Terms and Conditions for Vacant Property Inspection (VPI) & Emergency Response Services
These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of Vacant Property Inspection (VPI) and Emergency Response Services by Vacant Property Inspections (referred to as “the Company”) to the Client.
1. Definitions
Client: The person or entity contracting the Company for services.
Property: The physical address covered by this agreement.
VPI Service: The scheduled visual inspection of the Property as detailed in the agreed-upon Service Schedule.
Emergency Response Service: The service provided when responding to an alarm or emergency, where internal access is facilitated by the Client’s means (e.g., key safe).
Service Schedule: The written agreement detailing the frequency, scope, and cost of services.
2. Commencement and Duration
2.1. These T&Cs become effective on the date the Client accepts the Service Schedule (either by signing a contract, remitting payment, or instructing the Company to commence services).
2.2. The agreement will continue for the minimum term specified in the Service Schedule and shall continue thereafter on a rolling basis until terminated by either party.
3. Service Scope and Limitations
3.1. VPI Service: The VPI is a visual inspection and documentation service only, covering visible access points, meter readings, post build-up, and general property condition. It is not a structural survey, an insurance policy, or a maintenance contract.
3.2. Emergency Response: The Company will attend emergencies as agreed in the Service Schedule, using Client-provided access (e.g., a key safe or temporary access code) for entry if required. The Company is not responsible for the secure storage of Property keys.
3.3. Exclusions: The Company is not responsible for: * Repairing or maintaining the Property (except for authorized emergency repairs). * Damage or defects that are concealed or not reasonably visible during the inspection. * Alarm activations or emergency situations where access cannot be provided by the Client.
3.4. Disclaimer Integration: By accepting these T&Cs, the Client agrees to the full VPI Service Disclaimer published on the Company’s website, which strictly limits the Company’s liability.
4. Client Obligations and Warranties
4.1. Insurance: The Client warrants that they hold and will maintain comprehensive, adequate, and current property insurance covering all risks, including those related to vacancy, for the duration of the agreement.
4.2. Access: The Client must provide safe, unobstructed access to the Property and ensure all necessary services (e.g., electricity for lighting during dark hours) remain available for the Company’s use during inspections.
4.3. Information Accuracy: The Client must provide all necessary information, including accurate alarm codes, access codes for key safes, and a primary emergency contact list, and update the Company immediately if any details change.
5. Fees and Payment
5.1. Service Fees: All fees for VPI services are specified in the Service Schedule and are payable monthly / upon completion of inspection.
5.2. Overdue Payments: The Company reserves the right to suspend all services, including emergency response, if payments are overdue by 7 days. Statutory interest may be charged on late payments.
5.3. Emergency Charges: Emergency call-outs outside the scope of the regular VPI Service, including alarm responses or third-party call-outs, will be charged at the Company’s current published rate for emergency attendance, available on request and detailed in the Service Schedule.
6. Limitation of Liability and Indemnity
6.1. Direct Loss: The Company’s liability for any direct loss or damage arising from a breach of these T&Cs or negligence shall be strictly limited to the amount covered by the Company’s Public Liability Insurance policy.
6.2. Indirect Loss: The Company shall not be liable for any indirect, special, or consequential loss or damage, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of amenity, or losses arising from denied insurance claims.
6.3. Indemnity: The Client shall indemnify the Company against all third-party claims, costs, and liabilities arising from the Company’s lawful execution of the service, except where such claim is solely caused by the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the Company.
7. Termination
7.1. Notice: Either party may terminate this agreement by providing 30 days written notice to the other party.
7.2. Breach: The Company may terminate the agreement immediately if the Client commits a material breach of these T&Cs (including non-payment) or if the Property’s condition presents an unreasonable risk to the safety of the Company’s personnel.
8. Governing Law
8.1. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales, and the parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.