Terms and Conditions

INTERPRETATIONS
1. Definitions
1.1. In these Terms of Business, the following definitions apply:
“The Company, we, us, and our” – means Hightech Cleaning & Maintenance Ltd, 70 chestnut avenue, Walderslade, chatham, ME5 9BD.
“Cleaner” means any cleaning operative working for the company or firm carrying out cleaning services on behalf of the Company.
“You” or “Client” – means a person, body or agent who is a beneficiary of the services being provided. A person or body acting as an agent are also deemed as clients.
“Service” – means the cleaning services provided by the Company to the client for an amount of money for a specified amount of time.
“Additional Service” – Means any other cleaning works which is requested either before, or during the cleaning task or after it is completed with the approval of the company.
“Cash-In-Hand” – Means any payment made by cash, either, British Sterling currency, or any other means of payment given by hand as payment for services.
“Cleaning Visit” – means a visit to the Client’s service address by the Cleaner in order to carry out the Service.
“Service address” – means any address and post code in England, provided by the client in order for the company to deliver the service.
“Service Areas” – means postcodes located within south-east England and not more than 50 miles away from the company’s address.
“Start Date” – means a day and time in a 12-month period, which is scheduled in agreement between the parties for the Company to commence the service. The start date cannot be less than 7 days after the booking date.
“Rolling Contract” – Means that the contract is automatically renewed at its expiration unless it is cancelled by the client during the termination period.
“Term” – means a period of twelve (12) months for commercial clients & a period of one (1) months for domestic clients.
“Termination period” – means three (3) months prior to the expiration or renewal date of the contract.

2. Reference/Powers/Consent
2.1. Unless the context requires otherwise, reference to the singular include the plural and references to the masculine include the feminine and vice versa.
2.2. If there is any part of this agreement which refers to a party which has or consists of more than one person, the obligations are joint and several obligations.

3. Headings
The headings contained in these Terms are for convenience only and do not affect their interpretation. However, Text in BOLD and CAPITALS are important and needs to have special regard or to be given careful attention.

4. Contract
4.1. Commercial
4.1. 1. These Terms and Conditions represent a contract between Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd and the Client. These terms will be deemed incorporated as soon as the cleaning and/or maintenance service commences, or upon signing the declaration, whichever is sooner.

This contract serves:
a) A new agreement which supersedes all previous versions and replaces all previous contracts between the parties.
b) A period of 12 months from the date of commencement for all commercial or businesses, or any other body which is either open to the public for service or performs trading or commercial services to other companies, public or private. These may include:
i) Window cleaning internal/external ii) Gutter, fascia & soffit clean
iii) Gutter clear out iv) Gutter, Fascia & soffit renewal/repairs
v) Carpet/upholstery cleaning vi) All pressure washing vii) Painting & decorating
viii) Roof renewal/repairs ix) Façade/cladding clean
x) General maintenance xi) Façade/cladding renewal/repairs
c) A period of 12 months cleaning services, which rolls over automatically from year to year unless terminated by either parties.
4.1. 2. It is a condition of this agreement that termination of any cleaning service, (with the exception of one-off cleaning/maintenance services) require a minimum notice period of one month (30 days) in writing within the termination period to end on the expiry date.
4.1. 3. The contract will automatically roll over to the following year if the Client does not terminate within the termination period. The Client will therefore be contracted to Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd for another term.
4.1. 4. Upon termination of this contract all charges outstanding to the company prior to, and at termination shall remain payable in accordance with clause 21.5.
4.1. 5. The client agrees that any use of the company’s services, including placing an order for services by telephone, email, in person or website form shall constitute the acceptance of these terms and conditions
4.1. 6. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by a director of the Company, a person who is not a party to this agreement has no rights or benefit under the (Rights of Third Parties Act 1999.)
4.1. 7. No variation or alteration of these Terms and Conditions shall be valid unless approved in writing by a director of the Company.
4.1. 8. This condition forms the root of this agreement. The agreement is based strictly on the company providing cleaning & maintenance services, and the client making payments promptly.
4.1. 9. Each party warrants their power to enter this contract freely, voluntarily and without duress.
4.1. 10. Both parties unequivocally agree that if any part of this agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, that part only shall be unenforceable, but all other parts of this agreement will remain enforceable and in full force.

4.2. Domestic
4.2. 1. These Terms and Conditions represent a contract between Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd and the Client. These terms will be deemed incorporated as soon as the cleaning and/or maintenance service commences, or upon signing the declaration, whichever is sooner.

This contract serves:
a) A new agreement which supersedes all previous versions and replaces all previous contracts between the parties.
b) A period of 12 months from the date of commencement for all domestic services
These may include:
i) Window cleaning internal/external ii) Gutter, fascia & soffit clean
iii) Gutter clear out iv) Gutter, Fascia & soffit renewal/repairs
v) Carpet/upholstery cleaning vi) All pressure washing vii) Painting & decorating
viii) Roof renewal/repairs ix) Façade/cladding clean
x) General maintenance xi) Façade/cladding renewal/repairs xii) Garden maintenance
c) A period of 1 months cleaning services, which rolls over automatically from year to year unless terminated by either parties.
4.2. 2. It is a condition of this agreement that termination of any cleaning service, (with the exception of one-off cleaning/maintenance services) require a minimum notice period of one month (14 days) in writing within the termination period to end on the expiry date.
4.2. 3. The contract will automatically roll over to the following month if the Client does not terminate within the termination period. The Client will therefore be contracted to Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd for another term.
4.2. 4. Upon termination of this contract all charges outstanding to the company prior to, and at termination shall remain payable in accordance with clause 21.5.
4.2. 5. The client agrees that any use of the company’s services, including placing an order for services by telephone, email, in person or website form shall constitute the acceptance of these terms and conditions
4.2. 6. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by a director of the Company, a person who is not a party to this agreement has no rights or benefit under the (Rights of Third Parties Act 1999.)
4.2. 7. No variation or alteration of these Terms and Conditions shall be valid unless approved in writing by a director of the Company.
4.2. 8. This condition forms the root of this agreement. The agreement is based strictly on the company providing cleaning & maintenance services, and the client making payments promptly.
4.2. 9. Each party warrants their power to enter this contract freely, voluntarily and without duress.
4.2. 10. Both parties unequivocally agree that if any part of this agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, that part only shall be unenforceable, but all other parts of this agreement will remain enforceable and in full force.

5. Cost
5.1. The Company will perform its obligations to the client for the remuneration set forth in this agreement. Any additional services requested by the client which falls outside this agreement which the company incurs as a result of providing the service shall be payable by the client in accordance with this clause.
5.2: Any additional service which is not part of the original agreement needs to be brought to the attention of the company’s Operations Manager prior to the commencement. The notice MUST be in writing and not less 48 hrs before the service is required.
5.3: Any additional service required which is less than 48 hours’ notice, will incur an additional £20 short notice fee plus an administration fee.
5.4 All prices are subject to current rate of VAT.

6. Window Cleaning & conservatory valeting (internal & external)
All Window Cleaning is on a 4 to 8 weekly basis unless a one-off clean price is charged. All window cleaning services are weather permitting, we do clean in the rain where possible to continue a regular service to all clients. We do not work in strong winds, as this would be unsafe for us.
If you wish to cancel your window cleaning with us, we require that you do this within 30 days (commercial)/14 days (domestic) of your last clean in writing or over the phone.
All window cleaners are trained to work safely, please do not ask them to do anything that is unsafe.
Physical and/or verbal abuse will not be tolerated against any of our operatives or customers for any reason, if this happens window cleaning will be stopped with immediate effect, monies for the clean will still be owed.
All cleaners have the right to do their job without the above: we will always report abuse of any kind to the police.
We will collect payment if possible, once cleaned, but please remember it is your responsibility to make payments on time and within the times stated below. We accept cheques, Cash, direct debit, bank transfer, and credit card payments.
Invoices must be Paid, within 30 days of cleaning for domestic clients and 14 for commercial clients.
Domestic Client payments made later than 48 days after cleaning will be charged a £20 admin late payment fee.
Commercial client payments made later than 30 days after cleaning will be charged a £100 admin late payment fee.
Unless agreed with Hightech Cleaning & maintenance Ltd management,
This is to cover the cost of staff managing late payments.

If you are going to be away when we clean please let us know beforehand.
Failure to pay invoices within the stated times above and that continue to be unpaid for more than 56 days will have cleaning suspended, if we then fail to receive monies owed within 72 days we have the right to contact a collection agency to recover the debt, you will be liable for all related charges, collection agency fees and court related fees.
All fragile and highly breakable items must be secured or removed. We will not be responsible for damage where it was an obvious risk.
It is a client’s responsibility to close all windows prior to cleaning. If a window is open, we will try our best to close it. Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd will not be held responsible for any water damage caused if a window has not been closed prior to cleaning.
If one or more of the client’s windows are at a fault or a broken-down unit, Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd will accept no responsibility for water damage within the windows including steam.
Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd understands that led windows are fragile, especially older led windows. Where we can, we will take extra care with these windows. However, if there is an issue with one of the led windows, Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd will accept no responsibility for this.

7. Gutter, fascia & soffit cleans/repair/renewal & gutter clear outs
The customer will be required to pay a deposit for any works, which include parts (repairs and installations). The deposit sum will amount to either half of the job total or the parts total, whichever is greater.
Deposits are non-refundable and payable on booking in the work. (if we do not receive this deposit, we will not carry out our work)
All parts relating to any work we have completed for the customer remain the property of the company until the customer settles the full invoice total for the work.
By using our service, you agree to pay the full quoted amount on completion of the works. All our prices are fixed, however if the customer provides improper details and information then the company has the right to amend any previous evaluations and may increase the price originally quoted for.
In the event that one of our technicians discovers an issue during the works which will require significantly increased labour time and/or different parts/materials than the originally quoted, a re-quotation will be provided to the customer.
The customer agrees to allow our technicians access to the property during the allotted job time. If the customer is not going to be present at the property during this time then the necessary arrangements should be made to ensure our technicians still have access to the client’s gutters and an electrical source for our gutter vacuum and these should be detailed to us at the time of the booking.
The company will provide the customer with an estimated one-hour time slot in which our technicians will arrive at the property. While the company strives to keep to these allotted appointment times, factors beyond our control such as heavy traffic or road works may result in our technicians arriving later than their estimated arrival time.
All works are subject to weather conditions and in the event of frost or heavy rain, the company reserves the right to re-schedule the job to another date as agreed with the customer.

