Customer Maintenance Responsibilities

Looking after your hired accommodation

A simple guide to your responsibilities while your Algeco equipment is on hire

We want your hired accommodation and equipment to work as it should throughout your hire.

Looking after it regularly can help prevent avoidable issues, minimise disruption on your site and make sure everything is ready when it's time for collection.

Our Standard Conditions of Hire set out the responsibilities of both Algeco and our customers. We've summarised some of the key points below to make it easier to understand what you need to know and do.

Look after your equipment throughout the hire

While Algeco equipment is on hire to you, you're responsible for keeping it clean, serviced and maintained in good condition, allowing for fair wear and tear, in accordance with the policy contained in the Hired Equipment Maintenance Responsibility document.

For buildings, the responsibilities for specific repairs and maintenance are set out in the Hired Equipment Maintenance Responsibility document provided with your agreement.

If you're unsure whether something is your responsibility or Algeco's, please contact a member of our maintenance team before carrying out any repairs.

Carry out regular checks

Regular checks can help you spot potential problems early and keep your accommodation working as it should.

Depending on the equipment and your site, this could include looking out for:

• Leaks or signs of water ingress
• Damage to windows, doors or seals
• Dripping taps or visible pipework issues
• Problems with heating or hot water
• Blocked gutters or drainage
• Damage to the accommodation or equipment.

If you identify an issue, don't carry out repairs or alterations unless they fall within your agreed responsibilities or Algeco has agreed to the work in writing.

Keep required inspections and testing up to date

During the hire period, you're responsible for ensuring that required statutory inspections and testing are completed in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Depending on your accommodation and the equipment provided, this may include: 

• Electrical inspections and testing
• Portable appliance (PAT) testing
• Gas inspections and testing
• Water services inspections and testing.

It's important to understand which requirements apply to your accommodation and make sure the appropriate inspections remain up to date throughout the hire. This includes maintaining accurate records of these inspections in accordance with the relevant regulations. 

Longer-term hires

If the minimum hire period is three years or more, our Standard Conditions of Hire require the hired equipment to be redecorated and refurbished in the manner and within the timeframe specified by Algeco.

If this applies to your agreement, please speak to your Algeco contact for guidance on what is required.

Getting ready for collection

There are also some things you'll need to do before your hired equipment is collected.

Please make sure:

• The equipment is clean
• All utilities have been disconnected
• Any effluent tanks have been emptied and flushed
• Algeco service items and other accessories are laid down or otherwise secured ready for transport
• Any equipment, materials or personal belongings that don't belong to Algeco have been removed
• All supplied keys are ready to be returned.

Getting everything collection ready can help avoid delays and additional charges.

What happens if equipment is damaged?

We understand that normal wear and tear happens during a hire.

However, you may be responsible for the cost of cleaning, repairs or damage where equipment hasn't been maintained or returned in accordance with the Standard Conditions of Hire.

Algeco may also inspect, maintain or service hired equipment during the hire period by giving you reasonable prior notice.

If you're unsure about damage or an issue with your accommodation, contact us. We'll help you understand the appropriate next step.

Not sure who's responsible?

If you're unsure whether a particular repair, inspection or maintenance activity is your responsibility or Algeco's, please speak to your Algeco contact before carrying out any work.

We're here to help you understand what you need to do and make looking after your hired accommodation as straightforward as possible.

Important information

This page provides a plain-English overview of some of the maintenance, care and return responsibilities contained in Clause 14 of Algeco's Standard Conditions of Hire – UK. It does not replace or amend your hire agreement or the Standard Conditions of Hire. It also should not be used as a substitute for fully reviewing the terms applicable to your hire. 

Please refer to your agreement, the Standard Conditions of Hire and, for buildings, the Hired Equipment Maintenance Responsibility document for the full terms that apply to your hire.