Terms and Conditions

Drone Rental Terms and Conditions (UK)

 

1.     Acceptance of Terms

By using the SkyForgeLabs website and placing a drone rental order, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you (the “Renter”) and SkyForgeLabs (the “Company”) regarding the rental and use of drone equipment provided through our platform.

No physical or digital signature is required — your online order submission constitutes full acceptance of these Terms.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our website or rental services.

By proceeding with a rental through SkyForgeLabs, you confirm that:

  • You are at least 18 years of age and legally capable of entering into a binding contract;
  • You have read, understood, and accepted the Terms in full;
  • You agree to comply with all relevant UK laws, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, and safety codes;
  • You understand that all rentals are subject to our stated eligibility, insurance, and return conditions.

SkyForgeLabs reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. The most current version will always be accessible via the website footer. Continued use of our services after any updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

2.     Renter Eligibility and Requirements

To rent and operate drones from SkyForgeLabs, you must meet all of the following conditions at the time of placing your order:

Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into a binding contract under UK law.

Flyer ID (If Required):
A valid Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Flyer ID is required for drones that are 250g or heavier, or for any drone with a camera (which includes all drones rented through SkyForgeLabs, even if under 250g). This ensures basic flight competence and safety awareness. You must provide your Flyer ID number during the order process.

Operator ID Requirement:
Drones registered under UK law must have an associated Operator ID displayed on the unit. As the rental provider, SkyForgeLabs registers and labels all drones with our company Operator ID. You are not required to provide your own.

Insurance Requirements:
You must hold a valid insurance policy that:

  • Covers the entire duration of the rental,
  • Lists your name as the insured party (matching your Flyer ID),
  • Identifies the specific drone being rented (by model or serial number), and
  • Includes cover for accidental damage, theft, and public liability appropriate for drone operations in the UK.
  • Proof of insurance must be submitted at the time of order. Rentals will not be dispatched without verified coverage.

Matching Credentials:
The name on your Flyer ID, insurance policy, and order details must all match. This ensures accountability and compliance with rental conditions.

UK Use Only:
Drones rented through SkyForgeLabs must not be taken or flown outside of the United Kingdom without prior written consent. Rentals are for UK domestic use only.

Right to Refuse Service:
We reserve the right to refuse any rental order if the documentation is incomplete or inconsistent, or if we reasonably believe the drone will be used unsafely, illegally, or in a prohibited area.

By completing an order, you confirm that all of the above requirements have been met truthfully and in full. Failure to meet or maintain these requirements may result in cancellation of the rental and immediate recovery of the equipment.

3.     Rental Period and Delivery

Rental Period
The rental period (start and end dates) will be confirmed in your booking confirmation email. The period begins on the dispatch or local delivery/pickup date and ends when the drone is returned and marked as received by the courier, as evidenced by tracking.
We will not release the drone until all required documents (such as proof of insurance and a valid Flyer ID) have been received and verified, and full payment has been processed.
A legally binding rental agreement is formed when SkyForgeLabs sends your rental confirmation and dispatches or delivers the equipment.

Delivery Options
You may choose one of the following delivery methods at checkout:

  • Standard Courier Delivery (UK-wide):
    The drone will be shipped to the address provided at checkout via insured courier. Signature on delivery may be required. You are responsible for being available at the delivery address on the expected date. If delivery fails due to no one being available, the rental period still begins as scheduled.
    • Local Drop-Off (Reduced Cost):
      We offer personal drop-off within two delivery zones:
  • Within the M25 (Greater London)
  • Within 30 miles of SA1 (Swansea)
    Drop-off and pickup windows are subject to availability and are charged at a reduced rate. You must be present at the agreed location and time. If no one is available, redelivery may be refused and the rental period will still begin.

Inspection Requirement
All equipment must be inspected by the Renter on the day of receipt, before first use. If there are any missing parts or visible damage, you must contact SkyForgeLabs on the same day of delivery prior to flying the drone.
If no issues are reported within that time frame, the drone will be deemed to have been delivered in full and in good working order.

Ownership
All rented drones, accessories, and packaging materials remain the sole property of SkyForgeLabs. No ownership is transferred. You are granted temporary possession for the duration of the rental only. You may not sell, pledge, lend, or otherwise encumber the equipment in any way.