8. Pressure washing

A) Water source: By Agreeing for Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd to carry out the job of pressure washing, you agree to provide Hightech cleaning & maintenance, the right to use an on-site water supply as needed to complete the stated project without compensation. If an exterior water supply is required, it will be at an additional charge. It is the customer’s responsibility to make sure the water supply is on and in working order before we arrive. Additional charges will be applied if water is not available.
B) Electricity: You also agree to provide Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd, the right to use an on-site source of electricity as needed to complete the stated project without compensation. If an exterior source is required, it will be at an additional charge.
C) Colour and Tone Concerns: The properties, species, age and weather can greatly affect the resulting colour or tone of the stain. Note: Variances may occur on individual boards as well as total project as densities and other characteristics vary across and throughout the wood/tile/stone. Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd and its associates attempt to represent final finish colour and tones as best as possible. While we can often give you an idea of the overall colour or tone you must expect some variance in the overall finish.
D) Courtesy: While Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd is on location and performing work on your property, you are responsible for keeping all children and pets, as well as other individuals away from the work area. Children and pets must be kept off work surface for at least 24 hours after our work is completed. This is for your safety as well as our own.
E) Payments: Payments to Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd are due as per the contract schedule and are to be paid by cheque or cash. All balances are ALWAYS due upon completion of the job. Any variance to this policy must be agreed upon and in writing on our contract. Late charges will be immediately assessed on all balances not paid in accordance with contract terms. The customer agrees to pay any collection cost incurred by Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd. related to the collection process of outstanding balances.
F) Scheduling: Scheduling in a business which productivity relies upon the weather can be difficult. Inclement weather may affect scheduling. We try our best to keep scheduling conflicts to a minimum, however, circumstances that are beyond our control may affect your project start and completion dates. You will be notified of any changes.
G) Removal & Replacement of Deck Contents: Removal and replacement of grills, deck furniture, planters and any other items are the responsibility of the homeowner. Should we need to remove items from the deck, we will not be responsible for any damage, breakage or for storage issues. An additional charge may be applied for time and labour devoted to the removal of these items.
H) Damages: Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd is not responsible for damages due to improperly installed siding, loose shingles or siding, broken or opened windows, improperly sealed windows and doors, wood rot, defective construction, improperly secured wires, loose or improperly installed gutters and leaders and improper caulking. In every aluminium siding case and in some cases with vinyl siding, the sun and weather will bleach the colour or cause fading. Power washing, which entails removal of chalky, gritty or failing surface materials may cause the faded aspects of the vinyl or aluminium to stand out. Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd will not be responsible for such conditions. Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd will not be responsible for loose mortar that may dislodge during the cleaning process.
I) Stains: Some stains cannot be removed by power washing. Tree sap, artillery fungus, splatters from stains and paints are examples of materials that cannot be removed by conventional means. We make every attempt to point these areas out to the customer when quoting the project. Sometimes these stains cannot be removed at all.
J) Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd expects your property to be in good repair and weathertight. This includes but is not limited to all electrical service including receptacles and light fixtures. Doors and windows shall also be weathertight. Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd is not responsible for damages as a result of water infiltration from poor or improper installation, maintenance or repair of electrical related items or doors or windows. Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd cannot guarantee removal of artillery fungus from exterior house surfaces.
K) Windows may become water spotted as a result of our services. Window cleaning is NOT included.
L) Please note that some grout, sand or patio filling may come loose or broken during pressure washing, Hightech Cleaning & Maintenance Ltd will not be held responsible for this, if any surface needs to be repointed, re jointed or filled hightech cleaning & maintenance reserves the right to charge extra after the initial quote.

9.Carpet/upholstery Cleaning

9.1. It is you as the client’s responsibility to ensure the services detailed and the areas covered are those required by you. We ask you to provide us with accurate details, about the carpeted area, e.g. size of rooms, overall condition of the carpets and upholstery, age, original approx. cost, any particular staining, as well as to specify the type of cleaning you would prefer i.e.: dry or steam cleaning if you have a preference when contacting Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd.
9.2. We ask you to clear all tables and chairs beforehand, where possible, in order to facilitate cleaning and to prevent damage done to other items on the premises. All fragile and breakable items placed on the floor must be secured or removed.
When it is needed, we can move furniture provided it is not too heavy for a single person to move it.
When it is needed, we can move pieces of upholstery, e.g. cushions, to do upholstery cleaning. However, it is the responsibility of clients to allow time for drying out before arranging them back to where they belong.

