Terms and conditions

Provision of services

If the client appoints an instructing principle as their representative to commission Toogood Inventories for any type of service, it is the responsibility of the instructing principle and not that of Toogood Inventories to make the client aware of these terms and conditions of business. Toogood Inventories do not accept or recognize a plea of ignorance by either the instructing principal or that of the client.

When the instructing principal makes a booking on our system and we are to meet a tenant, Landlord or representative at a property, the system will generate an automatic email which advises the identity of the clerk and their contact details. It is the instructing principles responsibility to ensure that all parties are made aware of any changes/delays as soon as possible to avoid any issues at the appointed day and time.

Our clerks always aim to arrive at the appointed time but occasionally this may not be possible due to unforeseen circumstances out of our control. If the agent, landlord or tenant is more than 15 minutes late, our clerk will leave the property and go on to another booking or return to the office. In this case the instructing client may be charged for an aborted call.

Services

The inventory is prepared by Toogood Inventories as an information guide to help both the Landlord and the Tenant. Unless otherwise stated it is accepted that a listed items are in good condition and free from any obvious defects or damage, however, it is the responsibility of the Tenant or their representative to agree the accuracy of the entire report. Any discrepancies regarding the accuracy of the report should be brought to the attention of Toogood Inventories within seven days of receipt of report e-mail otherwise it is accepted the report is accurate.

Inspections and photographs included in the report may be hindered in instances of poor light or where cleaning levels are below standard. Toogood Inventories take no responsibility for any errors or omissions in such circumstances.

The Inventory Clerk is neither an expert in fabrics, woods, antiques, etc nor a qualified surveyor. The inventory in no way constitutes a valuation or statement of authenticity. The inventory should not be used as an accurate description of each and every piece of furniture and equipment. No attempt will be made to identify items by its original manufacturer or the period in which it was produced, the inventory clerk will only describe an item as it is seen and will not state if it is antique, designer, modern etc. If items are brand new and are to be stated as being brand new Toogood Inventories must be informed prior to the compilation of the inventory and check-in.

All parties should be aware that the inventory is no guarantee of, or report, on the adequacy of, or safety of any equipment or contents. It is merely a record that such exist in the property as at the date of the inventory was compiled and the superficial condition of same.

The Fire and Safety Regulations regarding furnishings, gas, electrical and similar services are ultimately the responsibility of the Instructing Principal. Where the inventory notes "FFR label seen" this should not be interpreted to mean that the item complies with the "Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendments) 1993". It is a record that the item has a label as described or similar to that detailed in the "Guide" published by the Department of Trade and Industry March 1996 (or subsequent date), attached at the time of the inventory was compiled. It is not a statement that the item can be considered to comply with the Regulations.

The Inventory Clerk is not an electrician or gas engineer and is therefore not qualified to test or report on the safety or working condition of any appliance other than general visual condition. Electrical appliances, boilers, gas fires, water supply, alarms and radiators are not tested. We will state that such an item exists at the property and its current condition.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, if easily accessible, will be tested by the clerk, this will be for power supply and response to a controlled smoke test only and recorded on the inventory as 'sound emitted' or 'power light seen', this should not be interpreted to mean that these items are fully working and that the property complies with the 2015 regulations. Toogood Inventories will take no responsibility for damage or mal-function during the testing of such alarms. Smoke tests will only be completed where an alarm can be reached to turn off after response. It is the responsibility of the landlord/managing agent to ensure that the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms comply with the 2015 regulations.

It is the responsibility of the Agent/Landlord to ensure that the property and all contents and furnishings are safe, suitable for the intended purpose and comply with all relevant legislation (including Health and Safety). Toogood inventories do not undertake any of these responsibilities when commenting upon any such area.

The Inventory Clerk cannot undertake to move furniture or unpack items and will not make searches in locations such as lofts, eaves storage, confined enclosed spaces, cellars, locked rooms and high level cupboards. We reserve the right not to handle or move any items deemed unsuitable for further inspection. Toogood Inventories will not undertake to lift mattresses and inspect the undersides of them and therefore cannot take responsibility for any damage missed.

It is not normal practice to include in detail any numbers and titles of books, plants, paintings or pictures, consumable items, paints, bedding, linen and towels, decorating items and small garden tools and equipment found in garages and sheds. The attending Inventory Clerk will make every possible endeavour to record all utility meter readings at Check-In and Checkout, however, it is not always possible to locate or access the correct meters (especially in communal blocks). It remains the responsibility of the Agent/Landlord to furnish the Inventory Clerk with the correct access keys where required (for example communal meter cupboards), exact location and serial numbers of meters that are not clearly marked with the house/flat number and the existence and location of water meters where applicable. Toogood Inventories cannot be held accountable for any discrepancies. Should meters not be located or accessible then no readings will be taken and we cannot be held responsible for this.

Mid Term Inspections will be undertaken to advise the landlord or letting agent of how the tenant is looking after the property. The report will reflect the condition found on the day of the inspection but will not necessarily correlate with the condition found on the termination of the tenancy.

Where Toogood Inventories are instructed to undertake a checkout report based upon an inventory not carried out by us, no responsibility will be accepted if the quality of that report is not of our standard. If items are not described fully or omitted entirely, any defects or cleaning issues will be noted but no responsibility will be apportioned to the outgoing tenant.

On termination of the tenancy the check-in and/or inventory report is used to establish any discrepancies and/or variations. The checkout report will indicate, in the opinion of Toogood Inventories representative, as to whether there is any liability to the tenant, or whether such deterioration could be assessed as fair wear and tear. Fair wear and tear is determined by the length of the tenancy, the type of occupancy, the quality and durability of items, noting that certain items/areas will receive more use. Toogood Inventories acknowledges that the contractual terms listed in the tenancy agreement may overrule the opinion of the assessor.

Toogood Inventories does not accept the responsibility of any dilapidations and/or remuneration for any such dilapidations noted or not noted on the report.

Payment conditions

On completion of a report a link will be emailed enabling the recipient to download a copy within 48 hours of the visit to the property, whenever possible. If you require a report to returned earlier than this, please advise us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Toogood Inventories are unable to forward reports to anyone other than the instructing party. If a printed report is required an additional charge will be invoiced for printing and postage. Prices vary according to the type of report required, the contents, and size of the property. Prices for a 'furnished' property, means that the property has what we consider to be a typical amount of furniture for a rental property. Any 'over furnished' properties may incur a higher charge.

Invoices will be raised and emailed at the same time the report is dispatched. It is the responsibility of the instructing party to settle payment for any reports or charges incurred, irrespective of receipt of client funds. If you are a private client, we may require you to settle the invoice for the booking prior to the booking being completed and the report being released. Payment is required by direct bank transfer to the account number detailed within then invoice. All invoices must be payed within 7 days of receipt (the date the invoice email is sent).

For clients who pay via monthly statements, payment in full is required by bank transfer within 7 days of receipt (the date the statement email is sent).

Failure to make prompt and accurate payment may result in a 'Late Payment Charge' being levied on the clients account of £10.00 or 10%, whichever is the greater amount, every 7 day period that the account remains overdue. Toogood Inventories reserves the right to withhold any documentation not fully paid for by the instructing party. Where the instructing party is in arrears Toogood Inventories may withhold such documentation or reports it deems fit, until such arrears are settled in full.

If you have a complaint, you should send this by email as soon as possible after the date of the report to info@toogoodinventoires.co.uk Your complaint will be fully examined and responded to within two weeks of receipt.