Contractor Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the relationship between Luar Nest Ltd, a company incorporated in England (Company Number: 16516102), with registered office at Luar Nest 14/2E Docklands Business Centre, 10-16 Tiller Road London, E14 8PX ("Luar Nest", "we", "us", "our") and independent contractors ("Contractor", "you", "your") who provide services through our platform.

By submitting a contractor application or accepting work through our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms, which form a legally binding agreement between you and Luar Nest.

2. Contractor Status and IR35 Compliance

2.1 Independent Contractor Status: You acknowledge that you are engaged as an independent contractor and not as an employee, worker, or agent of Luar Nest. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship, partnership, or joint venture.

2.2 IR35 Compliance: In accordance with the off-payroll working rules (IR35) as amended by the Finance Act 2021, you confirm that:

• You operate through your own limited company or as a sole trader
• You have the right to send a substitute to perform the work
• You are not subject to direct supervision or control in how you perform the work
• You use your own tools and equipment where applicable
• You bear financial risk in your business operations

2.3 Status Determination: Luar Nest will conduct IR35 assessments for contracts and reserves the right to require contractors to work through umbrella companies or PAYE arrangements where IR35 applies.

2.4 Service Request and Quote Process

2.4.1 How the Platform Works: Luar Nest operates a service marketplace platform that connects customers with independent contractors. The process works as follows:

1. Customer submits a service request with details about their property, service requirements, photos, and preferences
2. Request shared with contractors - Verified contractors in our network receive notifications about relevant service requests based on their trade and location
3. Contractors review and submit quotes - Contractors can view full request details and submit competitive quotes including pricing, timeline, and approach
4. Customer reviews and accepts/rejects - Customers receive all submitted quotes and choose whether to accept or reject each offer
5. Service delivery - Upon acceptance, contractors perform services directly with customers

2.4.2 Quote Submission Requirements: When submitting a quote, you must:

• Provide accurate and competitive pricing based on the service requirements
• Specify realistic timelines for service completion
• Include any additional costs (materials, travel, parking) transparently
• Detail your proposed approach and methodology where relevant
• Respond to customer queries promptly and professionally
• Honor your quoted price and timeline if accepted by the customer

2.4.3 Professional Conduct: When interacting with customers through the platform:

• Maintain professional and courteous communication
• Do not attempt to circumvent the platform by taking payments directly (for initial transactions)
• Respect customer property and privacy during site visits
• Provide accurate information about your availability and capacity
• Notify customers promptly of any changes or delays
• Do not submit false or inflated quotes

2.4.4 Quote Acceptance: Customers have no obligation to accept any quote. Multiple contractors may submit quotes for the same request. A customer may:

• Accept one quote and reject others
• Reject all quotes without explanation
• Request clarification or modifications before deciding
• Choose not to proceed with any contractor

3. Registration and Compliance Requirements

3.1 Professional Registration: You must maintain all relevant professional registrations and certifications including but not limited to:

• Gas Safe Register (for gas work)
• NICEIC or similar (for electrical work)
• CSCS Card (for construction work)
• OFTEC registration (for oil heating work)
• Any other trade-specific certifications required by law

3.2 Health and Safety: You must comply with all applicable health and safety regulations including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and Working at Height Regulations 2005.

3.3 Building Regulations: All work must comply with current Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) and relevant British Standards.

4. Insurance Requirements

4.1 Mandatory Insurance: You must maintain current and adequate insurance coverage including:

• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum £2,000,000 coverage
• Employers' Liability Insurance: Minimum £10,000,000 coverage (if you employ others)
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum £1,000,000 coverage (where applicable)
• Tools and Equipment Insurance: Adequate coverage for your tools and equipment

4.2 Proof of Insurance: You must provide current certificates of insurance before commencing any work and upon renewal. Luar Nest reserves the right to be named as an additional interested party on your policies.

5. Work Standards and Quality

5.1 Professional Standards: All work must be performed to a professional standard in accordance with industry best practices, British Standards, and manufacturer specifications.

5.2 Warranty: You warrant that all work will be free from defects for a minimum period of 12 months (or longer where required by law or industry standards).

5.3 Consumer Rights: You acknowledge that work performed for residential clients is subject to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.

6. Payment Terms

6.1 Payment Processing: Payments will be processed within 14 days of receipt of valid invoice and completion confirmation, subject to quality checks.

6.2 Invoice Requirements: All invoices must include:

• Your business name and address
• VAT registration number (if applicable)
• Job reference number
• Detailed description of work performed
• Materials and labour breakdown

6.3 Late Payment: In accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, late payments may incur statutory interest charges.

6.4 Retention: Luar Nest may retain up to 5% of payment for up to 30 days for quality assurance purposes.

7. Data Protection and Privacy

7.1 GDPR Compliance: Both parties must comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

7.2 Data Processing: When processing personal data in the course of providing services, you act as a data processor and must:

• Only process data on documented instructions from Luar Nest
• Implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures
• Not transfer data outside the UK without appropriate safeguards
• Assist with data subject requests and breach notifications

7.3 Confidentiality: You must maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information and property details.

8. Termination

8.1 Termination Rights: Either party may terminate this agreement with 30 days' written notice without cause.

8.2 Immediate Termination: Luar Nest may terminate immediately upon:

• Breach of these Terms
• Loss of required certifications or insurance
• Poor work quality or customer complaints
• Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation

9. Liability and Indemnity

9.1 Contractor Liability: You are fully liable for any damage, injury, or loss arising from your work or presence on client premises.

9.2 Indemnity: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Luar Nest against all claims, damages, and expenses arising from your breach of these Terms or negligent performance.

9.3 Limitation of Liability: Luar Nest's liability to you is limited to the amount of fees owed under any specific work order.

10. Modern Slavery Act Compliance

In accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, you warrant that you do not engage in any form of modern slavery, human trafficking, or exploitation and will report any suspected instances to Luar Nest immediately.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Mediation: Disputes should first be addressed through good faith negotiations and, if necessary, mediation through a recognised mediation service.

11.2 Jurisdiction: These Terms are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

12. General Provisions

12.1 Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties.

12.2 Amendments: Luar Nest may update these Terms with 30 days' notice. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

12.3 Severability: If any provision is found invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.

12.4 Force Majeure: Neither party is liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control.

13. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact: