Bond and Fees

Payment must be made before taking the Trailer.

Cleaning Fee

Missing Items

If any items are missing from the Trailer, including but not limited to shackles, pins, locks, ramps, straps, wheel locks, or accessories, a minimum charge of $52 per item or replacement cost (whichever is greater) may be deducted from the Security Bond.

Other Damage or Missing Parts

Bond Refund Conditions

The Security Bond is fully refundable at the end of the Hire Period only if:

• all amounts due under the Hire Contract have been paid;
• the Trailer has been returned to the correct return location;
• the Trailer has been returned at the agreed return time;
• mandatory return photographs have been submitted;
• there is no damage, theft, loss, cleaning requirement, or Third Party Loss;
• there has not been a Major Breach of the Hire Agreement; and
• the Trailer has been returned in the same condition as at the commencement of hire, fair wear and tear excepted.

AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers reserves the right to retain, deduct, or capture part or all of the Security Bond where there has been:

• damage;
• theft;
• cleaning required;
• missing equipment;
• late return;
• wrong return location;
• breach of these Terms & Conditions;
• failure to provide required photographs; or
• any other loss arising from the Hirer's use of the Trailer.

The Security Bond may also be retained pending investigation of:

• damage claims;
• insurance matters;
• third-party claims;
• theft;
• suspected breaches; or
• missing required photographs or documentation.

Photo Documentation Requirements

As this is a fully automated self-service trailer hire service, mandatory photo documentation forms a fundamental condition of this Agreement.

Before collecting the Trailer, the Hirer must take clear high-definition photographs of the Trailer showing its condition, including but not limited to:

• front;
• rear;
• left side;
• right side;
• wheels and tyres;
• coupling/hitch area;
• ramps and accessories; and
• any existing damage.

The Hirer must also take and submit equivalent photographs immediately upon return of the Trailer.

Access codes or release instructions may be withheld until required pre-hire photographs are received.

Failure to provide mandatory photographs constitutes a breach of this Agreement and may result in:

• forfeiture or retention of part or all of the Security Bond;
• additional inspection or administration charges; and/or
• the Hirer being deemed responsible for any damage, deterioration, or missing equipment identified after return where the Trailer condition cannot be independently verified due to missing photographs.

The Hirer acknowledges that AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may rely on photographs, CCTV footage, GPS data, SMS records, timestamps, maintenance records, booking records, inspection reports, and operational records as evidence of the Trailer's condition, location, timing, and compliance with this Agreement.

1. Governing Terms and Conditions

1.1 Rental Contract

Your contract to hire a Trailer from AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers consists of:

• the Hire Agreement;
• these Rental Terms & Conditions; and
• the Privacy Policy.

These documents create binding and enforceable legal obligations.

1.2 Jurisdiction

This Agreement is governed by the laws of Queensland and the Commonwealth of Australia.

1.3 Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in this Agreement excludes rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

1.4 Electronic Signatures

Electronic signatures are accepted and binding.

2. Authorised Drivers

The Trailer may only be towed by:

• the Hirer; or
• an Authorised Driver approved by AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers.

All drivers must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• hold a valid unrestricted Australian driver licence;
• have at least 12 months driving experience; and
• not have a suspended or cancelled licence.

Use by an unauthorised driver constitutes a Major Breach.

3. Prohibited Use

The Trailer must not be:

• used illegally;
• overloaded;
• used recklessly or dangerously;
• used while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• used off-road or on unsealed roads unless approved in writing;
• used in floodwaters or unsafe areas;
• modified;
• sub-hired or sold;
• used in a manner exceeding towing or weight limits; or
• used while unsafe or damaged.

The Hirer must not tamper with, remove, interfere with, or disable any GPS tracker, wheel lock, security device, or monitoring equipment.

4. Self-Service Pickup & Return

The Hirer acknowledges and agrees that all pickups and returns are conducted through an automated self-service system without physical handover by AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers.

The Hirer accepts full responsibility for the Trailer from the time access is granted, including by access code or lock release, until the Trailer is returned in accordance with this Agreement.

The Hirer is responsible for:

• inspecting the Trailer before use;
• ensuring the Trailer is suitable and roadworthy before departure;
• immediately reporting any unsafe condition, defect, damage, fault, tyre issue, lighting issue, coupling issue, or concern to AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers before towing the Trailer;
• not towing or using the Trailer if there are any concerns regarding safety or roadworthiness;
• correctly securing the Trailer to the towing vehicle;
• complying with all photo requirements; and
• correctly securing and locking the Trailer at return.

4.1 Access Codes & Nominated Vehicles
Access codes and lock combinations are strictly confidential and single-use for the nominated Hirer and approved towing vehicle only. Sharing access codes with third parties or permitting an unapproved driver or vehicle to collect or tow the Trailer constitutes an immediate Major Breach. In the event of an unauthorised handover or collection, any selected Damage Liability Reduction (DLR) is automatically VOID, and the Hirer accepts 100% financial liability for all loss, damage, or third-party claims.

5. Hirer Obligations

The Hirer must:

• take reasonable care of the Trailer;
• maintain correct tyre pressures;
• ensure the Trailer is not overloaded;
• secure all loads correctly;
• comply with all towing laws and regulations;
• ensure all lights and safety chains are correctly connected;
• immediately report faults or damage; and
• not permit unauthorised repairs.

The Hirer must not repair, modify, tow, salvage, or arrange work to be carried out on the Trailer without prior written approval from AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers.

Where approval is provided, the Hirer must retain and provide all invoices, receipts, photographs, and repair documentation. AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers is not liable to reimburse any unauthorised repair, towing, recovery, salvage, or related expense.

The Hirer must ensure:

• towing limits are not exceeded;
• ATM/GTM limits are complied with;
• tow ball limits are complied with; and
• the towing vehicle is legally capable of towing the Trailer.

5.1 Heavy Trailer Braking Requirements (3.5t ATM Trailers)
For trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) or Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) exceeding 2,000kg (including 3.5t car carriers), the Hirer is solely responsible for ensuring the towing vehicle is equipped with a fully operational electric brake controller (or utilizes an approved wireless electric brake controller provided by the Owner). Operating or towing a heavy trailer without active, functional electric brakes is illegal and constitutes a Major Breach, voiding all Damage Liability Reduction (DLR) and holding the Hirer 100% liable for any resulting fines, structural damage, or collision losses.

6. Financial Obligations

6.1 Payment Authorisation

The Hirer authorises AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers to charge the nominated payment method for:

• hire fees;
• extensions;
• late fees;
• tolls;
• fines;
• damage;
• theft;
• cleaning;
• recovery costs;
• towing;
• locksmith fees;
• administration fees;
• unsuccessful chargeback fees; and
• any amount payable under this Agreement.

6.2 Security Bond Pre-Authorisation

AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may place a pre-authorisation hold on the Hirer's payment card before or during the Hire Period. The Hirer authorises AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers to place, retain, capture all or part of the hold, and process additional charges where amounts owing exceed the Security Bond.

6.3 Additional Amounts Owing

If any amount payable under this Agreement exceeds the Security Bond amount, the Hirer remains liable for the outstanding balance. AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may recover any unpaid amount as a debt.

6.4 Interest on Overdue Amounts

Any overdue amount accrues interest daily from the due date until paid in full at a rate of 2.5% per calendar month. The Hirer is also liable for any reasonable recovery, debt collection, legal, administration, merchant, chargeback, or enforcement costs incurred by AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers in recovering unpaid amounts.

6.5 Chargebacks

If the Hirer initiates a chargeback that is unsuccessful or rejected, AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may charge the original amount owing, bank or merchant fees, administration fees, and a $77 unsuccessful chargeback fee.

7. Cancellation

• Bookings cancelled more than 24 hours before commencement will receive a full refund.
• Bookings cancelled within 24 hours of commencement may be charged the full hire fee.
• Failure to collect the Trailer within 30 minutes of booking commencement may result in cancellation without refund.

7.1 Delayed Collection / Collection Window

The Hire Period commences from the booked commencement time specified in the Hire Agreement, regardless of the actual collection time.

