payment may result in action to recover outstanding sums, including the sale or disposal of goods where legally permitted and after the required notices have been given. The customer remains liable for all unpaid charges until the account is settled in full.

Prices may change from time to time. Any change in fees will be notified to the customer in advance in accordance with the agreed notice period, except where an immediate change is required due to a change in law, taxation, or a matter outside our reasonable control. If the customer does not accept a price change, they may end the agreement by giving notice in line with the cancellation provisions below, provided all outstanding sums are paid.

3. Cancellations, Termination, and Access

Customers may cancel a booking before the storage term begins, subject to any cancellation rules disclosed at the time of booking and any non-refundable amounts that have been clearly identified. If the agreement has already started, the customer may terminate it by giving the required notice period and removing all goods by the end of the final day of access. Any charges already incurred up to the termination date remain payable.

Hernehill Storage may terminate or suspend the agreement immediately where the customer breaches these terms, provides false information, stores prohibited items, fails to pay amounts due, behaves dangerously, or creates a risk to people, property, or the facility. In such cases, we may restrict access to the unit and take steps permitted by law to protect the storage premises, other customers, and stored goods. Termination does not remove the customer’s obligation to pay sums already due.

Access to the facility may be subject to opening hours, security procedures, operational requirements, and maintenance or emergency restrictions. Customers must use their access rights responsibly and must not permit entry to unauthorised persons. Any access device, code, key, or pass issued to the customer must be kept secure. The customer is responsible for all activity carried out using their access details unless misuse results from our negligence.

4. Customer Responsibilities

Customers must pack, label, and store their goods properly and ensure that items are protected against damage, deterioration, and contamination. Goods should be stored in a clean, dry, and secure condition. The customer must use suitable packaging and containers for fragile, valuable, or sensitive items. Hernehill Storage is not responsible for loss or damage caused by inadequate packing, unsuitable storage, inherent defects, or the nature of the goods themselves.

Customers must not use the unit for living, sleeping, cooking, running a business activity that is not permitted, or any other use outside the agreed storage purpose. The unit may only contain goods lawfully owned or controlled by the customer. Customers must not store items that are hazardous, illegal, stolen, explosive, toxic, contaminated, perishable, or capable of causing damage, injury, or nuisance. The customer warrants that all goods stored are lawful and safe for storage.

The customer must comply with all reasonable facility rules, including rules regarding loading, unloading, parking, noise, cleanliness, and use of shared areas. Any damage caused by the customer, their agents, contractors, or visitors must be paid for by the customer on demand. If the customer fails to comply with these obligations, Hernehill Storage may take reasonable action to protect the facility and may recover any resulting costs.

5. Waste Regulations and Environmental Compliance

Customers must comply with all waste-related laws and must not leave refuse, packaging, unwanted furniture, electrical goods, liquids, chemicals, or other waste materials in the unit, on the premises, or in any surrounding area unless expressly permitted. Items that are no longer wanted must be removed and disposed of lawfully by the customer. Hernehill Storage is not a waste transfer facility unless specifically stated in writing.

The customer is responsible for ensuring that any items brought onto the premises do not breach environmental rules, hazardous substance rules, or disposal regulations. This includes compliance with laws relating to duty of care for waste, controlled waste, and illegal dumping. If the customer deposits waste unlawfully or leaves material behind after termination, we may arrange removal and disposal at the customer’s cost, and we may report any suspected unlawful activity to the relevant authorities.

Where goods include recyclable materials, batteries, paint, oils, gas cylinders, vehicles, fuel, or similar items, the customer must obtain prior written permission and must follow any specific handling instructions we provide. Any waste or hazardous material stored without permission may be removed immediately where necessary for safety or legal compliance. If costs are incurred in handling, cleaning, or disposing of such items, the customer will be liable for those costs in full.

