Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 22 July 2026

1. About us

These Terms and Conditions apply to services provided by Abode Garden Services.

Abode Garden Services is the trading name of:Abode Garden Services

Business address:
North Ln, Rustington, Littlehampton BN16 3PL

Email: info@abodegardenservices.co.uk
Mobile: 07702 824689
Telephone: 01903 770140

References to “Abode Garden Services”, “we”, “us” and “our” mean the business identified above.

References to “you” and “your” mean the customer named in the quotation or otherwise engaging us.

2. Consumer and commercial customers

A consumer is an individual acting wholly or mainly for purposes outside their trade, business, craft or profession.

A commercial customer is any customer acting for purposes relating to a trade, business, craft or profession. This includes companies, partnerships, landlords acting as a business, managing agents and other organisations.

Some provisions in these Terms apply only to consumers or only to commercial customers. This will be stated where relevant.

Nothing in these Terms limits a consumer’s rights under applicable consumer law.

3. Services

Depending on the quotation, our services may include:

• garden maintenance;

• lawn care;

• hedge and shrub maintenance;

• planting and garden work;

• garden clearance;

• pressure washing;

• exterior cleaning;

• gutter clearing;

• rubbish or green-waste removal; and

• other services described in the quotation.

The precise services, property, price and any specific exclusions will be stated in the quotation.

4. Quotations

Unless stated otherwise:

• quotations are free;

• quotations are provided without obligation;

• quotations are valid for 30 days from their issue date;

• quotations are based on the information and access available when prepared; and

• quotations do not include work or materials not expressly described.

A quotation may be based on photographs, measurements or information supplied by you. We may amend or withdraw it if that information is inaccurate or if a site inspection reveals materially different circumstances.

Obvious errors in a quotation do not bind either party. We will notify you promptly if we identify an error.

Any estimated measurements, quantities, timings or completion dates are reasonable estimates rather than guarantees unless expressly stated otherwise.

5. Formation of the contract

A quotation is an invitation for you to engage us and is not itself a contract.

A binding contract is formed when:

• you clearly accept the quotation by email, text message, signature or another agreed method; and

• we confirm your booking or begin providing the agreed service.

The contract consists of:

1. the quotation;

2. any written variations subsequently agreed;

3. these Terms and Conditions; and

4. any other document expressly incorporated into the quotation.

If there is an inconsistency, the quotation takes priority over these Terms for the specific matter described in it.

You should read the quotation and these Terms before accepting.

6. Consumer cancellation rights

This section applies only where you are a consumer.

Contracts agreed at a distance or away from our premises

Where a contract is concluded:

• online;

• by telephone;

• by email or text message; or

• during a visit to your home or another location away from our business premises,

you may have a legal right to cancel the contract within 14 days without giving a reason.

The cancellation period normally expires 14 days after the day the contract is entered into.

To exercise this right, you must clearly tell us that you wish to cancel. You may contact us by email, post or telephone.

Starting work during the cancellation period

We will not normally begin work during the 14-day cancellation period unless you expressly ask us to do so.

Where you ask us to begin during that period:

• you acknowledge that you may have to pay for services reasonably supplied before cancellation;

• the amount payable will be proportionate to the work completed compared with the full contract;

• you may also have to pay for non-returnable materials reasonably purchased with your agreement; and

• if the service is fully performed during the cancellation period, you may lose your right to cancel once you have acknowledged this and expressly requested full performance.

Your request for work to start early should be recorded in writing.

Emergency repairs or maintenance

The statutory cancellation right may not apply to urgent repairs or maintenance that you specifically request us to attend to immediately, to the extent of the urgent work requested.

Additional work that is not genuinely urgent may still be subject to cancellation rights.

Refunds

Where you validly exercise a statutory cancellation right, we will make any refund required by law without undue delay and normally within 14 days.

Nothing in the remainder of these Terms reduces your statutory cancellation rights.

7. Our standard of service

We will:

• perform the services with reasonable care and skill;

• carry out the work substantially in accordance with the accepted quotation;

• use materials of an appropriate type and quality where we supply them;

• comply with applicable legal and safety requirements; and

• communicate with you about material issues affecting the work.

