Missed service because a dumpster blocked the unit: Who pays?

Question

We have a standard portable toilet on our driveway for a bathroom renovation. The rental company comes every Tuesday morning for the service visit. Last week, our dumpster delivery showed up Monday afternoon and they parked it right in front of the unit. The driver couldn't get his vacuum truck close enough to pump the holding tank. Now the rental company billed us for the missed service. Our contract says we're responsible for keeping the access clear, but the dumpster company moved it without asking us. Who pays for that trip, us or the dumpster company? And does the rental company usually give a warning before charging?

Luis A. · Answer

You pay for the missed service visit. Your contract with the rental company requires you to maintain clear truck access to the unit at all times, and the dumpster company's actions do not change that obligation. The rental company bills for the trip because their driver and vacuum truck showed up as scheduled but could not perform the service due to the blockage. They do not typically give a warning before charging for a missed service; the contract language is clear that access is your responsibility. You can pursue reimbursement from the dumpster company separately if their contract or actions violated your instructions, but that is a matter between you and them, not the rental company. For future reference, mark the area around the portable toilet with cones or tape to prevent similar obstructions on service days.

Missed service because a dumpster blocked the unit: Who pays?

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