9.3. You must provide access to power and water free of charge and all our employees are instructed not to use office telephone lines without prior consent. All our employees will be warned not to read or divulge any data left out on the clients’ premises and to respect their privacy.
9.4. For Office/Commercial Carpet cleaning we charge per square meter or an interval cleaning rate EG: quarterly or six monthly. Please note we may require a deposit on large commercial jobs prior to work commencing.
If any estimate is given on how long it will take to do the job, this is only an estimate based on the average time it takes to clean a property of similar size. Hightech Cleaning & maintenance Ltd charge per clean rather than per hour so that we can work at our own speed and still get paid for the professional clean we provide.

9.5. We supply all the cleaning materials and high-powered professional equipment required for the carpet cleaning.
9.6. We will follow the client’s security procedures, e.g. checking all windows and doors and activating the security alarm on the building before leaving the premises.
9.7. In the event of the cleaning being prevented by the customer and / or its employee’s or agents including by a trade dispute, it shall be considered as performed and the charge for the said cleaning shall be payable as compensation for time lost and wages paid. This shall include any period where the customer has extended the closure of its premises excess of any statutory holidays (e.g. over the Christmas period).
9.8. Please note we can work on statutory holidays, local holidays, Weekends: Saturdays & Sunday, these however will incur a more expensive rate.
9.9. All staining will be individually treated but depending on circumstances and cause
When cleaning rugs and carpets, it is the responsibility of clients then to allow time enough for drying out after the cleaning has been done.
Please note we will not be held liable for work not completed, or not completed to a good standard, if other people are present in the property when our carpet cleaners are carrying out the job.

If you require any further information, please contact Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd on 01634 865 610

16. Our Obligations
16.1. The company shall provide the services both timely and professionally, using reasonable care and skill.
16.2 The company will be responsible to provide the necessary materials to perform its obligations in regard to the agreed service in this contract. Any additional services will need to be paid for separately.
16.3. The company will reasonably report any matters which interfere with, and or its ability to perform the service to the client.
16.4. In pursuance to the company’s obligations, we may delegate authority to a third party to provide services to you where it is fitting to do so, or where the company is not able to provide the service. In such event the company will expressly seek the client’s authority to delegate the service.
16.5. It is our duty to observe all health and safety rules, regulation, policies and practices at work in accordance with the law, however the client has an equal responsibility.
16.6. The company will keep up to date its insurance policy to cover all liabilities arising from any breach committed by us. We will provide a copy of the certificate upon request.
16.7. We will make restitution where a breach of these terms has been committed by us or compensate for any liability arising from our negligence.
16.8 In order to provide a smooth service, the company will as far as practically possible comply with the client’s policies and practices. Where it is not practical to do so, the client fully agrees to settle the matter on the company’s terms.

17. Client’s Obligations
17.1. The client will immediately provide all information required to us in order for us to provide the service.
17.2. Allow us unrestricted access, including parking for the duration of the service to the property or service address in order for us to provide the service.
17.3. Provide basic amenities or access to basic amenities without charge at the service address which is necessary for the company to perform the service.
17.4. To provide a safe storage area for us to store equipment including any Vacuum cleaners, buckets, chemicals etc at the premises.
17.5 To be responsible for providing keys or access to the premises or service address. This also includes any keys, or storerooms code, or any other rooms we will need to have access to. (Whether for cleaning or for storage of our equipment.)
17.6. To keep secure our equipment while on your premises, and immediately compensate us for any loss or damage to our equipment while in your possession.
17.7. To observe all health and safety policies, regulations, and best practices according to law or recommended by us.
17.8. To pay promptly for the service, and any additional services including the cost of providing additional services from a third party.
17.9. To notify us immediately of any changes in circumstances, including changes in working hours, delays, lockouts, change of address, or any other reason which may affect our ability to provide you the service.

18. Fees
18.1. The Client shall (by mutual agreement) pay the company the fee either:
a) The full amount per year or
b) A proportion of the fee by equal monthly instalments.
18.2. Monthly instalments for this purpose shall be a recurring invoice every 15 days after the service delivery date. All our invoices include VAT’s at the current rate.
18.3. It is a condition of this agreement that all invoices MUST be paid within 15 days of the invoice date.
18.4. Invoices not paid within 15 days of the invoice date shall be deemed “over-due”. The company reserves the right to, but not prejudiced to charge interest on overdue accounts at 4% above the base lending rate of HSBC bank.
18.5. Any invoices not settled within 1 month (30 days) of the invoice date without proper cause, will be referred to a debt collection agency. You agree to pay all fees incurred by us as well as any debt collection agency fees as a result of the company taking recovery action.
18.6. On the third over-due invoice, the company shall determine this agreement, and shall demand of the client a proportion of the fees equal to 1 month’s fees as a security deposit to be held on account. Such fees will be return at the expiration date.
18.7. Upon termination, all fees prior to and after the termination become payable immediately. This may also include payment for any months remaining on the contract.
18.8. The company may from time to time within the lifetime of the contract adjust its charges to come in line with national insurance contributions, value added tax, increased prices on cleaning products, minimum wage or any other levy by the government department(s) which it sees fit to pass onto the Client. We will communicate any charge or price adjustments not less than 30 days before it comes into effect. Any disputes resulting from the adjustments should be communicated to the accounts department within 21 days of receiving the notice. If we do not hear from you within 21 days of the notice, we will determine that you have accepted the charge by acquiesce, and the charges becomes payable on the 30th day after notice.
18.9. We will charge you a fee to change a quote once it has been accepted, or for any additional changes to the service once booked.

