Cleaning & Damage Policy

1. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

  • “Hirer” means the individual person who makes the booking, or where a booking is made on behalf of a company, partnership, trust, organisation, or other legal entity, that entity and any of its directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, or representatives who access, collect, use, or return the hired equipment.

  • “Provider”, “we”, “us”, or “our” means Roberts Trailer Hire, the business that owns, operates, and provides the trailer hire services and equipment, trading under the applicable legal entity with ABN 125 237 620 90.

  • “Equipment” means the trailer and all associated components, including but not limited to ramps, cage, lights, tyres, locks, chains, spare wheel, and accessories.

  • “Fair Wear and Tear” means reasonable deterioration resulting from normal and proper use of the Equipment.

2. Condition of Equipment on Return

2.1 The Hirer must return the Equipment at the end of the Hire Period in substantially the same condition as at the commencement of the Hire Period, subject to Fair Wear and Tear.

2.2 The Equipment must be returned:

  • Free of excess dirt, mud, grease, oil, concrete, paint, food residue, or waste

  • With all accessories and components intact

  • In a safe and usable condition

2.3 The Hirer is responsible for ensuring the Equipment is reasonably cleaned prior to return where it has been used in a manner that causes excessive soiling.

3. Cleaning Charges

3.1 No cleaning fees apply where the Equipment is returned in a reasonably clean condition consistent with normal use.

3.2 Where the Equipment is returned excessively dirty and requires cleaning beyond normal wear and tear, the Provider may charge a reasonable cleaning fee to cover the cost of labour, materials, and downtime.

3.3 Cleaning fees may apply in circumstances including, but not limited to:

  • Oil, grease, fuel, or chemical spills

  • Cement, paint, or construction residue

  • Excessive mud, clay, sand, or organic waste

  • Food waste or liquid spills

3.4 Cleaning fees will be cost-reflective, not punitive, and supported by evidence where reasonably practicable.

4. Damage, Loss, or Missing Items

4.1 The Hirer is responsible for any loss of, or damage to, the Equipment occurring during the Hire Period, excluding Fair Wear and Tear.

4.2 Damage includes, but is not limited to:

  • Bent or damaged ramps, cage, or frame

  • Electrical or lighting damage

  • Tyre or wheel damage beyond normal use

  • Damage caused by overloading, misuse, or improper towing

  • Missing or damaged locks, chains, keys, or accessories

4.3 Where damage or loss occurs, the Provider may recover the reasonable cost of repair or replacement, including associated labour and administrative costs.

5. Reporting Issues

5.1 The Hirer must notify the Provider as soon as reasonably practicable if:

  • The Equipment is damaged

  • A fault or issue arises during the Hire Period

  • The Equipment is returned in a different condition than at pickup

5.2 Failure to report issues may be taken into account when assessing responsibility for damage.

6. Assessment and Charges

6.1 The Provider may inspect the Equipment after return.

6.2 Where cleaning or repair is required, the Provider will:

  • Notify the Hirer of the issue

  • Provide details of the cleaning or repair required

  • Charge only reasonable, cost-based amounts

6.3 Any charges will be processed using the payment method on file or invoiced to the Hirer.

7. No Penalties

7.1 Cleaning and damage charges are not penalties and are applied solely to recover reasonable costs incurred by the Provider.

7.2 Nothing in this policy is intended to impose unfair or excessive charges.

8. Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in this Cleaning & Damage Policy excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights or remedies available to the Hirer under the Australian Consumer Law.