Terms Of Business – Harrisons Companies

Terms Of Business – Harrisons Companies

TERMS OF BUSINESS & SERVICE CONDITIONS

Harrisons Private Client Solutions Ltd

(Probate & Estate Administration Services)

 

1. INTRODUCTION

These Terms of Business (“Terms”) govern the provision of services by Harrisons Private Client Solutions Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”).

By instructing us, accepting any proposal, quotation or engagement, or continuing to use our services, you agree to these Terms.

We are a specialist private client support, probate genealogy, estate administration and estate coordination service provider. We are not a firm of solicitors and do not provide reserved legal activities unless expressly stated.

 

2. OUR SERVICES

We provide private client, probate, genealogy, estate administration and associated support services, including but not limited to:

• Probate application support
• Estate administration and coordination
• EstateCare managed estate support services
• Asset identification, tracing and collection
• Liaison with financial institutions and third parties
• Probate genealogy and beneficiary tracing services
• Family history and intestacy research
• Financial asset searches and will searches
• Due diligence and verification services
• Property and vacant property coordination services
• Contractor and property-related coordination services
• Estate property sales support and liaison services

Where genealogy, asset searches, will searches, property services or specialist investigations are required, we may:

• Undertake these directly; or
• Instruct specialist third-party providers on your behalf

By instructing us, you authorise us to engage such third parties where reasonably necessary to progress the estate or related matter.

Our services are administrative, coordination and advisory in nature and do not constitute legal, financial, tax or regulated investment advice unless explicitly confirmed in writing.

 

3. ESTATECARE

EstateCare is the managed estate coordination and support service operated through Harrisons Private Client Solutions and may be provided on a:

• fixed-fee basis;
• percentage-based agreement; or
• bespoke service arrangement.

EstateCare is designed to provide coordinated estate administration support, practical estate progression services and managed oversight for executors, families and professional advisers throughout the administration process.

Depending upon the nature and requirements of the estate or instruction, EstateCare services may include coordination, support or oversight relating to:

• genealogy and beneficiary tracing;
• asset discovery and verification;
• estate administration support;
• executor and beneficiary liaison;
• property inspections and management;
• vacant property support;
• contractor coordination and oversight;
• schedules of works and maintenance coordination;
• estate property sales support;
• institutional liaison;
• practical estate progression services; and
• associated third-party estate support services where appropriate.

Certain operational property-related services may be delivered in conjunction with Harrisons Property Solutions or other approved third-party providers operating within the wider Harrisons support framework.

Where third-party providers, contractors or associated specialists are involved, EstateCare’s role shall generally be limited to coordination, communication, progression oversight and administration support unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

EstateCare services are dependent upon:

• third-party cooperation;
• institutional response times;
• probate timelines;
• access to estate information and assets; and
• external organisations outside our control.



As such, Harrisons Private Client Solutions cannot guarantee specific completion timescales, service outcomes or third-party performance.

Executors, clients and professional advisers remain free to instruct alternative contractors, estate agents, property professionals or associated service providers at any time unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Additional coordination, oversight or project management fees may apply in relation to complex property matters, contractor management, vacant property oversight or extended estate administration requirements and will normally be discussed in advance where reasonably practicable.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, Harrisons Private Client Solutions and EstateCare do not undertake reserved legal activities or provide legal representation.

 

4. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

You agree to:

• Provide complete, accurate and timely information;
• Confirm you have authority to instruct us;
• Respond promptly to requests;
• Inform us of any changes affecting the estate or matter;
• Provide access to relevant documentation where required.

We rely on the accuracy of the information you provide and accept no liability for errors arising from incorrect, incomplete or delayed information.

 

5. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

We may engage third parties on your behalf, including but not limited to:

• genealogy firms;
• asset search providers;
• will search companies;
• financial institutions;
• estate agents;
• contractors;
• property professionals;
• overseas researchers; and
• other specialist providers.

While we take reasonable care in selecting third parties, we are not responsible for:

• their actions or omissions;
• the accuracy of their findings;
• delays caused by them;
• service interruptions; or
• matters outside our reasonable control.

Third-party fees and disbursements may be payable in addition to our own fees.

 

6. FEES & PAYMENT

Fees will be outlined within your engagement letter, proposal or agreement.

Fee structures may include:

• fixed fees;
• hourly rates;
• percentage-based fees; or
• bespoke charging arrangements.

Disbursements, court fees, third-party costs and specialist provider charges are payable in addition unless expressly stated otherwise.

Unless otherwise agreed:

• payment terms are 14 days;
• VAT applies at the prevailing rate;
• we reserve the right to charge interest on overdue invoices;
• we may suspend work where invoices remain unpaid.

Where authorised, we may deduct agreed fees from estate funds.

 

7. CLIENT MONEY

Where we handle estate funds:

• funds will be held in a designated client or estate account;
• agreed fees may be deducted where authorised;
• reasonable records will be maintained and made available upon request.