For consumers, statements about the service that you reasonably rely upon when entering the contract may form part of the contract as required by law.

We do not guarantee a particular aesthetic or horticultural result unless the quotation expressly states that result is guaranteed.

8. Dates and times

We will make reasonable efforts to attend and complete work on agreed dates.

Unless expressly stated in writing, dates and times are estimates and time is not of the essence.

Work may be delayed, rearranged or extended because of:

• adverse weather;

• unsafe working conditions;

• illness or staff unavailability;

• equipment failure;

• traffic or access problems;

• delays in obtaining materials;

• waste-disposal restrictions;

• discoveries made during the work;

• third-party delays;

• legal or safety requirements; or

• other events reasonably outside our control.

We will contact you as soon as reasonably practicable when a material delay occurs and arrange a revised date.

9. Your responsibilities

You must:

• provide accurate information about the property and required work;

• ensure that you have authority to instruct the work;

• obtain any landlord, freeholder, managing-agent or other third-party approval;

• identify property boundaries;

• identify any restrictions, covenants, preservation orders or planning requirements;

• tell us about underground or concealed cables, pipes, drains, irrigation systems and other services;

• disclose known hazards;

• disclose the presence of asbestos or other dangerous substances;

• provide safe and reasonable access;

• secure or remove pets where appropriate;

• move fragile, valuable or obstructive items unless otherwise agreed;

• provide access to water and electricity where reasonably required and agreed;

• ensure children and other occupants remain safely away from the work area;

• notify neighbours or building management where access or noise may affect them; and

• follow reasonable care or maintenance instructions we provide.

You are responsible for losses caused by inaccurate information, undisclosed hazards or failure to meet these responsibilities, except to the extent that we caused or contributed to the loss.

10. Access to the property

You must provide access at the agreed time.

Where we cannot gain access, we may:

• charge a reasonable aborted-visit fee reflecting the time and costs incurred;

• rearrange the appointment;

• recover costs for hired equipment, labour or materials that cannot reasonably be avoided; or

• treat repeated failures to provide access as cancellation of the contract.

Any fee will reflect our genuine loss and will not be used as a penalty.

Where you provide keys, access codes or alarm information, we will take reasonable care of them and use them only for the agreed purpose.

You must tell us promptly when access arrangements change.

11. Site conditions and hidden problems

Our quotation is based on conditions that were reasonably visible or disclosed when it was prepared.

Gardens, buildings and exterior areas may contain concealed or unexpected issues, including:

• hidden roots or stumps;

• unstable structures;

• damaged drains or gutters;

• concealed cables or pipes;

• contaminated ground;

• asbestos-containing materials;

• pests or nests;

• protected species;

• diseased plants;

• subsidence;

• unusually compacted ground;

• hazardous waste; or

• surfaces that are unsuitable for pressure washing or treatment.

If an unexpected problem affects the safety, cost or scope of work, we may pause the affected work.

We will explain the issue and, where reasonably possible, provide:

• a revised quotation;

• available options;

• any expected additional cost; and

• any effect on timing.

We will not carry out material additional work without your agreement, except where immediate action is reasonably necessary to prevent injury or significant property damage.

If the problem makes the work unsafe, unlawful or impracticable, either party may end the affected part of the contract. You will pay for work properly completed and reasonable unavoidable costs incurred up to that point.

12. Changes and additional work

Either party may propose a change to the services.

A change is not binding until its scope and price have been agreed, preferably in writing.

Additional work may include:

• work not included in the quotation;

• work required because information supplied was incomplete or inaccurate;

• additional materials;

• further waste removal;

• extra collection or delivery journeys;

• waiting time caused by matters within your control;

• repairing defects or damage not caused by us; or

• work arising from hidden conditions.

Where urgent additional work is requested verbally, we may record the agreement by text message, email, photograph, job note or invoice.

We will apply agreed savings where a change reduces the cost of the work.

