Terms of Hire

Hire Terms & Conditions

1. Ownership & Title

All equipment remains the sole property of AY Tool & Equipment Hire Ltd (“the Company”) at all times. The Hirer shall have no title, interest, or right to the equipment other than as a Hirer under these Terms.

2. Hire Period

The hire period commences at the agreed start date/time and ends only when:

All equipment has been returned to the Company, or collected by the Company; and
The Company has inspected and accepted the equipment as complete and in good condition.

Hire charges will continue to accrue until these conditions are met.

2A. Hire Period Definitions (Day, Week, Weekend)

Day Hire – hire of equipment for one business day (Monday to Friday). Each weekday counts as a separate Day Hire. Example: hiring Monday and Tuesday is charged as two Day Hire periods, unless a Week Hire rate is agreed in advance.
Week Hire – hire of equipment for a standard business week (Monday to Friday). Equipment must be returned by close of business Friday, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Weekend Hire – hire of equipment for Saturday and Sunday only. Collection is Saturday morning (or as agreed). Return is by close of business Sunday, or by 09:00 Monday if agreed in advance.

Boundary cases: Any use outside the above (e.g., collection Friday and return Monday) will be charged at the combined applicable rate (e.g., Weekend + Day Hire), unless a specific written rate is agreed in advance.

3. Responsibility & Risk

The Hirer assumes full responsibility for the equipment from the moment it leaves the Company’s possession until it is returned and accepted back. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to:

Theft, loss, or damage from any cause.
Safe and proper use of the equipment.
Compliance with all laws, regulations, and manufacturer’s instructions.

The Hirer shall not:

Sub-hire or lend the equipment to any third party.
Move the equipment to a different site without prior written consent.

4. Insurance

The Company does not insure hired equipment. The Hirer must either:

Insure the equipment for its full new replacement value against loss, theft, and damage for the hire period; or
Accept full financial liability for any loss, theft, or damage, however caused.

Insurance must also cover continuing hire charges (“loss of hire”) until the equipment is repaired or replaced.

5. Loss, Damage & Theft

Loss or damage will be charged at full repair or replacement value, plus loss-of-hire charges until the item is repaired or replaced.
In the event of theft, the Hirer must notify the Police and the Company within 24 hours and provide a valid crime reference number.
Any non-return will be treated as theft and may result in legal proceedings.

6. Inspection & Maintenance

The Company reserves the right to inspect the equipment at any time during the hire period. The Hirer must allow reasonable access for inspection, maintenance, or recovery of the equipment.

7. Payment Terms

Full payment is due at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Additional charges (loss, damage, cleaning, late return) are payable within 7 days of invoice.
The Company may require a security deposit, refundable after inspection of returned equipment.

8. Late Return

Late returns will incur a charge of £30 + VAT per day, per item beyond the agreed hire period. Continued non-return will be treated as theft.

9. Delivery & Collection

Delivery and/or collection services are available subject to availability and additional charges.
The Hirer is responsible for providing safe, unobstructed access and suitable space for unloading/loading.

10. Right to Refuse or Cancel

The Company may refuse or cancel a hire if:

ID verification fails.
Payment is not received.
There is a history of non-payment, misuse, or breach of terms.

11. Indemnity

The Hirer agrees to indemnify the Company against all claims, costs, and liabilities arising from the use, possession, or storage of the equipment during the hire period, except where caused by the Company’s negligence.

12. Legal Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Scotland, and any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the Scottish courts.

Hire Agreement – AY Tool & Equipment Hire Ltd