Service Agreement

JB PROPERTY CARE SERVICE AGREEMENT

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This Service Agreement (“Agreement”) sets out the terms and conditions under which JB Property Care provides property maintenance services. By signing this Agreement via Square prior to commencement of any works, you agree to the terms below. This Agreement applies to all services provided by JB Property Care, whether current or future, unless otherwise varied or replaced in writing.

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1. Services Overview

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JB Property Care provides residential and commercial property maintenance services, including, but not limited to: gardening, lawn mowing, hedge trimming, pruning, weed control, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, pressure cleaning, green waste removal, minor landscaping and earthworks, and other general upkeep tasks within our permitted scope.

JB Property Care does not perform works requiring a practising licence, including electrical, plumbing, building, structural, or trade-certified works. If requested works fall outside our legal scope, we will advise accordingly.

One or more JB Property Care workers may be present on site to perform the agreed services.

All services are provided in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law.

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2. Quotes, Estimates, and Acceptance

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Quotes are valid for 30 days unless stated otherwise. Clients should refer to their Square estimate or written or electronic quote for any stated expiry date. Quote validity is determined based on factors such as projected weather, expected growth, access, and scheduling. If no expiry is stated, the default validity is 30 days.

JB Property Care will aim to provide a clear description of the outlined scope in all quotes and estimates to minimise ambiguity regarding included works.

Prices include labour, equipment, and materials where specified, and GST unless stated otherwise.

Acceptance of this Service Agreement and any associated Square estimate is required to confirm a booking.

A booking is confirmed once the Square estimate is accepted and this Service Agreement is signed or accepted electronically via Square prior to works commencing.

Where a suggested time slot is provided, clients have 24 hours to accept the estimate and this agreement to reserve that time slot. After this period, availability cannot be guaranteed.

Quotes not accepted within the validity period may be withdrawn, updated, or cancelled.

Any changes to the agreed scope may result in adjusted pricing or a revised estimate.

In some circumstances, a paid consultation or quote may be required. This typically applies to garden design input, complex planning, or larger projects requiring detailed on-site assessment. Any consultation fee will be disclosed upfront and, where agreed, may be credited toward the cost of approved works.

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3. Scope of Works, Time Allowances, and Variations

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Quotes are based on a defined scope of works and an estimated time allowance.

If the agreed works are completed earlier than expected and the full quoted scope has been completed, JB Property Care reserves the right to charge the full quoted amount.

Reduced scope, restricted access, or client-requested changes do not automatically reduce the quoted price.

Any variations or additional works must be discussed and agreed to before proceeding and may be charged separately.

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4. Site Access and Client Responsibilities

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Clients must provide safe, clear access to all work areas at the agreed or scheduled time. Where necessary, access arrangements and suitable placement areas must be organised in advance.

Vehicles must be removed from driveways, nature strips, or any areas required for access prior to arrival.

All pet waste, including dog or animal faeces, must be removed from lawns, garden beds, and work areas before JB Property Care arrives. If pet waste is present and interferes with safe or efficient work, additional charges may apply, or works may be delayed or declined at JB Property Care’s discretion.

Clients must disclose known hazards, including underground services, irrigation, low-voltage wiring, overhead cables, lighting, unstable ground, fragile surfaces, or restricted access areas.

Pets, children, and occupants must be kept clear of work areas while works are being carried out.

Clients are responsible for obtaining any required council or authority approvals, including permits for skip bins, verge works such as council nature strips, footpaths, or road verges, or works affecting public land. JB Property Care may provide general guidance but is not responsible for permit compliance.

Where the property is part of a body corporate or has multiple tenants or owners, the client is responsible for ensuring all relevant parties consent to the works and coordinate access. JB Property Care may request multiple parties sign this agreement where access or approvals may otherwise be restricted.

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5. Regulatory, Environmental, and Safety Requirements

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Chemical applications are not carried out on council-owned land such as nature strips, footpaths, or public pathways.

JB Property Care does not carry out works on council-owned, protected, or regulated trees without appropriate approvals. Where required, works may be subject to arborist assessment or reporting, which remains the responsibility of the client unless otherwise agreed.

Gutter vacuuming may involve generator-powered equipment. Noise, exhaust emissions, electrical cabling, and exclusion zones may be present. Suitable placement areas and clear access must be provided.

All works are conducted in accordance with Work Health and Safety legislation, Australian Standards, and applicable local regulations.

JB Property Care maintains a first aid kit and fire extinguisher as part of its standard safety equipment. On days declared as Total Fire Ban days by the relevant authority, JB Property Care will not operate combustible or spark-generating power tools, including but not limited to petrol-powered equipment, chainsaws, grinders, or similar tools.

