01
Stop using and prepare the item
Switch it off safely, allow it to cool where needed and remove any customer belongings or waste.
Clear rules for changing or ending a hire
Returns & Cancellations.
Return equipment on time, in the agreed condition and with all supplied accessories. Cancellation, refund and additional-charge rules will be shown before the booking is confirmed.
Agreed return method
Collection or customer return.
Return on time
Late charges may apply.
Reasonably clean
Normal use is expected.
Condition recorded
Checked against the handover record.
Returning equipment
Finish the hire properly.
The return process protects both the customer and Lakeside by recording condition, accessories, cleanliness and timing.
02
Check all supplied accessories
Batteries, chargers, guards, hoses, blades, keys and other supplied parts must be returned with the equipment.
03
Return at the agreed time
Meet the confirmed collection window or return appointment. Contact Lakeside before the deadline if delayed.
04
Complete the return inspection
Condition, cleanliness, operation and supplied accessories are checked against the original handover record.
Expected return condition
Normal use is fine. Neglect is different.
Normal wear
Reasonable signs of proper use are expected and are not treated the same as misuse or neglect.
Reasonably clean
Loose grass, dust or light dirt from ordinary use is expected. Heavy contamination or hardened material may not be.
All parts returned
Accessories and attachments listed on the handover record must be returned with the equipment.
Faults reported
Any fault, damage or incident should be disclosed immediately, not discovered after the customer has left.
No unauthorised repairs
Customers must not dismantle, modify or attempt to repair hired equipment.
Safe transport
Equipment remains the customer’s responsibility until the return handover has been completed.
Additional charges
Charges only where something has gone wrong.
Final charges will be explained in the Terms of Hire and booking confirmation.
Late returns & missed collections.
Additional hire or rearrangement charges may apply where equipment is kept beyond the agreed period or cannot be collected as arranged.
Hire continues until the equipment is returned
Another customer’s booking may be affected
Repeated missed appointments may affect future hires
Extra collection costs may be charged
Cleaning & contamination.
Cleaning charges may apply where the equipment is returned in a condition beyond normal use and requires additional labour or specialist treatment.
Hardened cement, plaster, paint or adhesive
Oil, chemicals or hazardous contamination
Excessive mud, grass or waste
Cleaning required before the next safe hire
Missing parts & accessories.
Missing accessories may be charged at repair or replacement cost, including any reasonable loss of use.
Chargers, batteries and cables
Guards, keys, hoses and attachments
Manual packs or specialist components
Costs caused by incomplete returns
Damage & misuse.
Damage caused by misuse, neglect, unauthorised attachments or failure to follow guidance may be charged separately from normal wear.
Repair or replacement cost
Assessment and recovery costs
Loss of hire while the equipment is unavailable
Full review against handover records
Cancelling a booking
More notice gives more options.
Exact notice periods and refund rules will be shown before booking.
Early cancellation
Before preparation or delivery costs
Where sufficient notice is given, a refund or reschedule may be available subject to the confirmed booking terms.
Best chance of refund
Late cancellation
Close to the hire start
Refunds may be reduced where equipment has been prepared, reserved, loaded or delivery costs have already been incurred.
Charges may apply
No-show
Customer absent without agreement
A no-show may be treated as a missed booking. Hire, delivery or preparation charges may be retained under the booking terms.
Refund unlikely!
Going to be late? Tell us before the deadline.
Contact Lakeside before the agreed return or collection time. An approved extension may be possible if the equipment is not already booked by another customer. Keeping it without approval may result in further hire charges and affect future bookings.
Serious return problems
Lost, stolen or seriously damaged.
Equipment lost.
Contact Lakeside immediately. The customer remains responsible for the equipment until it is safely returned and accepted.
Equipment stolen.
Report theft to Lakeside immediately and to the police where appropriate. A crime reference may be required.
Serious damage.
Stop using the equipment, secure the area and do not attempt repairs. Explain exactly what happened and provide photographs where possible.
Refunds depend on timing and costs already incurred.
A refund is not automatic simply because the equipment was not used. Lakeside may already have reserved the item, rejected another booking, prepared the equipment or incurred delivery costs. The confirmed cancellation terms for that booking will determine the outcome.
Need to change a booking? Contact us early.
The earlier Lakeside knows, the easier it is to help without extra cost or disruption.