We do not operate as a regulated banking institution or solicitor client account provider.

 

8. SCOPE OF WORK

Our services are limited to those agreed in writing.

Any additional work outside the agreed scope may incur additional fees.

Where circumstances change, additional services may be recommended and separately chargeable.

 

9. COMMUNICATION

We may communicate with you via:

• email;
• telephone;
• video conferencing;
• electronic document systems; or
• other agreed communication methods.

By instructing us, you consent to electronic communication and acknowledge that electronic communications may not always be completely secure.

 

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

We will keep your information confidential except where disclosure is:

• required by law;
• necessary to provide services;
• required for anti-money laundering or compliance purposes; or
• authorised by you.

Both parties agree to treat estate, financial and personal information as confidential wherever reasonably practicable.

 

11. DATA PROTECTION

We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and applicable data protection legislation.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details regarding how we process and store personal information.

 

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• our liability is limited to the total fees paid directly to us in relation to the instruction;
• we are not liable for indirect or consequential losses;
• we are not responsible for delays caused by third parties;
• we cannot guarantee identification of all beneficiaries, assets, records or interests connected to an estate;
• we are not liable for incomplete or inaccurate third-party records or findings;
• we are not liable for delays arising from courts, probate registries, financial institutions or external organisations.

Nothing within these Terms excludes liability for fraud, or death or personal injury caused by negligence where such liability cannot legally be excluded.

 

13. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate services at any time in writing.

Upon termination:

• fees for work completed remain payable;
• third-party costs already incurred remain payable;
• we may retain documents or information until outstanding invoices are settled where legally permitted.

 

14. COMPLAINTS

If you are dissatisfied with our services, please contact us in writing.

We will:

• acknowledge complaints within 5 working days; and
• aim to resolve complaints within 28 days wherever reasonably practicable.

Where applicable, clients may have the right to escalate complaints to relevant ombudsman or regulatory services.

 

15. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

 

16. CONTACT DETAILS

Harrisons Private Client Solutions Ltd
CP House, Otterspool Way, Watford, WD25 8HU
Telephone: 01923 943499
Website: www.harrisons-pcs.com

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Harrisons Property Solutions Ltd

(Harrisons Estate Agent Solutions – Property Services & Estate Support)

 

1. INTRODUCTION

These Terms & Conditions apply to all services provided by Harrisons Property Solutions (“HPS”, “we”, “our”, “us”) in relation to property inspections, property management, project coordination, maintenance services, contractor coordination, vacant property services, probate property services, estate property support, Court of Protection property matters and associated advisory services.

By instructing Harrisons Property Solutions or accepting any quotation, proposal or recommendation provided by us, the client (“Client”, “you”, “your”) agrees to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

 

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Harrisons Property Solutions provides managed property support services which may include, but are not limited to:

• Property inspections and reporting
• Vacant property management
• Probate property support
• Grounds maintenance and clearance
• Property reinstatement works
• Maintenance coordination
• Contractor sourcing and management
• Property security arrangements
• Clearance and disposal coordination
• Utility coordination
• Estate and deputyship property services
• Property sales support and associated liaison
• Estate agency liaison and sales progression support
• Property marketing coordination
• Sales preparation and presentation works
• Viewing access coordination
•  Pre-sale clearance and reinstatement works

Services may be provided directly by Harrisons Property Solutions and/or through approved third-party contractors, suppliers or specialists.

 

3. CONTRACTOR & THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Harrisons Property Solutions may appoint, recommend or coordinate third-party contractors, suppliers and specialists in connection with instructed works.

Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing:

• Harrisons Property Solutions acts as a project coordinator and managed service provider.
• Physical works may be undertaken by independent third-party contractors.
• Contractors remain responsible for the workmanship, performance and delivery of their own services.
• Harrisons Property Solutions accepts no liability for delays, defects or failures arising solely from the acts or omissions of third-party contractors beyond our reasonable control.

Any contractor details provided by Harrisons Property Solutions form part of our managed contractor network and are provided in confidence for the purposes of the instructed works only.

Clients agree not to directly engage, instruct or circumvent contractors introduced by Harrisons Property Solutions in relation to the proposed works without prior written agreement from Harrisons Property Solutions.

PROPERTY SALES & ESTATE AGENCY SERVICES

Where Harrisons Property Solutions assists with property sales, estate agency liaison or sales progression support:

• Harrisons Property Solutions does not act as a regulated estate agency unless expressly confirmed otherwise in writing;
• property valuations, market appraisals and sales estimates are indicative only unless supplied by a regulated estate agent or qualified valuer;
• Harrisons Property Solutions may coordinate with third-party estate agents, auctioneers, conveyancers and associated professionals;
• Harrisons Property Solutions accepts no liability for market fluctuations, sale timescales, buyer conduct or aborted transactions.