Rental Extensions
If you wish to extend your rental, you must request an extension before the original return date. Extensions are not guaranteed and may incur additional charges. We reserve the right to decline an extension if the drone is needed for another customer. Unauthorized late use is considered a breach of this agreement and may result in fees or further action.

End of Rental Period

The rental period officially ends when the equipment is scanned as “received” by the courier, according to the return tracking number.
It is your responsibility to package and hand over the equipment for return in time for the courier to collect it by the return deadline. Late returns will incur daily late fees (see Section 5).

A.   Return of Equipment

Return Procedure

At the end of your rental period, you must return the drone and all included accessories using the original packaging or packaging of equal protective quality. If a return shipping label or courier pickup has been arranged, you are required to follow the instructions provided, including having the parcel ready for handover or drop-off by the agreed deadline. All items originally supplied — including accessories, manuals, memory cards, and batteries — must be returned.

Timely Return

Your return is considered on time if the tracking status shows the parcel was received by the courier on or before the final day of your rental period. You are responsible for ensuring that the return process is initiated in time to meet this requirement. We recommend keeping your courier receipt and tracking number for reference.

Late Returns and Charges

If the equipment is not returned on time, a late return fee equal to 110% of the daily rental rate for your selected package will be charged for each day overdue. This fee continues to accrue until the item is registered as received by the courier. For example, a £30/day rental will incur £33 per day in late fees if returned late. If you anticipate a delay, contact us as early as possible — a rental extension may be available and could reduce your overall charges.

Failure to Return

If the drone is not returned within 5 days of the agreed return date — and no extension has been granted — the rental will be considered a non-return. At that point, we reserve the right to charge your payment method for the full replacement value of the drone and its accessories. Any late fees accumulated before this point will still apply. In certain cases, we may report the equipment as lost or stolen to the authorities.

Data Handling and Usage

You are advised to delete all personal data (photos, videos, flight logs) from the memory card before returning the equipment. If data is left on the card, SkyForgeLabs reserves the right to access and review its contents.

Should relevant content be discovered, we will notify you and offer the option for us to use your material for marketing or promotional purposes. We will never use your data without prior written consent. Whether or not permission is granted, we will securely erase all data before sending the drone out to the next customer, ensuring no personal files are retained or transferred.

Condition on Return

All equipment must be returned in the same condition as it was received, allowing for normal wear and tear. Please ensure that drones are clean, batteries are not fully discharged, and no components are missing or damaged. Additional charges may apply for missing items, excessive wear, or improper packaging that results in damage during transit.

B.   Rental Fees, Payment, and Security Deposit

Rental Price

The total rental fee for your booking — including standard shipping or delivery charges where applicable — will be displayed clearly at checkout or in your quoted package. All prices are stated in British Pounds Sterling (GBP) and are exclusive of VAT, as SkyForgeLabs is not VAT-registered.

Payment

Full payment for the rental, including any applicable delivery fees or deposits, must be received in advance before the drone is dispatched or handed over. We accept payment by major credit and debit cards, as well as any other methods listed on our website.

By submitting your payment details, you confirm that you are authorized to use the payment method provided and that you grant SkyForgeLabs permission to charge that account for:

The full rental amount at time of booking;

Any late fees, damage charges, or losses that may occur during or after the rental period (as outlined in these Terms).

Security Deposit (If Applicable)

SkyForgeLabs may require a refundable security deposit for certain rental packages or first-time customers. The amount of the deposit, if required, will be communicated to you prior to confirming your booking — typically aligned with a portion of the drone’s replacement value or its insurance excess.

If the drone and all accessories are returned on time and in good condition, the deposit will be refunded to your original payment method within 5 business days following inspection.

If loss or damage is identified, SkyForgeLabs reserves the right to deduct the appropriate amount from the deposit. If the damage or loss exceeds the deposit value, you are liable for the full shortfall, which will be charged to your payment method on file.

Additional Charges

You agree that any additional charges arising from your use of the equipment — including but not limited to:

  • Late return fees
    • Damage or replacement costs
    • Missing or incomplete returns
    • Return shipping penalties due to poor packaging or battery violations
    • may be charged automatically to your original payment method.

By agreeing to these Terms, you authorize SkyForgeLabs to apply such charges without further approval or notice. We will make every reasonable effort to contact you and provide an itemized breakdown of any such charges before they are processed.