There will be no undisclosed charges. Any additional amount must result from an agreed variation, an expressly stated allowance, or a reasonable cost recoverable under these Terms.

13. Materials

The quotation will state whether materials are included.

Where we supply materials:

• we may use reasonably equivalent alternatives if an item is unavailable;

• we will tell you before making a material substitution;

• natural materials, plants and manufactured products may vary in colour, size, grain, texture or appearance;

• availability may affect the work schedule; and

• manufacturer warranties may apply in addition to these Terms.

If you request additional materials after work begins, you must pay:

• the cost of the materials;

• reasonable delivery or collection charges; and

• any additional labour or equipment costs.

Materials specially ordered, cut, mixed, treated or obtained specifically for your work may not be returnable.

Where you supply materials, you are responsible for their suitability, quantity, instructions and quality. We are not responsible for defects arising solely from customer-supplied materials unless we should reasonably have identified and warned you about an obvious problem.

Unused materials that you have paid for belong to you, unless the quotation states that materials are charged on a used-quantity basis.

14. Plants, lawns and living materials

Plants, turf, seed and other living materials are affected by factors outside our control, including:

• weather;

• soil conditions;

• drainage;

• watering;

• disease;

• pests;

• animals;

• foot traffic;

• pollution;

• seasonal conditions; and

• subsequent maintenance.

We will use reasonable care and skill when supplying, planting or treating living materials.

Unless expressly agreed in writing, we cannot guarantee:

• that every plant will survive;

• a particular germination rate;

• a weed-free lawn;

• permanent removal of weeds, moss, pests or disease;

• the future shape or growth of plants; or

• a particular horticultural result.

Any plant guarantee stated in the quotation is conditional on you following watering, feeding, protection and maintenance instructions.

15. Chemical treatments and products

Where the services involve weedkiller, pesticide, fertiliser, cleaner, sealant or another treatment:

• we will use the product reasonably and in accordance with relevant instructions;

• you must tell us about pets, ponds, sensitive plants, allergies or other relevant risks;

• treated areas may need to remain unused for a specified period;

• results may vary according to weather, surface condition and previous treatments; and

• repeat treatment may be required unless the quotation states otherwise.

We may refuse to apply a product where we reasonably consider its use unsafe or inappropriate.

16. Pressure washing and exterior cleaning

You must tell us about known damage, loose pointing, unstable paving, cracked render, defective seals, fragile coatings, water ingress or other vulnerable areas.

Pressure washing and exterior cleaning can expose pre-existing defects that were hidden by dirt, moss or vegetation.

We are not responsible for deterioration caused by a pre-existing defect that we could not reasonably have identified before starting.

We will remain responsible where damage results from our failure to use reasonable care and skill.

Results may vary depending on age, staining, previous treatments, porosity and the condition of the surface.

17. Waste and rubbish removal

The quotation will state whether waste removal is included.

Where included, we will remove the waste produced by the agreed services in the quantity reasonably anticipated when preparing the quotation.

We may transport controlled waste only where legally authorised to do so or arrange collection through an appropriately authorised provider.

Additional waste may incur a charge where:

• it was not produced by our work;

• its quantity or type was not disclosed;

• it requires specialist handling;

• it is hazardous;

• additional journeys are required; or

• a skip or specialist contractor is needed.

We will explain any additional charge before removing the extra waste.

We may refuse to remove hazardous, prohibited or undisclosed waste.

18. Wildlife, protected species and legal restrictions

We may pause, alter or refuse work where we reasonably believe that it could:

• disturb an active bird’s nest;

• affect a protected species or habitat;

• breach a tree preservation order;

• breach planning or conservation restrictions;

• create an environmental offence; or

• otherwise be unsafe or unlawful.

You remain responsible for identifying restrictions affecting the property unless we have expressly agreed to investigate them.

We will discuss reasonable alternatives where possible.

19. Price and VAT

The price is stated in the quotation.

The quotation will state whether:

• the price is fixed;

• the price is an estimate;

• work is charged by time or quantity; and

• VAT is included or applicable.

Any VAT legally chargeable will be shown on the quotation or invoice.