Late collection by the Hirer does not extend the Hire Period, alter the scheduled return time, create any entitlement to additional hire time, reduce hire charges, or otherwise vary this Agreement.

If the Hirer fails to collect the Trailer within 30 minutes of the booked commencement time, AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may treat the booking as a No Show and may:

• cancel the booking without refund;
• release the Trailer for other bookings;
• charge reasonable operational, rescheduling, waiting, call-out, recovery, or associated costs where applicable; and
• refuse later collection where Trailer availability has been affected.

Collection after the above period is not guaranteed and remains subject to Trailer availability.

8. Traffic Offences and Tolls

The Hirer is responsible for all tolls, fines, traffic infringements, parking charges, and associated administration costs incurred during the Hire Period.

9. Damage Reduction

Subject to this Agreement, Damage Reduction may reduce the Hirer's financial liability for accidental damage to the Trailer only.

Damage Reduction does NOT apply to:

• theft;
• attempted theft;
• unexplained disappearance;
• total loss;
• rollover damage;
• reckless or dangerous use;
• overloading;
• off-road use;
• water damage;
• use by an unauthorised driver;
• use under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• tyre or wheel damage beyond fair wear and tear;
• accessories;
• Third Party Loss;
• unpaid hire fees;
• breach of this Agreement;
• failure to provide mandatory photographs; or
• tampering with GPS or security devices.

Exclusion of Accessories & High-Wear Equipment from DLR
Damage Liability Reduction (DLR) applies strictly to structural vehicle collision and road damage to the trailer frame, axle, and body. DLR does NOT cover operator error or damage to accessories, including but not limited to: snapped, frayed, or bound winch synthetic/steel lines; burnt-out winch motors; auxiliary or lithium battery discharge caused by improper charging; bent loading ramps from improper vehicle loading; cut or missing tie-down straps; or damaged hitch locks and wheel locks. All accessory repairs, replacements, or labor will be charged to the Hirer at 100% full replacement cost and deducted directly from the Security Bond or billed as an outstanding debt.

Payment of a Damage Reduction fee does not waive the Hirer's obligations and does not constitute insurance.

Nothing in this Agreement limits the insurer's rights of recovery or subrogation.

Schedule 1 – Damage Reduction & Liability Schedule

Damage Reduction does NOT cover:

• theft;
• attempted theft;
• total loss;
• rollover damage;
• water damage;
• off-road use;
• tyres or wheels;
• third-party loss;
• unauthorised driver use; or
• any Major Breach.

Where the Trailer is stolen, written off, unrecovered, or deemed a Total Loss, the Hirer remains fully liable for all associated replacement, recovery, towing, administration, and loss-of-income costs.

The selected Damage Reduction option forms part of the Hire Agreement. Damage Reduction selection is mandatory for all hires.

AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may amend Damage Reduction pricing, liability amounts, or Trailer valuations at any time.

10. Loss, Theft & Total Loss

If the Trailer is stolen, written off, destroyed, unrecovered for more than 30 days, or is not economically repairable, the Hirer remains fully liable for:

• replacement costs;
• recovery costs;
• towing costs;
• administration costs;
• loss of income;
• insurance excesses; and
• all associated losses.

11. Trailer Return

The Trailer must be returned:

• to the correct location;
• at the agreed time;
• clean;
• locked and secured; and
• in the same condition as at commencement of hire, fair wear and tear excepted.

The Trailer must not be returned with concrete residue, green waste residue, excessive dirt or mud, chemicals, contaminated materials, fuel spills, rubbish, or hazardous substances.

Mandatory return photographs must be submitted immediately upon return of the Trailer.

A 30-minute grace period applies to Trailer returns. If the Trailer is returned more than 30 minutes after the agreed return time, AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may charge additional hire charges based on the next applicable hire period together with late fees, operational costs, administration costs, communication and follow-up costs, recovery costs, staff time costs, and any loss-of-income or other losses arising from the late return.

Where the Trailer is returned more than 24 hours after the agreed return time, AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may also charge an additional late return loading of up to 25% of the applicable hire rate, together with any associated operational costs, recovery costs, staff time costs, loss-of-income costs, and other losses arising from the delayed return.