 

 

4. QUOTATIONS & PROPOSALS

All quotations, proposals, recommendations and estimates provided by Harrisons Property Solutions:

• are based upon information available at the time of preparation;
• are subject to site access and visible conditions;
• may be subject to revision where hidden defects, access issues or additional requirements are identified;
• are valid for a period of 30 days unless otherwise stated in writing.

Any estimated costs are provided for guidance purposes only unless expressly confirmed as fixed-price works.

 

5. VARIATIONS & ADDITIONAL WORKS

Where additional works become necessary due to:

• hidden defects;
• safety concerns;
• access limitations;
• structural issues;
• utility failures;
• drainage issues;
• asbestos concerns;
• infestation;
• weather-related damage; or
• any other unforeseen circumstance,

Harrisons Property Solutions reserves the right to provide revised recommendations and additional quotations.

No significant additional works will be instructed without client approval wherever reasonably practicable.

 

6. INSPECTIONS & REPORTS

Any inspection reports, recommendations, observations or assessments produced by Harrisons Property Solutions are based upon non-intrusive visual inspections only unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

Our inspections and reports do not constitute:

• structural surveys;
• building surveys;
• valuations;
• gas safety inspections;
• electrical safety inspections;
• asbestos surveys;
• fire risk assessments;
• drainage surveys;
• environmental assessments; or
• specialist engineering reports.

No dismantling, intrusive investigation or specialist testing will be undertaken unless specifically instructed.

Recommendations are based upon conditions reasonably visible and accessible at the time of inspection only.

 

7. ACCESS & SITE CONDITIONS

The Client is responsible for ensuring lawful and safe access to the property.

The Client shall ensure:

• access permissions are available;
• keys, codes or access arrangements are provided where necessary;
• known hazards are disclosed;
• parking restrictions or permits are identified;
• utilities are available where required.

Harrisons Property Solutions accepts no liability for delays or additional costs arising from restricted access, neighbour disputes, permit issues, unsafe conditions or inaccessible areas.

 

8. VACANT PROPERTY & ESTATE SERVICES

Where services relate to vacant properties, probate properties, deputyship matters or vulnerable client matters, Harrisons Property Solutions will take reasonable care in coordinating and managing the property arrangements.

However, we cannot guarantee:

• the condition of hidden areas;
• the ongoing condition of unoccupied properties;
• prevention of theft, vandalism or trespass;
• uninterrupted utility services;
• the absence of deterioration between visits or inspections.

Clients are responsible for ensuring appropriate insurance arrangements remain in place.

 

9. PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Where Harrisons Property Solutions provides project management or coordination services, our role may include:

• contractor liaison;
• scheduling;
• progress monitoring;
• access coordination;
• client communication;
• administration and reporting.

Project management fees apply independently of contractor charges and are payable for the professional coordination and administration services provided by Harrisons Property Solutions.

 

10. PAYMENT TERMS

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• invoices are payable within 7 days of issue;
• deposits may be required prior to commencement of works;
• staged payments may apply for larger projects;
• late payments may incur interest and recovery costs in accordance with applicable legislation.

Harrisons Property Solutions reserves the right to suspend works or withhold further services where invoices remain unpaid.

 

11. VAT

All fees, quotations and charges are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate unless expressly stated otherwise.

 

12. DELAYS & EVENTS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL

Harrisons Property Solutions shall not be liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• weather conditions;
• contractor availability;
• material shortages;
• utility failures;
• traffic restrictions;
• access issues;
• public authority delays; or
• emergency situations.

Timescales provided are estimates only unless expressly confirmed otherwise in writing.

 

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Harrisons Property Solutions shall not be liable for:

• hidden or latent defects;
• structural movement;
• asbestos contamination;
• drainage defects;
• electrical or gas faults;
• infestation;
• environmental contamination;
• water ingress;
• mould or damp;
• deterioration occurring after inspection;
• acts or omissions of third-party contractors beyond our reasonable control.

Our total liability in connection with any instructed service shall not exceed the total fees paid directly to Harrisons Property Solutions in relation to that instruction.

Nothing within these Terms excludes liability for death, personal injury, fraud or any liability which cannot legally be excluded.

 

14. TERMINATION

Harrisons Property Solutions reserves the right to terminate or suspend services where:

• payment remains outstanding;
• abusive or unsafe behaviour occurs;
• access becomes unsafe or impractical;
• instructions become unlawful or unreasonable.

Clients remain responsible for payment for services already provided up to the termination date.

 

15. CONFIDENTIALITY

Both parties agree to treat all personal, financial and property-related information as confidential unless disclosure is required by law or necessary for the provision of instructed services.

 

16. DATA PROTECTION

Harrisons Property Solutions will process personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and our Privacy Policy.

 

17. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

 

18. CONTACT DETAILS

Harrisons Property Solutions
CP House, Otterspool Way, Watford, WD25 8HU
Telephone: 01923 943499
Email: property@harrisons-pcs.com

 

End of Terms of Business