A fixed quotation may be adjusted only where:

• you agree to a variation;

• the quotation contained an obvious error;

• relevant information supplied by you was inaccurate;

• hidden conditions materially change the work;

• taxes or legally imposed charges change; or

• another adjustment is expressly permitted by these Terms.

20. Deposits and advance payments

Unless agreed otherwise, no advance payment is required.

We may request a reasonable deposit or advance payment where:

• materials must be ordered;

• equipment must be hired;

• substantial time must be reserved;

• the work will take place over an extended period; or

• the quotation identifies another reasonable need.

The amount and payment date will be stated in the quotation.

A consumer deposit is not automatically non-refundable. If the contract is cancelled, we will account for the deposit in accordance with statutory cancellation rights and the cancellation provisions below.

21. Invoices and payment

Unless the quotation states otherwise:

• payment is due in full within seven calendar days of completion;

• an invoice may be provided by email or in printed form; and

• payment may be made by bank transfer, cash or another method shown on the invoice.

Payment is not conditional on receipt of money from an insurer, landlord, tenant, customer, contractor or other third party.

For work lasting more than one week, or involving substantial materials, the quotation may provide for stage payments.

You must raise any genuine invoice query promptly and pay any undisputed amount by the due date.

22. Late payment

If payment is overdue, we may:

• send reminders;

• suspend further or recurring work;

• decline new bookings;

• recover reasonable debt-recovery costs; and

• claim interest where legally permitted.

For commercial customers, we may exercise rights available under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts legislation, including statutory interest, compensation and reasonable recovery costs where applicable.

For consumers, any interest or recovery cost will be reasonable, proportionate and permitted by law.

23. Cancellation or postponement by you

This section is subject to any statutory cancellation rights you may have as a consumer, including the rights described in section 6.

Please tell us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or postpone an agreed job.

Where you cancel outside any applicable statutory cancellation period, the following cancellation charges may apply:

• if you cancel within seven days of the agreed start date, a charge of up to 25% of the agreed price;

• if you cancel within 36 hours of the agreed start time, a charge of up to 50% of the agreed price; or

• if you cancel within 24 hours of the agreed start time, a charge of up to 75% of the agreed price.

These percentages represent the maximum cancellation charge that may be applied. The amount actually charged will be limited to Abode Garden Services’ reasonable net loss resulting directly from the cancellation.

When calculating the charge, we may take account of:

• work already carried out;

• materials ordered specifically for your job that cannot reasonably be returned or reused;

• supplier cancellation charges;

• equipment-hire charges;

• committed labour or subcontractor costs;

• reasonable administrative costs; and

• income or profit lost because the reserved time could not reasonably be filled with other work.

We will take reasonable steps to reduce our loss, including attempting to return or reuse materials and rebook the cancelled time where practicable.

If the cancelled time is successfully rebooked, or if our actual loss is lower than the applicable percentage, the cancellation charge will be reduced accordingly.

The cancellation charge will not exceed the applicable percentage shown above or our reasonable net loss, whichever is lower.

We will provide a reasonable explanation of how the cancellation charge was calculated if requested.

No cancellation charge will apply where:

• you validly exercise a statutory right to cancel without liability;

• the cancellation results from our serious breach of contract;

• we suffer no reasonable loss as a result of the cancellation; or

• applying the charge would be unlawful or unfair.

A postponement requested at short notice may be treated as a cancellation where the original booking cannot reasonably be filled and we incur a genuine loss. Where the work is rearranged without causing us a loss, we will not charge solely because the date has changed.

24. Recurring maintenance services

Where we provide recurring maintenance without a fixed end date, either party may normally end the arrangement by giving at least seven days’ notice.

A quotation may specify a different reasonable notice period.

You remain responsible for:

• services already provided;

• appointments falling within the notice period;

• materials specifically ordered; and

• reasonable unavoidable costs caused by shorter notice.

We may periodically review the price of recurring services. We will provide reasonable advance notice of a price change, and you may end the recurring arrangement before the new price takes effect.

