Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions of Service

1. Introduction and Scope of Work

1.1. These Terms and Conditions apply to all electrical testing and inspection services provided by Fire Detect.

1.2. Our services are strictly limited to Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) and BS 5839-6 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm System Inspection and Testing in domestic/residential properties.

1.3. No Installation or Remedial Works: We operate strictly as a testing and inspection service. We do not carry out installations, electrical repairs, or remedial works. Any faults, failures, or non-compliances identified during testing will be detailed in the report/certificate, and the Client will be responsible for arranging a separate qualified contractor to carry out corrective works.

2. Access and Abortive Visit Fees ("No Access")

2.1. The Client or their nominated representative (such as a tenant or letting agent) must ensure that the property is safely accessible at the agreed date and time, and that appliances/fire alarm systems can be safely reached and tested.

2.2. If our engineer arrives at the property and is unable to gain access, or if testing cannot proceed due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., tenants refusing entry, power being isolated, appliances locked away, or unsafe working conditions), a No Access / Abortive Visit fee of £40 will be charged to cover travel and lost time.

2.3. Re-booking will be subject to a new appointment slot and payment of the abortive visit fee.

3. Cancellation and Rescheduling Notice

3.1. We require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule any booked testing appointment.

3.2. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a late cancellation fee equal to 50% of the quoted job price or the standard abortive visit fee.

4. Payment Terms

4.1. Payment is due strictly within 7 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4.2. Withholding of Certificates: All digital test reports, certificates (including PAT and BS 5839-6 documentation), and compliance logs remain the property of Fire Detect until the corresponding invoice has been paid in full. We reserve the right to withhold all documentation until cleared funds are received.

5. Late Payment Penalties and Statutory Rights

5.1. As our services are provided to businesses, landlords, and letting agents, we exercise our statutory rights under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

5.2. If an invoice remains unpaid after the 7-day payment window, we reserve the right to add:

A statutory fixed debt recovery fee of £40.00 (for debts under £1,000).

Statutory interest calculated daily at 8% above the Bank of England base rate.

5.3. If legal action or debt recovery agencies are required to recover the debt, all associated legal, court, and administrative costs will be added to the total balance owed by the Client.

6. Client Responsibilities

6.1. PAT Testing: The Client must ensure that appliances are available for testing. Appliances that are in continuous critical use (e.g., servers, life-support medical equipment) will not be tested unless specifically agreed in advance.

6.2. BS 5839-6 Fire Alarms: The Client or tenant must inform us of any known faults with the fire alarm system prior to testing. Our inspection is limited to routine testing and verification in accordance with BS 5839-6 guidelines and does not constitute a full design review or rewiring assessment of the property's electrical infrastructure.

7. Limitation of Liability

7.1. PAT Testing: We test appliances in their current visual and operational state. We accept no liability for equipment failure during or after testing if the appliance was already degraded, faulty, or near the end of its operational lifecycle, nor for any pre-existing hidden defects or data loss.

7.2. BS 5839-6 Fire Alarms: Our inspection and testing are limited to routine checks of existing fire detection systems. We do not accept liability for latent defects, structural faults, or underlying wiring issues installed by third parties prior to our visit.