Section 75

tiff

I have booked an apartment rental in New York (and paid a deposit by cc) that I have been told is illegal, as properties are not allowed to be let for less than 30 days.

I am taking this up with the company I booked it through, but I just wondered if I am able to claim a refund from my cc company under section 75?

jonesMUFCforever

Who did you rent from?
They are your first port of call - the credit car company will only become involved if you do not get what you have booked.

Who told you that rentals for under 30 days are illegal??

tiff

I booked through booking.com. On the tripadvisor forum and also the New York thread in the travel forum on MSE, people are saying rentals under 30 days are illegal and that permission for altering the use of this particular building has not been sought. Therefore it is illegal and could get closed down before we arrive, which is not until next October.

I have emailed booking.com and will see what they have to say. I just wondered if I dont get any joy with them or direct with the owner if I can claim from my cc company.

dylanuk

If you've paid booking.com for the apartment then they are acting as a third party, which 'null and voids' Section 75 protection.

You have to pay a company directly for a product or service for Section 75 to hold the credit card company jointly liable if the seller doesn't deliver.

The only way travel is protected under Section 75 is when you buy a travel service directly from a tour operator.

There's some more info on what is and isn't covered under Section 75 here:
http://www.choosemoney.co.uk/guide/credit-cards/features/section-75-of-the-consumer-credit-act-guide.html
http://www.credit-card-comparison-online.co.uk/articles/section-75-purchase-protection-cover.html
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section75-protect-your-purchases