6. Liability, Insurance, and Risk

The customer stores goods entirely at their own risk, except where loss or damage is caused directly by Hernehill Storage’s proven negligence or breach of contract and where liability is not excluded by law. Customers are strongly advised to maintain adequate insurance for the full replacement value of their goods, including cover for theft, fire, flood, accidental damage, and any other risks relevant to the items stored. Insurance arrangements, if offered, will be subject to separate terms.

Hernehill Storage does not accept liability for indirect loss, loss of profit, loss of business, loss of opportunity, or consequential loss arising from the use of the storage service, except where such exclusion is not permitted by law. We are not liable for deterioration caused by temperature variation, humidity, pests, vermin, mould, inherent vice, or natural characteristics of the goods, unless caused by our unlawful act or omission.

Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under UK law. Where liability is established and cannot be excluded, it will be limited to the direct loss suffered and, where permitted, to the value of the affected goods or the amount paid for the storage service during the relevant period, whichever is lower.

7. Storage Conditions, Inspection, and Safety

Hernehill Storage may inspect a unit where reasonably necessary for safety, emergency response, legal compliance, suspected breach of these terms, or to prevent damage to the premises or other customers’ goods. Except in urgent situations, we will attempt to give reasonable notice before entering a unit, but the customer agrees that immediate access may be required in an emergency or where required by law.

Customers must not interfere with security equipment, fire safety equipment, ventilation systems, or utility installations. They must not obstruct corridors, exits, or shared access routes. Any item that creates a hazard may be moved, secured, or removed by us if reasonably necessary to protect people or property. Costs resulting from the customer’s breach may be recovered from the customer.

Where the customer believes goods have been damaged, lost, or stolen, they must notify Hernehill Storage as soon as reasonably possible and provide details of the circumstances and the items affected. Claims should include relevant supporting evidence where available. Failure to provide prompt notice may affect our ability to investigate, although this does not affect any statutory rights the customer may have.

8. Force Majeure and Service Interruptions

Hernehill Storage will not be responsible for delays or failure to provide access or services caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, fire, flood, power failure, industrial action, public emergency, acts of terrorism, or failures affecting utilities, transport, or communication systems. In such circumstances, we may suspend access, alter opening arrangements, or take other reasonable steps to protect people and property.

Where an interruption continues for a significant period, we will act reasonably and in good faith to minimise inconvenience. Any rental charges that remain payable during a suspension will depend on the nature and duration of the disruption and on applicable law. Customers should understand that temporary interruption of access does not automatically end the storage agreement unless we agree otherwise or legal rights require termination.

We will not be liable for losses caused by force majeure events to the extent the law allows, provided we have taken reasonable steps to reduce the impact. The customer remains responsible for maintaining insurance and for removing particularly sensitive or valuable items if circumstances make continued storage unsuitable.

9. Notices and Variation

Any notice under these terms may be given by email, letter, or another reasonable method that we use for customer communications. Notices sent by the customer must be sent using the contact details provided at the time of booking or any updated details previously notified to us. The customer is responsible for ensuring that their contact information remains accurate and up to date throughout the term of the agreement.

Hernehill Storage may update these terms from time to time to reflect changes in law, operational requirements, or business practices. If a change is material, we will give reasonable advance notice where practical. The version of the terms in force at the time of booking will apply unless a later change is lawfully implemented and communicated. Any variation must be consistent with UK consumer and contract law.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. If the customer is based in Scotland or Northern Ireland, mandatory local consumer protections may still apply where relevant, but the governing law of the agreement remains as stated unless otherwise required by law.

Any dispute arising from the storage agreement shall be subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. Before commencing formal proceedings, the parties should make reasonable efforts to resolve the matter informally and in good faith. This does not prevent either party from seeking urgent injunctive relief or other interim remedies where necessary to protect rights or property.

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it lawful and enforceable, and the remainder of the terms shall continue in full force and effect. These terms represent the entire agreement between the customer and Hernehill Storage concerning the storage service, unless varied in writing.