Swisscottage Storage Service Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Swisscottage Storage provides storage-related services to customers in the United Kingdom. By making a booking, placing an order, or using our services, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree, you should not proceed with a reservation or use of the service. These terms are intended to create a clear, fair, and practical agreement between the customer and Swisscottage storage service provider, covering booking, payment, cancellation, liability, waste handling, and legal matters.

The service is offered for lawful personal and business storage purposes only. Customers must ensure that all items placed into storage are owned by them or that they have the legal right to store them. You remain responsible for the contents you place into the storage facility throughout the period of hire. We may update these terms from time to time, and the version in force at the time of booking will apply unless a change is required by law.

1. Booking Process

To reserve a unit or storage service, the customer must provide accurate information, including name, contact details, storage requirements, and any relevant access preferences. A booking is not confirmed until it has been accepted by us and any required payment or deposit has been received. We may refuse or decline a booking where the requested service is unavailable, where the customer fails to provide the necessary information, or where the booking appears to involve prohibited or unsafe goods.

When a booking is made, the customer confirms that the information supplied is complete and accurate. Any material change to the booking, including changes to unit size, storage duration, or access needs, must be notified as soon as possible. We may revise the booking details or charges if the revised requirements materially affect the service. A storage agreement may be issued in electronic form, and by proceeding the customer agrees that electronic acceptance is valid and binding.

2. Access and Use of the Storage Service

The customer must use the storage service responsibly and in accordance with all instructions given by us. Access may be limited to agreed hours, safety requirements, or operational restrictions. We reserve the right to refuse access if we reasonably believe that allowing access would create a risk to people, property, or the operation of the facility. Any keys, codes, fobs, or other access devices remain our property unless expressly stated otherwise, and must be returned when required.

Customers must not sublet, assign, or transfer their storage rights without our written consent. Use of the service must not interfere with other customers, staff, or operations. The customer is responsible for ensuring that items are packed and stored in a way that prevents damage, contamination, odour, leakage, infestation, or fire risk. We may inspect the contents of a unit where we reasonably believe there is a breach of these terms or an emergency situation exists.

3. Payments, Charges, and Late Payment

All fees must be paid in full and on time in accordance with the booking confirmation or invoice. Charges may include storage rent, deposits, administration fees, collection or delivery charges, and any other agreed service fees. Unless stated otherwise, all prices are in pounds sterling and may be subject to VAT where applicable. Payment methods accepted will be stated at the time of booking or invoicing.

Where recurring payments apply, the customer authorises us to collect payment automatically on the due date, where such a system has been agreed. If payment is not received by the due date, we may charge interest and reasonable recovery costs, as permitted by law. We may also suspend access, refuse release of goods, or terminate the agreement if the account remains unpaid. Any discounts or promotional rates are subject to the conditions stated at the time they are offered and may be withdrawn without notice for future bookings.

Deposits, where charged, may be used to cover unpaid balances, damage, cleaning, disposal, or other losses caused by the customer. Any balance remaining after lawful deductions will be returned to the customer within a reasonable period. If payment is made by a third party, the customer remains responsible for the full amount due under the agreement.

4. Cancellations and Termination

The customer may cancel a booking by giving notice in the manner specified at the time of reservation. Cancellation rights may vary depending on whether the service has already started, whether a unit has been allocated, or whether specific arrangements have been made. Where the customer cancels before the service begins, any refund will be calculated in line with the booking conditions and any non-refundable charges already incurred.

We may cancel or terminate the agreement if the customer breaches these terms, fails to pay, provides false information, stores prohibited items, or behaves in a way that creates risk or disruption. We may also terminate the service where required for safety, legal, operational, or security reasons. On termination, the customer must remove all items immediately or within the time stated by us. Any items left behind may be treated in accordance with the abandonment and disposal provisions below.

5. Customer Responsibilities

The customer must ensure that all stored goods are suitable for storage, properly protected, and permitted under UK law. The customer must not store items that are hazardous, explosive, toxic, illegal, stolen, perishable, or likely to cause harm, nuisance, contamination, or damage. This includes, without limitation, flammable materials, gas bottles, firearms, controlled drugs, live animals, and any item restricted by law or by our internal safety policies. The customer warrants that the goods stored are not subject to any charge, lien, or third-party claim unless disclosed and approved in writing.

The customer must keep us informed of any change in contact details or ownership of the stored goods. If the customer is unable to access the goods in person, any nominated representative must be authorised in advance and may be asked to provide identification. The customer is responsible for all acts and omissions of anyone they allow to use their access credentials or enter the premises on their behalf. For avoidance of doubt, the service is intended for lawful storage only and must not be used as a base for unlawful trade, sorting of prohibited waste, or any activity that breaches regulation.