If we are unable to collect payment due to a declined card or any other issue, you will remain fully liable for the amount owed. In such cases, SkyForgeLabs may initiate debt recovery proceedings or engage a third-party collections agency to recover outstanding balances.

C.   Cancellation and Refund Policy

SkyForgeLabs understands that plans can change. Our cancellation and refund policy is designed to be fair while protecting availability for other customers.

Cancellations 3+ Days in Advance

If you request a cancellation at least 72 hours before the rental start date or scheduled dispatch, you are eligible for a full refund of the rental fee.

Cancellations 1–2 Days in Advance

If you cancel less than 72 hours but at least 24 hours before the rental start/dispatch date, you will receive a 50% refund of the rental fee. The remaining 50% is retained to cover preparation, scheduling, and opportunity cost.

Same-Day Cancellations or No-Show

If you cancel on the day of dispatch or the rental start date, or if you fail to receive or collect the equipment (a no-show), no refund will be issued. The drone will have been prepared, reserved, and made unavailable to others.

How to Cancel

To cancel a rental, you must contact us through the official method listed on our site (email or online form) and receive confirmation from us. The effective time of cancellation is when we receive your written request.

Any delivery charges already incurred (e.g., if the drone has already shipped) are non-refundable.

If We Cancel

If SkyForgeLabs must cancel your booking (due to drone unavailability, eligibility issues, or technical problems), we will notify you as early as possible and provide a full refund. Our liability is limited to the refund of rental fees; we are not responsible for any secondary losses such as travel costs, scheduling delays, or lost project time.

D.   Renter Responsibilities and Safe Operation

By renting a drone from SkyForgeLabs, you agree to operate it safely, legally, and in full compliance with UK drone laws and regulations.

Compliance with Laws

You must not use the drone for any illegal activity. You are required to comply with the UK Air Navigation Order, CAA Drone Code, and any other applicable local or national laws. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Staying below the 120m/400ft altitude limit
  • Maintaining visual line of sight at all times
  • Not flying over crowds or congested areas
  • Respecting restricted airspace (e.g., airports, prisons, military sites)

You are solely responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions or flight authorizations for your intended use. Any fines or legal penalties incurred are your responsibility.

No-Fly Zones and Airspace Restrictions

SkyForgeLabs provides general guidance and resources on no-fly zones, but it is your responsibility to check the legality of your chosen flight area at the time of flight. Use the Drone Assist app or equivalent resources to confirm that your flight is permitted. Never fly in a restricted area unless you are fully authorized to do so.

Proper Use and Care

You must use the drone in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. You agree to:

  • Read all provided manuals and resources
  • Conduct pre-flight checks
  • Only allow operation by competent users (those with a valid Flyer ID, if applicable)

You remain responsible for the drone and its use, even if someone else operates it on your behalf.

Flight Conditions

Never operate the drone in adverse conditions including strong winds, rain, snow, fog, or poor visibility. Flying at night or beyond visual line of sight is only permitted if you are legally qualified and authorized. Never operate the drone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Privacy and Prohibited Use

You may not use the drone to invade privacy (e.g., filming individuals without consent), carry hazardous materials, or capture defamatory, obscene, or illegal content. Do not fly over events, crowds, or restricted public gatherings without prior approval.

No Alterations or Repairs

Do not attempt to disassemble, modify, or repair the drone or any accessory. Only standard user-replaceable items (e.g., batteries, propellers) may be changed. Unauthorized tampering or attempted repairs will make you liable for any resulting damage and may void your insurance.

Incident Reporting

In the event of any crash, malfunction, injury, damage, or contact with law enforcement, you must notify SkyForgeLabs immediately. If the drone is involved in an incident — even if it appears undamaged — stop using it and await instructions. In case of theft or permanent loss, you must notify us and file a police report within 24 hours.

Equipment Handling

Handle the drone and accessories carefully at all times. Do not expose the equipment to excessive heat, cold, moisture, or dirt. Use the provided protective case during storage and transport. If propeller guards or other safety items are included, use them where appropriate (e.g., indoors or near obstacles).

Failure to follow these responsibilities may result in additional charges, early termination of your rental, and/or denial of future rentals.

E.   Damage, Loss, and Insurance Coverage

Responsibility During Rental
Once the drone and equipment are delivered into your possession, you assume full responsibility for any loss, theft, or damage until it is returned and confirmed received by SkyForgeLabs. This includes incidents caused by third parties or accidents. Do not leave the drone unattended in unsecured locations, and always follow operational and safety guidelines.