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6. Wiring and Lighting Hazards

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Exposed, damaged, or unsafe wiring or lighting poses a serious safety and liability risk to JB Property Care. This includes visible or concealed wiring or lighting, overhead cables, underground cabling, low-voltage systems, and main electrical services located within or near the work area.

Clients must disclose any known wiring or lighting hazards before works commence and immediately notify JB Property Care if such hazards are identified.

Where reasonably practicable, wiring or lighting risks may be identified or discussed at the time of quoting or consultation; however, JB Property Care does not perform electrical inspections and cannot guarantee the identification of concealed or undocumented services.

JB Property Care is entitled to rely on information provided by the client when assessing site safety.

Where wiring or lighting presents a safety risk, JB Property Care reserves the right to suspend, modify, or decline works.

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7. Water Ingress, Access Clearance, and Elevated Works

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Window cleaning and pressure cleaning may result in water ingress if seals, structures, or surfaces are compromised. JB Property Care will take reasonable care to prevent damage but cannot accept liability for pre-existing vulnerabilities or insufficiently monitored areas.

Clients or tenants are strongly encouraged to be present during these services to monitor conditions and provide access where required.

Tree lopping or pruning may be required to gain safe access to elevated work areas. Where applicable, this will be reflected in the quote. Clients must ensure safe access and clearance for elevated works.

Works above 2 metres, including the use of platform ladders, are carried out in accordance with Safe Work Method Statements, which will be completed prior to commencement.

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8. Rescheduling and Pricing Adjustments

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JB Property Care may reschedule works due to weather, safety concerns, access issues, or circumstances beyond reasonable control.

If a client chooses to reschedule after accepting the estimate and this agreement, JB Property Care reserves the right to review or adjust pricing if works have not commenced and site conditions, plant growth, access, or scope have changed.

If works are interrupted mid-job due to weather or site conditions and cannot be resumed within a reasonable timeframe, pricing may be reviewed to reflect additional time, labour, or changes in conditions. JB Property Care will aim to prioritise completion of these works where reasonably possible.

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9. Payment Terms

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A deposit, typically up to 50 percent, may be required for larger or multi-day works.

Materials, supplies, plants, soil, disposal fees, or similar costs that form part of the quoted works may be required to be paid upfront or reimbursed as applicable.

Payment is due within 48 hours of invoice issue unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to works commencing. Where possible, on-site Square terminal payment prior to leaving the property is preferred.

If payment is not received by the due date, JB Property Care may issue multiple reminders during the 48 hours following the due date as an initial follow-up period. Further reminders may continue thereafter until the outstanding balance is paid in full, unless a genuine dispute has been raised in accordance with this Agreement.

Overdue invoices will incur:

A fixed administration fee of $50.00 (to cover processing, reminders, and follow-up costs), and Interest at 10% per annum, calculated daily on the outstanding balance from the due date until payment is received in full.

Where a genuine dispute relating to the completed works has been raised in writing within 48 hours of completion or invoice issue, JB Property Care may defer the late fee and interest while the concern is reviewed in good faith. For the purposes of this clause, a “genuine dispute” means a written notice that clearly identifies the specific issue, the exact work or invoice item in question, and any supporting evidence or photos. Vague complaints, personal preference differences, or disputes raised after the 48-hour window do not qualify. Consideration of individual circumstances does not guarantee waiver and remains at JB Property Care’s sole discretion.

In the event that debt recovery action becomes necessary, the client will also be responsible for any reasonable recovery costs incurred (including legal or collection agency fees) calculated on an indemnity basis.

JB Property Care reserves the right to suspend future services until all outstanding amounts (including late fees and interest) are paid.

For all services, the standard base rate is $88.00 per hour. This may increase up to $150.00 per hour or higher, as discussed or agreed with the client beforehand.

Where a fixed quote has been provided, this hourly rate does not apply unless specifically stated.

For multi-day works, JB Property Care may invoice at the end of each day, with payment required before the following day’s works proceed.

Accepted payment methods include cash, bank transfer, and secure Square payments.

Receipts are issued for all payments to ensure accurate records and consumer protections under Australian Consumer Law.

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10. Insurance

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JB Property Care holds $20 million public liability insurance through RACV. A certificate of currency is available upon request.