19. Payment
19.1. We accept cash payments, cheque, direct debit, bank transfer, and major credit/debit cards authorised in the UK only. We reserve the right to cancel additional services without notice and charge a processing fee of £25 for dishonoured card transactions or non-cleared or withheld funds without proper cause.
19.2. We reserve the right to nominate or change a method of payment to the client where three or more invoices are or have been over-due. We also reserve the right to:
• Change the accepted method of payment, or
• Choose to accept or reject a method of payment, or
• Nominate a method of payment to the client where we see it is fit to do so.
19.3. All accounts are payable up to 15 days of the invoice date. Any accounts not settled after 15 days of the invoice date shall be deemed overdue. The company reserves the right to but not prejudiced to charge interest on overdue accounts at 4% above the base lending rate of HSBC bank.
19.4. Any account in arrears of 30 days shall constitute a repudiatory breach, the company may take any action which it sees fit to recover damages and charge a £100 administration fee. The client agrees to pay all expenses including any VAT or interests which the company incurs as a result of taking recovery actions.
19.5. The company may from time to time within the lifetime of the contract adjust its charges to come in line with national insurance contributions, value added tax, increased prices on cleaning products, minimum wage or any other levy by the government department(s) which it sees fit to pass onto the Client. The company will communicate to the client any charge or price adjustments not less than 30 days before it comes into effect. Any disputes resulting from the adjustments should be communicated to the accounts department within 21 days of receiving the notice. If we do not hear from you within 21 days of the notice, we will determine that you have accepted the charge by tacit acquiesce and the charges becomes payable on the 30th day after notice.
19.6. The Company reserves the right to cancel any contract and back charge additional fees for past services to reflect the balance of the standard rate(s), if:
a.) any misleading or false information was used to obtain discounted services or
b.) staff and or cleaners providing discounted or reduced priced services where not authorised or
c.) cleaners and clients conspire to form a joint enterprise to defraud the company.
19.7. The Client agrees to and authorises the Company to charge his/her debit/credit card any outstanding balances owed to the Company.

We will write to you confirming these changes if such provisions are affected.
19.8. Any “bounced”, or dishonoured cheque(s) will incur a £30.00 administration fee per cheque

20. Additional Services
20.1 All additional services must be requested at least 48 hours in advance. The bookings Manager will confirm or issue a quote for any additional services.
20.2. We cannot always guarantee prices and therefore quotes are valid for 7 days only until agreed by both Hightech Cleaning & maintenance Ltd and the client. All quotes include VAT at the current rate unless stated otherwise.
20.3. On some occasions where it costs us money to provide you an additional service, we may request a deposit, or a proportion of the fees upfront.

21. Staff
21.1. We may replace your regular cleaner at any time due to illness or change of circumstances in order to fulfil our obligations to you. We will exercise discretion when we allocate cleaners to perform the task and notify you as soon as we reasonably can.
21.2. All our staff are fully trained to handle the chemicals we use. We use a traffic light system to differentiate between chemicals therefore we request that ONLY fully trained persons should handle them. Improper use of chemicals can cause serious damage or injury.
21.3. We can offer training on the products we use. For more information please contact the training department: info@Hightechs.co.uk

22. Cancellation
22.1. Cancellation fees apply, if:
a) The Client cancels or significantly changes a booking for additional services less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment; or
b) The Client fails to provide access to the service premises which prevents us from carrying out the service; or
c) The operatives are unable to gain entry to the premises or storage facility which prevents them from performing the service. If keys are provided, they must open all locks without any special efforts or skills.
d) The client is responsible for the provision of access to the premises. Any special arrangements must be agreed by the company prior to the cleaner’s arrival on the premises.
e) If the client provides incorrect information, which results in a failure to provide the service.
f) If the client cancels this agreement before the termination period.
22.2. If the Client needs to change a cleaning day or time the Company will do its best to accommodate the requests, however we make no guarantees that a request will be fulfilled. A minimum 48-hour notice is required. Please note that the Company cannot guarantee that the same operative will be available on the new date and at the time the Client requires. Any changes in the cleaning schedule are subject to availability.
22.3. There is a £30.00 late cancellation/lock-out fee for cancelling or rescheduling additional service visits less than 24 hours.