25. Cancellation or suspension by us

We may suspend or cancel work where:

• the site is unsafe;

• the work would be unlawful;

• you do not provide access;

• you do not make a payment when due;

• you seriously or repeatedly breach the contract;

• you behave abusively or threaten our personnel;

• undisclosed conditions make the work materially different;

• required materials or equipment are unavailable;

• an event outside our reasonable control prevents performance; or

• continuing would create an unreasonable health, safety or environmental risk.

Where possible, we will give you a reasonable opportunity to remedy a breach.

If we cancel for reasons that are not your fault, you will only pay for properly completed work and materials or services from which you have received a benefit. We will refund any balance due.

If we cancel because of your breach, you must pay for properly completed work and our reasonable net loss directly caused by the breach.

26. Completion and inspection

We will notify you when the work is complete.

You should inspect the work as soon as reasonably practicable and tell us promptly about any concern.

Where an issue is not immediately apparent, please notify us promptly after discovery.

A delayed notification does not automatically remove a consumer’s statutory rights. However, prompt notice gives us a fair opportunity to inspect and address the issue.

27. Complaints and putting work right

Please contact us promptly if you believe that:

• work has not been completed as agreed;

• work has not been performed with reasonable care and skill;

• damage has occurred; or

• an invoice is incorrect.

Contact details:

Email: info@abodegardenservices.co.uk
Mobile: 07702 824689
Telephone: 01903 770140

Please provide:

• your name and property address;

• the date of the work;

• a clear description of the issue;

• photographs where relevant; and

• the outcome you are seeking.

We may ask to inspect the work.

Where we are responsible for defective service, we will use reasonable efforts to correct or repeat the affected work within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience.

Where repeat performance is impossible, cannot be completed within a reasonable time or would cause significant inconvenience, a consumer may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or another remedy required by law.

You should give us a reasonable opportunity to investigate and put matters right before arranging remedial work through another provider, except in an emergency or where it would be unreasonable to do so.

28. Twelve-month workmanship guarantee

Subject to this section, we provide a 12-month guarantee covering defects caused by our failure to carry out permanent installation or repair work with reasonable care and skill.

The guarantee begins on completion of the relevant work.

The guarantee applies only where:

• the invoice has been paid;

• you notify us promptly after discovering the issue;

• you give us reasonable access to inspect it; and

• you allow us a reasonable opportunity to provide a remedy.

The guarantee does not cover:

• routine maintenance services;

• grass cutting, hedge cutting, pruning or clearance;

• natural plant growth or regrowth;

• weeds, moss, pests or disease returning;

• plant, seed or turf failure caused by factors outside our control;

• ordinary wear and tear;

• accidental damage;

• misuse or neglect;

• failure to follow care instructions;

• extreme weather, frost, drought, flooding or subsidence;

• pre-existing defects;

• movement or deterioration of existing structures;

• materials supplied by you;

• manufacturer defects covered by a separate warranty;

• work altered or repaired by another person;

• damage caused by animals, pests, roots or vegetation; or

• issues expressly excluded in the quotation.

Where the guarantee applies, our usual remedy will be to correct the defective workmanship at no additional labour charge.

This contractual guarantee is in addition to, and does not replace or restrict, a consumer’s statutory rights.

29. Damage to property

We will take reasonable care while working at your property.

You must remove or identify fragile, concealed or valuable items and tell us about vulnerable surfaces or structures.

If we cause damage through negligence or breach of contract, you should notify us promptly and give us a reasonable opportunity to inspect and, where appropriate, repair the damage or make an insurance claim.

We are not responsible for:

• fair wear and tear;

• pre-existing damage;

• unavoidable minor disturbance inherent in the agreed work;

• damage caused by inaccurate information;

• damage arising from undisclosed concealed services or hazards; or

• damage we could not reasonably have prevented while exercising reasonable care and skill.

30. Consumer liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts liability where doing so would be unlawful.

In particular, nothing excludes or limits liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by negligence;

• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;

• breach of statutory consumer rights; or

• any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

We are responsible for loss or damage suffered by a consumer that is a foreseeable result of our breach of contract or failure to use reasonable care and skill.