6. Liability and Limitations

We will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the service. However, the customer acknowledges that storage carries inherent risks, and we do not accept responsibility for loss or damage except where caused by our proven negligence, fraud, or wilful misconduct, and only to the extent required by law. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud, or for any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

We are not responsible for loss or damage arising from matters outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to fire, flood, storm, theft by third parties, pest infestation not caused by our negligence, accidental damage caused by third parties, or deterioration of goods due to their own condition or unsuitable packaging. Customers should arrange appropriate insurance for their goods where necessary. Any insurance arranged by the customer is solely the customer’s responsibility unless we have expressly agreed in writing to provide cover.

Where we are found liable for a claim, our total liability will be limited to the direct loss suffered and, unless otherwise required by law, will not include indirect or consequential losses such as loss of profit, loss of business, loss of opportunity, or emotional distress. To the extent permitted by law, the value of any claim may be capped at the amount paid by the customer for the affected service during the relevant period, unless a higher limit has been agreed in writing.

7. Waste Regulations and Environmental Rules

The customer must comply with all applicable waste regulations and environmental laws. The storage facility must not be used to deposit waste unlawfully or to abandon unwanted goods. Any disposal of items must be arranged in a lawful manner and, where required, through authorised waste carriers or disposal facilities. The customer remains responsible for ensuring that any waste created from packing, unpacking, cleaning, or removing goods is handled correctly and does not breach legal requirements.

We may refuse to accept, handle, or continue storing any item that we reasonably believe is waste, contaminated, hazardous, or likely to create an environmental or health risk. If we remove, isolate, or dispose of items that breach these terms, the customer will be responsible for all related costs, including labour, transport, cleaning, specialist disposal, and any regulatory charges. Customers must not leave packaging, liquids, chemicals, sharp materials, or other refuse on the premises unless expressly permitted.

Where goods become waste due to contamination, leakage, infestation, or abandonment, we may deal with them in accordance with applicable law and our internal procedures. Any recovered sums or items may be applied against outstanding charges first, with any remainder handled as required by law. The customer acknowledges that compliance with waste regulations is a condition of using the service and forms part of these storage service terms.

8. Abandoned Goods and Disposal

If the customer fails to collect goods after termination, expiry, or reasonable notice, we may treat the items as abandoned. Before doing so, we will usually attempt to contact the customer using the details held on record, unless immediate action is required for safety or legal reasons. Any goods left uncollected may be moved, stored elsewhere, sold, recycled, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of, subject to applicable law and after any required notice period.

We may apply the proceeds of sale or other recovery first to unpaid charges, administrative costs, handling costs, and disposal expenses. If the sale proceeds exceed the amount owed, any remaining balance will be dealt with in accordance with the law and may be paid to the customer if a valid claim is made within a reasonable time. We are not liable for any loss arising from lawful disposal of abandoned items where the customer has failed to comply with these terms or relevant notices.

9. Data, Communications, and Notices

We may collect and use personal data necessary to manage bookings, payments, security, and customer communications. Personal data will be processed in line with applicable UK data protection laws and our privacy practices, where relevant. Notices under these terms may be given by email, text, post, or any other reasonable method using the contact information supplied by the customer. Notices are deemed received in accordance with normal delivery times unless proven otherwise.

10. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays or failure to perform our obligations where such delay or failure results from events outside our reasonable control. This includes natural disasters, fire, power failure, industrial action, civil disturbance, acts of government, transport disruption, utility failure, or other unforeseen events. Where such circumstances occur, we will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption, but our obligations may be suspended for the duration of the event.

Customers must continue to comply with their own obligations during a force majeure event, including payment obligations unless the law provides otherwise. If the event continues for an extended period and substantially affects the service, either party may be entitled to terminate the agreement on reasonable notice, subject to settlement of any outstanding lawful charges.

11. General Provisions

Any failure by us to enforce a right at any time does not mean that right has been waived. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force. These terms form the entire agreement between the parties concerning the service and replace any prior discussions or understandings relating to the same subject matter, unless expressly incorporated in writing. No person other than the customer and us has any rights under these terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, except where the law requires otherwise.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These terms and any non-contractual disputes or claims arising from or connected with them are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction, except where mandatory law provides otherwise. If the customer is using the service from another part of the United Kingdom, these terms will still be interpreted and applied in accordance with the governing law stated here, subject to any non-excludable legal rights.

By booking with Swisscottage storage service, the customer confirms acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and agrees to comply with all obligations set out above. These terms are designed to support a secure, lawful, and efficient service for all users while preserving the rights of both parties under UK law. Customers should read them carefully before proceeding with any reservation or placing any goods into storage.