23. Termination
23.1 Commercial
23.1. 1. You may terminate this contract by notifying us not less than 30 days in writing during the termination period to end on the expiry date. The termination period is 3 months before the expiration date.
For clarity, if your contract expires on 31/12/20, you may cancel at any time between 1/10/20 – 1/12/20. The service will cease on the expiration date at 23:59.
23.1. 2. The Client agrees to pay the full or a proportion of the contact fees if less than 30 days’ notice is served in writing.
23.1. 3. Any client who employs the company’s staff, whether temporary, permanent, or pay-as-you-go basis with the intention of obtaining a pecuniary advantage or intercepting business from the company within one year after a termination will be liable for a fine of £1500.
23.1. 4. Any repudiatory breach of these terms will result in the termination of this agreement, and the breachee will have the right to claim damages.
23.1. 5. Upon termination, all fees prior to and after the termination become payable immediately. This may also include payment for any months remaining on the contract.
23.2 Domestic
23.2. 1. Clients may terminate the contract by giving 14 days’ prior notice and have at least 3 cleaning visitations prior to termination.
23.2. 2. The Client agrees to forfeit 100% of the fees if:
A) No notice is given.
B) The Client provides a termination notice and requires no cleaning visits.
23.2. 1. Any client who employs the company’s staff, whether temporary, permanent, or pay-as-you-go basis with the intention of obtaining a pecuniary advantage or intercepting business from the company within one year after a termination will be liable for a penalty fine of £1500.
23.2. 3. Any repudiatory breach of these terms will result in termination of this agreement, and the breachee will have the right to claim damages.

24. Force Majeure
24.1. In the event of any supervening or unforeseen events, the company in so far as practicably possible, without causing, or subjecting another to harm, will fulfil its obligations to the client. Where performance of that obligation is not at all possible, the company will provide at no extra cost an alternate booking date within the next 7 days. The Client agrees that the agreement shall continue to exist in full performance even in the occurrence of such events until the contract is expired.

24.2. In the event that it is impossible to perform our obligations to the client, the contract will cease, and the company will issue a refund of any services paid for which was not provided, or the remainder of the agreement.
24.3. The contract will automatically cease if the company is liquidated, or files bankruptcy or enters administration.
24.4. The contract will cease if the client is deceased.
24.5 The contract will cease in the event of war, or government sanctions which prevent the performance of the service.
24.6 This agreement shall cease if any act of God renders the agreement impossible to perform.
24.7. This agreement shall immediately cease if the client fails or refuses to settle over-due invoices on 3 counts.
24.8 This agreement shall cease if the company moves to an address outside of our service areas during the lifetime of the contract. All fees become payable immediately.
24.9. This agreement shall cease temporarily, if the company is found in breach of any health and safety or safety at work laws or regulations, until such breach has been corrected.

25. Employment
25.1 Commercial
25.1. 1. This term is a critical condition of this agreement. The clients understands and irrevocably agrees to be liable for a penalty fee of £1500.00 per person should:
a.) she/he directly employs whether temporary or permanently
b.) legally or on a cash basis any cleaner or staff without the prior permission of the company.
c.) within 12 months of the termination of the contract, or termination of the employee’s employment.
25.1. 2. The Client agrees to pay the penalty fee whether he notifies the Company of his action or the Company discovers this employment independently at any time after it occurs. The Client further agrees to reimburse the Company for any and all fees from taking recovery action.
25.2 Domestic
25.2 1. This term is a major condition of this agreement. The Client irrevocably agrees to be liable for a penalty fee of £500.00 per person, should s/he directly employ whether:
Temporary or permanent (legally or otherwise) any cleaner or staff employed with the company, including self-employed persons or contractors without the prior permission of the company.
25.2. 1. Any request, or additional work done, or requested to be done, whether on “company time” or not, to intercept business from the company will be a severe breach of this agreement. The Client agrees to pay the fee in clause 16.1 whether he notifies the Company of his action or the Company discovers this employment independently at any time after it occurs. The Client further agrees to reimburse the Company for all fees incurred in seeking damages.
For the sake of clarity, if the client purchases an oven clean voucher and asks the cleaners to clean the bathroom in addition for a cash/cheque or other reimbursement without the permission of the company, s/he is guilty of employing the company’s staff and will be liable for the penalty fine. The same applies even if the client request the cleaning be done out of hrs or whilst the cleaners are not on company time.
25.2. 1. The company makes limited arrangements where the client can request additional services which can be paid directly to a senior on the job staff, but this condition must first be approved by the company.

26. Vouchers
26.1. The agreement is made solely for the benefit of the client with the intention of providing an ongoing service, and therefore any vouchers, discounts, Groupon deals, package deals, and promotional offers ARE NOT VALID in conjunction with this agreement.
26.2. Vouchers and package deals may be bought separately and may be booked as additional services.
26.3 Vouchers are usable once every 12 months per service.