We are not responsible for loss that:

• was not reasonably foreseeable;

• was not caused by our breach;

• results from your failure to follow reasonable instructions; or

• relates to business activity where you entered the contract as a consumer.

31. Commercial-customer liability

This section applies only to commercial customers.

Nothing excludes or limits liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by negligence;

• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or

• liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Subject to the above, we will not be liable for:

• loss of profit;

• loss of revenue;

• loss of business;

• loss of contracts;

• loss of anticipated savings;

• loss of goodwill;

• business interruption;

• loss of data; or

• indirect or consequential loss.

We are responsible only for direct losses that were reasonably foreseeable when the contract was formed.

Any specific financial liability cap stated prominently in the quotation will apply to a commercial customer to the extent permitted by law.

You are responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance for your property, business activities and consequential risks.

32. Events outside our control

Neither party is responsible for delay or failure caused by an event outside its reasonable control.

Examples include:

• extreme weather;

• fire or flood;

• epidemic or public-health restrictions;

• utility failure;

• transport disruption;

• strikes;

• civil disorder;

• government action;

• supply-chain failure;

• serious illness;

• equipment failure despite reasonable maintenance; and

• restrictions relating to protected wildlife or unsafe conditions.

The affected party must notify the other as soon as reasonably practicable and take reasonable steps to minimise the effect.

If the event continues for more than 30 days and materially prevents the work, either party may end the affected contract. You will pay for services properly provided and reasonable non-recoverable costs incurred before cancellation.

33. Insurance

We will maintain insurance that we reasonably consider appropriate for our activities.

Details of relevant insurance cover may be provided on reasonable request.

Our insurance does not replace your responsibility to maintain suitable buildings, contents, landlord, business or other property insurance.

34. Personal information

We use personal information in accordance with our Privacy and Cookies Policy, available on our website.

You should ensure that any personal information you give us about another person is provided lawfully.

35. Communications and notices

Routine communications may be sent by telephone, text message or email.

A formal notice concerning cancellation, termination, dispute or legal proceedings should be sent by email or post using the contact details in these Terms or the quotation.

A notice sent by email is treated as received on the next working day, provided no delivery-failure message is received.

You must tell us if your contact details change.

36. Transfer of the contract

We may use employees and appropriately qualified subcontractors to provide the services.

We may transfer our contractual rights and obligations as part of a genuine sale or reorganisation of the business, provided that doing so does not reduce a consumer’s rights.

You may not transfer the contract to another person without our written agreement, which will not be unreasonably withheld.

37. Third-party rights

Unless expressly stated otherwise, a person who is not a party to the contract has no right to enforce it under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

38. Entire agreement

For commercial customers, the contract constitutes the entire agreement relating to the services and replaces previous discussions or correspondence about them.

Nothing in this section excludes liability for fraud or prevents a consumer from relying on statements that form part of the contract under consumer law.

39. Severability

If any provision is found invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, it will be treated as modified to the minimum extent necessary.

If modification is not possible, the affected provision will be removed. The remaining provisions will continue in effect.

40. Waiver

A delay or failure by either party to enforce a right does not waive that right.

A waiver applies only where clearly given and only to the particular circumstances for which it was given.

41. Changes to these Terms

The Terms applying to a particular one-off contract are those accepted when that contract was formed, together with any agreed variation.

We may update the website version for future contracts.

For recurring services, we may update these Terms by providing reasonable advance notice. A consumer may end the recurring service before a material change takes effect without being charged solely for rejecting the change.

42. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms and the contract are governed by the law of England and Wales.

A consumer living in another part of the United Kingdom retains any mandatory protections and court rights available in that part of the United Kingdom.

Commercial customers agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction.

43. Contact details

Abode Garden Services
Richard Boak

Abode Garden Services
North Ln, Rustington, Littlehampton BN16 3PL

Email: info@abodegardenservices.co.uk
Mobile: 07702 824689
Telephone: 01903 770140