This insurance coverage applies to the following core services when performed within their standard scope:

• Gardening and general garden maintenance
• Window cleaning
• Pressure cleaning
• Gutter cleaning and clearing

Tree lopping and pruning is covered only up to a maximum height of 4 metres. Tree works above 4 metres are not covered under JB Property Care’s insurance policy. Such works may still be performed where assessed as low risk and within JB Property Care’s competence and safety protocols, however they are undertaken without insurance coverage and may be declined or referred where appropriate.

Gutter cleaning and clearing is an insured activity when performed as part of normal gutter maintenance. Coverage applies to works conducted at all reasonable heights, provided work is carried out in accordance with safety requirements and standard industry practice.

JB Property Care may also provide small repairs, odd jobs, and general property solutions where appropriate. These may include minor non-structural fixes, securing items, or general assistance tasks that do not require licensed trades or specialist qualifications. Such services are lawful to perform but may not be covered under the above insurance policy.

JB Property Care does not perform works requiring licensed or specialised trades, including electrical, plumbing, building, or structural works.

Nothing in this agreement limits rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

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11. Limitations and Pre-Existing Conditions

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Property maintenance works may result in minor, incidental effects such as debris or surface marks consistent with the nature of the service.

JB Property Care is not responsible for identifying or rectifying pre-existing damage, deterioration, wear, corrosion, or defects unless expressly agreed in writing.

Clients acknowledge that property maintenance works may reveal or make apparent existing issues that were not previously visible.

JB Property Care is not responsible for plant, turf, or garden health issues resulting from insufficient watering, irrigation failure, drought conditions, or lack of ongoing maintenance.

For clarity and record-keeping purposes, photos and video footage may be taken before, during, and after works. This may include long-form recordings using body-mounted or handheld cameras such as GoPro equipment to document site conditions, safety considerations, and completed works, including gutters, hedges, or elevated areas where visibility from the ground may be limited.

Where damage is reasonably determined to have been caused by JB Property Care, reasonable steps will be taken to rectify or address the issue.

Relevant surveillance or security footage may be requested where necessary to assist in determining responsibility.

Nothing in this agreement limits rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

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12. Keys, Gates, and Access Codes

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Where keys, gate access, alarm codes, or entry instructions are provided, the client authorises JB Property Care to access the property at the agreed or scheduled time for the purpose of completing works.

It is the client’s responsibility to ensure access arrangements are current and functional.

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13. Media and Privacy

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Photos and videos may be taken for records, quality control, insurance purposes, or to demonstrate completed works where visibility is limited or access is restricted.

These will not be used for marketing without the client’s explicit consent.

Personal information, including contact details, access instructions, gate codes, alarm details, or entry information is handled responsibly and used solely for communication, service delivery, administration, and compliance.

All employees or personnel engaged by JB Property Care should maintain confidentiality regarding client information, property access instructions, alarm codes, and any other sensitive information obtained in the course of providing services.

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14. Personnel and Safety 

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JB Property Care takes reasonable steps to ensure that persons engaged to perform works are suitable for property access and client-facing services.

Where appropriate, JB Property Care may require current police checks for the principal operator or employees.

JB Property Care employees and personnel will use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required to perform works safely and in compliance with relevant workplace safety standards.

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15. Concerns, Results, and Feedback 

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Any concerns should be raised within 48 hours of completion so they can be reviewed promptly.

Client satisfaction does not negate the requirement for payment where works have been completed in accordance with the agreed scope. Differences in personal expectation or aesthetic preference do not constitute a failure to perform the agreed services.

Some services, such as weed control, pruning, or landscaping works, may take time to show visible results.

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16. Dispute Resolution

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Any dispute arising under this Agreement will first be discussed between the parties in good faith with the aim of reaching a fair resolution. If the dispute cannot be resolved directly, the parties agree to attempt mediation before commencing proceedings at VCAT or in any court.

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17. Governing Law

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This agreement is governed by the laws of Victoria and the Australian Consumer Law.

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18. Termination of Services

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Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing reasonable notice in writing prior to works commencing.

For example, termination may be provided by email or SMS confirming the intention to cancel or discontinue works.

If termination occurs before works begin, no further obligations apply except reimbursement of any agreed upfront costs or materials already purchased.

If termination occurs after works have commenced, the client remains responsible for payment for works completed up to the termination date, which may be calculated using the standard base rate, or another agreed rate as discussed.

JB Property Care may also cease works where a client becomes unreasonable, unsafe, or uncooperative.

Nothing in this clause limits rights under the Australian Consumer Law

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19. Fair and Transparent Terms Summary

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This Agreement is written to be clear, practical, and balanced. It protects both parties while complying with the Australian Consumer Law. Nothing in it removes your rights as a consumer. If anything is unclear, please ask before signing — we want every client to feel confident about the service.