Somerset Roof Tent Hire - Terms and Conditions of Hire

Please read these terms carefully before hiring equipment from us. By collecting the equipment, you confirm that you accept these terms in full.

1. Definitions

• "We", "us", "our" means Somerset Roof Tent Hire.
• "You", "your" means the person hiring the equipment (the Hirer).
• "Equipment" means the rooftop tent, ladder, mattress, and any accessories supplied as part of the hire.
• "Hire Period" means the agreed dates and times the Equipment is in your possession, from collection to return.

2. Booking and Payment

2.1 A booking is confirmed once a deposit and/or full hire fee has been received, as agreed at the time of booking. 

2.2 Hire fees are calculated based on the agreed Hire Period and must be paid in full before or at the point of collection, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

2.3 We reserve the right to decline a booking at our discretion, for example where we have reason to believe the Equipment may not be used safely or appropriately.

3. Security Deposit

3.1 A fixed security deposit of £250 is payable at the time of collection, in addition to the hire fee. 

3.2 The deposit is held against loss, damage, excessive soiling, or late return of the Equipment, and is refundable within 2 working days of the Equipment being returned, subject to inspection. 

3.3 We reserve the right to deduct reasonable costs of repair, cleaning, or replacement from the deposit. Where damage or loss exceeds the value of the deposit, you agree to pay the additional cost within 3 days of being notified. 

3.4 The deposit does not limit your liability under these terms; it is a contribution toward costs, not a cap.

4. Collection and Fitting

4.1 You are responsible for collecting the Equipment from our agreed collection point at the start of the Hire Period. 

4.2 We will assist with fitting the Equipment to your vehicle's roof bars/roof rack at the point of collection. 

4.3 It is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle has roof bars/a roof rack suitable and rated to carry the weight of the Equipment (typically around 60kg, plus occupants). We recommend checking your vehicle handbook or roof bar manufacturer's guidance before collection. We accept no liability for damage to your vehicle, roof bars, or the Equipment arising from unsuitable or incorrectly fitted roof bars. 

4.4 You should check the Equipment at the point of collection and raise any concerns about its condition before leaving. Equipment is deemed to be in good condition and working order unless noted otherwise at collection.

5. Use of the Equipment

5.1 You agree to use the Equipment only for its intended purpose (rooftop camping) and in accordance with any instructions provided at collection. 

5.2 You must not exceed the maximum stated occupancy or internal weight limit of the tent. 

5.3 You are responsible for ensuring the Equipment remains securely fitted to your vehicle at all times while travelling, and for driving in a manner appropriate to a vehicle with a roof-mounted load (e.g. reduced speed, awareness of increased height and wind resistance). 

5.4 The Equipment must not be sub-let, loaned to a third party, or used by anyone other than you and your named party without our prior written agreement. 

5.5 You must not smoke inside the tent or use naked flames, barbecues, or heaters near or inside the Equipment.

6. Care of the Equipment

6.1 You agree to take reasonable care of the Equipment throughout the Hire Period, including protecting it from unnecessary exposure to damage. 

6.2 The Equipment should be returned in a clean, dry condition where reasonably possible. If returned wet, please let us know at return so it can be dried appropriately - do not pack it away wet for extended periods, as this can cause mould or damage. 

6.3 Any damage, however small, should be reported to us as soon as possible and no later than at the point of return.

7. Loss or Damage

7.1 You are responsible for the Equipment for the full duration of the Hire Period and are liable for any loss, theft, or damage occurring during this time, fair wear and tear excepted. 

7.2 In the event of loss or damage beyond fair wear and tear, we reserve the right to charge the reasonable cost of repair or, where the Equipment cannot be repaired, its replacement value. 

7.3 We recommend checking whether your motor or home insurance covers roof-mounted equipment, or arranging separate cover if you are concerned about accidental damage.

8. Cancellations and Changes

8.1 Cancellations made more than 7 days before the start of the Hire Period will receive a full refund, excluding any non-refundable deposit to secure dates. 

8.2 Cancellations made within 7 days of the start of the Hire Period may be subject to a cancellation charge of the full hire fee, to reflect lost booking opportunity. 

8.3 We will try to accommodate date changes where possible, subject to availability. 

8.4 If we are unable to fulfil a booking for reasons outside our control (e.g. equipment fault, illness), we will offer an alternative date or a full refund.

9. Late Return

9.1 The Equipment must be returned by the agreed date and time. 

9.2 Late returns may incur an additional daily hire charge at our standard rate, unless previously agreed with us.

9.3 If the Equipment is not returned within 24 hours of the agreed return date without contact from you, we reserve the right to treat this as a loss and charge the full replacement value from the deposit and/or any other means available to us as well as reporting the items stolen to the Police.

10. Liability

10.1 We will take all reasonable steps to ensure the Equipment is safe, clean, and in good working order before hire. 

10.2 We accept no liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from misuse of the Equipment, failure to follow instructions provided, or use in conditions the Equipment was not designed for. 

10.3 Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for any other liability that cannot be excluded by law. 

10.4 We are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss, such as loss of enjoyment or additional travel costs, arising from equipment issues.

11. Weather and Force Majeure

11.1 We are not responsible for weather conditions during your trip. The Equipment is designed for four-season use, but you should exercise reasonable judgement about camping in severe weather. 

11.2 Neither party shall be liable for delay or failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control (e.g. extreme weather, accident, illness).

12. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.