27. Claims
27.1. We MUST receive your claim for damages in writing within 48 hours after the service delivery. This may mean you need to send it by 1st class next day delivery, or a courier service or via email. Unfortunately, we cannot accept claims by telephone and email.
All claims must be addressed to:
The Claims Department
Hightech Cleaning & maintenance Ltd
70 chestnut avenue
Walderslade, Kent
ME5 9BD

27.2. The Company’s public liability insurance will cover damages caused by on duty cleaning operatives up to £1,000,000.00. All claims are subject to a non-refundable excess of £250.00, which must be met by the client. In order to substantiate your claim, it is a good practice to take regular photographs of your premises. (This may help validate your claim, and may speed up the claims process)
27.3. For the sake of insurance and data integrity, it is fundamentally important that any claims for damage MUST be received in writing within 48 hours and providing evidence. The nature of our business requires such practice.
i) For clarity, if any damage occurs on a Wednesday at 2:00 PM, it must be received before Friday 2:00 PM. If it occurs on a Saturday it must be reported by Monday 12:00 PM (Midday) in order to be a valid claim. Failure to meet this requirement will invalidate your claim.
ii) The Company may require entry to the premises within 24 hours of the claim being made to correct the problem or investigate the claim. If we are able to offer you an immediate resolution, we will do so upon arrival. Any refunds or adjustments must be requested directly from the Company. We may consider certain factors in validating your claim.
iii) We encourage the practice of submitting your claim within the time frame specified, as it will minimise the risk of jeopardising the investigation, or may prevent the client, or 3rd parties from causing further damage.
27.4. The Company may require entry to the premises within 24 hours of the report to investigate the claim. If we are able to offer you a solution, we will attempt to do so quickly to resolve the matter. Any refunds or adjustments must be requested directly from the Company. We may take certain factor may be consideration in validating your claim.
27.5. We do not recommend cancelling your payments before giving us an opportunity to resolve the problem. Cancelling or stopping the payments may cost you an additional £30 processing fee for failed of dishonoured cheques or payments.
27.6. While the Company’s operatives make every effort to avoid accidents, sometimes it is inevitable. We will try as practicably as possible to replace damaged or broken items with the identical replacement. We may substitute new for old, and in the event, we cannot replace an identical match, we will compensate with another of similar quality or value. Any key replacement/locksmith fees are paid only if keys are lost by our operatives.
27.7 To minimise the risk of damage, the Company requests all irreplaceable items (whether monetary or sentimental valuables) be stored away and /or not cleaned by the cleaning operatives.
27.8. If the company’s staff member has caused damage to your property, we will repair the item at our expense. If the item cannot be repaired the Company will endeavour to replace the item with a like, or near value, if that is not practical, we will offer the client the current value of the item, providing that all the clients’ accounts has been settled.
27.9. The Company shall not be responsible for damage due to faulty and/or improper installation of any item. All surfaces (i.e., marble, granite, etc.) are assumed sealed and ready to clean without causing harm. We will not proceed with any cleaning service where such risk of damage is highly probable.
27.10. Your claim will be invalid if you have over-due balances outstanding.
27.11. Any attempt to commit insurance fraud or the use of false information to commit fraud will be reported to the police and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law. We may also make a claim alongside the insurance provider for compensation. You agree to bear the cost of any legal action we take in that regard.

28. Complaints
28.1. All complaints excluding damage to property must be received in writing to Hightech Cleaning & maintenance Ltd, 70 chestnut avenue, Walderslade, Kent, ME5 9BD; Alternatively, it can be emailed to Info@hightechs.co.uk providing photographic evidence. We must receive your complaint within 24 hours of the service delivery.
28.2. We will fully investigate any complaint and attempt to resolve it to the satisfaction of the Client, or alternatively to a reasonable standard.
28.3. If the Client wishes to change, amend, discontinue, suspend, add, remove, modify the service, please contact the Company as soon as possible by dialling 01634 865 610. Please do not wait until the last minute.
28.4. If there is a problem with the service, we have provided you, we will be happy to make amends, however we do not recommend cancelling your payments before giving us an opportunity to resolve the problem. Cancelling or stopping the payments may cost you an additional £30 processing fee for failed or dishonoured cheques or payments
28.5. If you have submitted a complaint, we may require access to the premises within 24 hours of the report to correct any short-comings, or to investigate. In such event we will require your consent by email or telephone.

29. Liability
29.1. The Company shall not be liable under any circumstances for any loss, expense, damage, delay, costs or compensation (whether direct, indirect or consequential) which may be suffered or incurred by the Client arising from or in any way connected with:
29.1. 2. Late arrival of Company operatives at the service address. The Company endeavours to be punctual, sometimes it is not within our control how the public transport system operates. Company operatives who arrive late due to transportation factors may entitle the client to re-schedule with the services cannot be performed.
29.1. 3. A cleaning job not completed due to the lack of cleaning materials, lack of hot water or electricity, bad weather or equipment not in full working order.
29.1. 4. Third party entering or present at the Client’s premises during the cleaning process.
29.1. 5. An existing damage to Clients property in the form of old stains/burns/spillages etc. which cannot be cleaned/removed completely by the cleaning operative using the Client’s cleaning equipment and materials and in accordance with the industry standard cleaning methods as described in the Company’s method statements;
29.1. 6. Any damages caused by faulty/not in full working order equipment or materials supplied by the Client.
29.1. 7. Services not provided to the client because of dishonoured cheques, payments, or overdue accounts.
29.2. We may record incoming and outgoing telephone conversations for quality control, record keeping and back-referral for any inquiries or investigations. If you wish to be excluded from this action, please write to us detailing your reasons.

