Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

Renter Responsibilities

• • Inspect all equipment at collection. Any pre-existing issues not reported within 2 hours of collection are deemed accepted.
• • Operate equipment only within its rated specifications and in safe, dry environments unless the gear is explicitly rated for outdoor / wet use.
• • Maintain full-replacement-value insurance for the duration of the rental. Proof may be requested before handover.
• • Keep equipment in your direct custody at all times. Re-hiring, lending, or sub-letting to third parties is strictly prohibited without written consent.
• • Use protective cases provided by Phanda Studios during transport and storage.
• • Return all accessories, cables, batteries, and cases supplied with the kit.

Damage & Loss Policy

• • Minor cosmetic damage (scuffs, marks) that does not affect function is considered fair wear and tear and will not be charged.
• • Functional damage (broken components, scratched optics, bent pins) will be assessed and repaired at the renter's expense. An independent repair quote will be provided.
• • Irreparable or total-loss items (theft, submersion, fire, catastrophic impact) will be invoiced at full replacement cost based on current retail pricing.
• • Down-time costs may apply when damaged equipment is unavailable for other bookings during repair (capped at 50% of the daily rental rate per day of repair).
• • Disputes over damage assessment may be escalated to an independent assessor agreed upon by both parties.

Late Return Policy

• • A grace period of 1 hour after the scheduled return time applies. After this, late charges take effect.
• • Late return fees are calculated per calendar day (or part thereof) as shown in the equipment category table above.
• • If equipment is not returned within 48 hours of the due date and no extension is agreed, Phanda Studios reserves the right to report the matter to relevant authorities and pursue recovery costs, including legal fees.
• • Your rental account may be suspended until outstanding late fees and any related costs are settled.
• • Repeated late returns (3 or more) may result in permanent account restriction.

Security Deposit Details

• • A refundable security deposit is required before collection. The amount varies by equipment category and total kit value.
• • Deposits are held for up to 7 business days after equipment is returned and inspected.
• • If no damage or outstanding fees are recorded, the full deposit is refunded to the original payment method.
• • Phanda Studios may deduct repair costs, replacement costs, or unpaid late fees from the deposit before refunding the balance.
• • For long-term rentals (30+ days), a reduced deposit with a valid credit card on file may be arranged at Phanda Studios' discretion.

Collection & Delivery

• • Standard collection hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–16:00 & Saturday 09:00–13:00. After-hours collection may be arranged and will incur a R350 convenience fee.
• • Returns are due by 10:00 on the agreed return date. Extensions must be requested at least 4 hours before.
• • Delivery within greater Johannesburg: R500 flat fee. Other Gauteng destinations: R700. National courier available on request (cost + transit time quoted separately).
• • You must provide a valid ID and sign the collection sheet. The person collecting must match the applicant or be listed as an authorised representative.
• • Equipment will be tested and packed in your presence. Once signed, you accept custody and responsibility.

Insurance Requirements

• • All renters must have valid production equipment insurance that covers rental gear for its full replacement value.
• • Insurance certificates or cover notes must be provided before the first rental and kept current for the duration of each booking.
• • If you do not have insurance, Phanda Studios can recommend approved brokers. A temporary insurance surcharge of 12% of the rental value may apply for uninsured rentals.
• • Claims are the renter's responsibility. Phanda Studios will provide all supporting documentation for your insurer but is not a party to the claim.
• • Self-insurance declarations may be accepted from companies with a net asset value exceeding R5 million, subject to written approval.

Cancellation & Rescheduling

• • Cancellations made 72+ hours before the rental start date: full refund of any pre-payment (deposit excluded until gear inspection confirms no issues).
• • Cancellations made 24–72 hours before: 50% of total rental fee is forfeited.
• • Cancellations made less than 24 hours before, or no-shows: 100% of total rental fee is forfeited.
• • Equipment swaps or date changes (subject to availability) will not attract a cancellation penalty if requested 48+ hours in advance.
• • Force majeure events (load-shedding impacting your shoot, severe weather, civil unrest) may qualify for a full waiver at Phanda Studios' discretion.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Phanda Studios' total liability in connection with any rental shall not exceed the total rental fees paid for the specific booking giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, loss of revenue, or reputational harm arising from your use of the equipment. Nothing in these terms excludes liability for gross negligence, fraud, or death or personal injury caused by our negligence.

Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising from a rental transaction shall first be escalated in writing to rentals@phandastudios.com. If unresolved within 14 business days, parties agree to mediation before initiating formal proceedings. These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa and the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the Gauteng courts.

Governing Law

These Rental Terms, together with the general Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Phanda Studios in relation to equipment rentals, unless supplemented by an individual rental agreement or statement of work signed by both parties.