Assessment of Condition
SkyForgeLabs inspects and documents each drone’s condition before dispatch. Upon return, we conduct a full inspection and function check. Normal wear (minor scuffs, light propeller use) is expected. You will be notified of any significant issues, along with supporting evidence and cost estimates for repair or replacement, where applicable.

Damage Charges
If the equipment is returned damaged or incomplete, the following rules apply:

  • If repair costs are less than 50% of the drone’s replacement value, you will be charged only for parts and labour.
  • If repair costs exceed 50%, or the drone is damaged beyond repair, lost, or stolen, the rental will be considered a total loss. You will be charged up to the full replacement value of the drone. At our discretion, we may allow you to retain the damaged unit once paid for.
  • Missing accessories (e.g., SD cards, propellers, chargers) will be billed at retail replacement cost.
  • Additional handling fees may apply in cases of negligence, misuse, or where damage results from failure to follow these Terms.

Using Your Insurance
You are required to maintain active drone insurance during the rental period. In case of damage or loss:

  • We will charge you as outlined above.
  • You may then file a claim with your insurer.
  • We will assist with documentation if your insurer needs verification from us.

SkyForgeLabs is not responsible for delays or denials from your insurance provider. Regardless of insurance status, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring payment.

Payment of Charges
All fees related to damage, loss, or missing items may be deducted from your security deposit, if one was held, or charged to your original payment method. By renting from us, you consent to these charges. We will provide an invoice and itemised breakdown.

We do not charge more than the drone’s replacement value, even if repair costs or loss of rental revenue exceed it.

Insurance Verification
You must maintain your own valid insurance during the rental period. If requested, we may require SkyForgeLabs to be listed as a loss payee or additional insured. If your insurance lapses or is invalidated, we may:

  • Terminate the rental immediately
  • Request immediate return of the equipment
  • Charge you for emergency coverage or replacement risk at our discretion

Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold SkyForgeLabs harmless from any third-party claims, damages, fines, or legal expenses resulting from your use of the equipment — including property damage, personal injury, or breaches of airspace or data protection laws.

Limitation of Liability
SkyForgeLabs is not liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from drone use, including business interruption, lost profits, or missed opportunities. Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid for the rental. We do not exclude liability for personal injury or death caused by our negligence.

You operate the drone at your own risk once it is in your possession.

F.    Termination of Rental

SkyForgeLabs reserves the right to terminate this agreement immediately if you:

  • Provide false or misleading information
  • Fail to maintain required insurance
  • Use the drone in an illegal or reckless manner
  • Breach any material part of these Terms

If terminated, you must return the drone immediately. No refunds will be issued for unused days.

You may also terminate your rental early if you no longer require the equipment. However, no refund will be given for unused time once the rental period has begun.

All financial obligations relating to damages, late returns, or missing items remain enforceable after termination.

G.  Privacy and Data

SkyForgeLabs is committed to protecting your data. Any personal information you provide (e.g., identification, contact details, insurance documents, payment info) is processed in accordance with UK data protection laws and our Privacy Policy.

We only use your data to:

  • Fulfil the rental agreement
  • Verify your identity
  • Contact you with rental-related updates
  • Process payments and issue documentation

We may share your information with third parties only when necessary for logistics, legal, or insurance reasons (e.g., to couriers or legal advisors).

Refer to our Privacy Policy for full details.

H.  Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and any resulting rental agreements are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

You agree that any disputes or claims will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales — unless you are a resident of Scotland or Northern Ireland, in which case you may also use your local courts.

We strongly encourage direct communication. If an issue arises, we aim to resolve it informally and in good faith within 7 working days.

I.      Changes to Terms

SkyForgeLabs may update these Terms and Conditions at any time. The most current version will always be published on our website.

The version in effect at the time of your order will apply to your rental. We will not apply retroactive changes to current rentals unless legally required to do so.

Your continued use of our services after any updates signifies acceptance of the revised Terms.

J.     Final Acknowledgement

By completing a booking through SkyForgeLabs, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions in full.

These Terms are designed to ensure transparency, protect both parties, and promote safe, lawful drone usage. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us before completing your reservation.

We wish you a smooth rental and happy, safe flying!