30. Refunds
30.1 No refunds will be awarded on services which has commenced or completed. If there is any issue with the service, please follow the complaints procedure.
30.2. It is important that you are certain that you will honour the booking. ALL CANCELATIONS ATTRACT A 10% ADMIN FEE.
30.3. A refund will only be issued on the successful cancellation of a cleaning visit, made not less than 48 hours prior to the start of the cleaning session. The refund is subject to the Company receiving cleared funds from the Client before cancellation.
a.) All cancellations are subject to a 10% administration fee 48 hrs or less prior to the booking date.
b.) Cancellations made less than 48 hrs attract a forfeiture of 50%,
c.) 100% if less than 24hrs.
30.4. A refund will be issued if a cleaning operative does not attend a cleaning visit, and payment for which has been already collected by the Company.
30.5. We will not refund any bookings where the client is closed on public holidays. In such cases, an alternate cleaning day may be substituted. (Subject to availability, £10 rebooking fee apply)

31. Supplementary Terms
31.1. If the Client requests keys to be collected by the Company’s operatives from a third party’s address outside the postal code of the serviced address, then a £10.00 charge will apply. The same fee will apply if you need us to return the keys to the same or different location. The charge will cover pickup or drop-offs ONLY
31.2. The Company reserves the right to re-evaluate rates at any time should the Client’s initial list of tasks changes.
31.3. The Company reserves the right to amend the initial quotation, should the Client’s original requirements change. Differences in excess of 10% will be discussed with the Client prior to the start of the work.
31.4. Amount of cleaning time required are estimated based on the average workspace area. Estimates are for indication purposes only and are not guaranteed, the actual time will depend on other factors during the cleaning; we tend to allow some flexibility with the time. Please note that one off cleans may take longer to complete due to longer intervals between cleaning sessions, number and type of cleaning tasks required. This may vary when compared to the regular maintenance cleaning of the same property.
31.5. The Company shall arrange an immediate replacement should an operative cannot attend a scheduled visit and will inform the Client prior to the visit.
31.6. The cleaning operatives are not allowed to hand wash any items of clothing belonging to the Client. The Company advises that our operatives can only use a washing machine for such tasks.
31.7. All fragile and items of sentimental value must be secured or removed prior to any cleaning job. We will not be responsible for damage where it was an obvious risk.
31.8. The cleaning operatives are not allowed to use or work with bleach or any product containing bleach. The Company advises the Client to avoid supplying such products to the cleaning operatives. The Company shall not be liable under any circumstances for any damages to Client’s property caused by bleach or products containing bleach.
31.9. The Company reserves the right to make changes to any part of these Terms and Conditions. We will notify you of such change. The Company may add to or alter these Terms and Conditions from time to time and any alterations or additions will apply to new business but not to existing contracts. Please refer to your copy of these Terms and Conditions, or alternatively you can request a copy by contacting the company.

32. Our Guarantee
32.1. The Company has built its business and reputation by providing its clients with the best possible cleaning service available. For this reason, the Company offers you a guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the cleaning services provided, we will redo the job until you are satisfied and without charge.

33. How long are quotations valid for?
Quotations are valid for a minimum period of one (1) months and a maximum of three (3) months. This is dependent on the condition of the items quoted for remaining the same. Please check your written quotation document for the exact specified validation period.
33.1 Hightech cleaning & maintenance Ltd reserve the right to amend the initial quotation, should your original requirements change or if inaccurate information is provided.

34. Referral Credit
We will issue a one-off credit of “20% off” for referring another Client. Credit will be issued after new Client has used our services a minimum of 4 times.

35. Data Protection
35.1. We operate a data protection policy, and we do not share your information with anyone, including third parties. However, where a warrant or an order is made in pursuance with fraud, or illegal activities we will make such information available to law enforcement officers.
35.2. We take privacy very seriously, we therefore request that any information obtained from us, or by our staff be held in the strictest confidence.
35.3. All parties agree to keep all information in regard to this agreement or service confidential and secure. An exception exists where that information must be disclosed to law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, or professional advisors where it is necessary for them to perform their obligations.

36. Abuse / discrimination
We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards verbal, physical and sexual abuse of staff and customers. This includes intimidation, bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form. We will prosecute or seek the maximum penalty under English law in the event of such abuse. Additionally, we may report it to the police, and seek compensation where appropriate

37. Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England, and Wales.