If the Trailer is abandoned, bogged, impounded, inaccessible, or requires recovery, the Hirer is liable for all associated costs.

Failure to return the Trailer may result in the Trailer being reported stolen.

AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers is not responsible for any personal property, tools, equipment, cash, or goods left in or on the Trailer.

12. Accident Reporting

If the Trailer is involved in an accident, damaged, or stolen, the Hirer must:

• notify AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers immediately;
• provide photographs;
• provide a written description;
• obtain witness details where possible;
• report the matter to police where required; and
• remain with the Trailer following an accident or incident until recovery, towing assistance, police attendance, or other appropriate assistance has arrived unless remaining would be unsafe.

The Hirer must not abandon the Trailer following an accident, breakdown, theft attempt, or incident without prior approval from AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers unless required for personal safety or by emergency services.

13. Major Breach, Termination & Repossession

13.1 Major Breach

A Major Breach includes:

• unauthorised driver use;
• reckless or dangerous use;
• intoxicated driving;
• overloading;
• prohibited area use;
• tampering with GPS or security devices;
• failure to return the Trailer;
• failure to provide mandatory photographs;
• illegal use; or
• deliberate or reckless breach of this Agreement.

13.2 Termination

AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may immediately terminate the Hire Agreement if:

• a Major Breach occurs;
• the Trailer is not returned when required;
• the Hirer breaches these Terms & Conditions;
• the Trailer is used unlawfully or unsafely;
• the Hirer provides false or misleading information; or
• AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers reasonably believes the Trailer, another person, or property may be at risk.

Termination does not affect AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers' right to recover any outstanding fees, losses, damages, or other amounts payable under this Agreement.

13.3 Repossession

If the Hire Agreement is terminated, AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may recover or repossess the Trailer without prior notice. The Hirer is liable for all reasonable towing, recovery, locksmith, transport, storage, call-out, administration, and loss-of-income costs associated with repossession.

Where a Major Breach occurs, Damage Reduction is automatically void and the Hirer becomes fully liable for all losses.

14. GPS Tracking

The Hirer acknowledges and consents to the Trailer being fitted with GPS tracking devices, telematics systems, security devices, or monitoring equipment for operational, security, recovery, theft prevention, and compliance purposes.

14A. Damage Assessment & Administration Costs

Where damage, theft, contamination, excessive cleaning, or breach occurs, AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may charge reasonable administration, inspection, assessment, quotation, transport, recovery, and loss-of-income costs associated with investigating, assessing, repairing, recovering, or managing the matter.

15. Additional Protections

15.1 Availability

AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers does not guarantee availability of any specific Trailer and may substitute, delay, refuse, or cancel any hire where the Trailer becomes unavailable, unsafe, damaged, stolen, or unsuitable.

15.2 Weather and Flood Use

The Trailer must not be used in floodwaters, flooded roads, beaches, rivers, creeks, saltwater areas, cyclone affected areas, or unsafe weather conditions. The Hirer remains fully liable for any damage arising from prohibited use.

15.3 Hazardous Materials

The Trailer must not be used to transport hazardous materials, contaminated materials, biosecurity-risk materials, asbestos, chemicals, dangerous goods, or illegal substances without prior written approval.

15.4 Wheel Locks and Security Devices

Damage to wheel locks, couplings, hitch locks, GPS devices, chains, security devices, or associated equipment is the responsibility of the Hirer during the Hire Period.

15.5 Load Responsibility

The Hirer is solely responsible for load restraint, weight distribution, securing cargo, tow ball weight, loading procedures, and ensuring transported goods are safely secured.

15.6 No Waiver

Failure by AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers to enforce any right under this Agreement does not constitute a waiver of that right.

15.7 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

16. Liability & Indemnity

The Hirer indemnifies AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers against any loss, claim, liability, damage, legal proceeding, third-party claim, or expense arising from the Hirer's use of the Trailer.

AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers is not responsible for damage to goods carried in the Trailer, the towing vehicle, third-party property, or personal property.

17. Privacy

AJ Acreage Mowing & Trailers may collect, store, and use personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

18. Definitions