Reception deposit

noalenpell

Hello MSE'ers.

I'm in a bit of a tangle about where i stand with my consumer rights for a deposit on a reception at a venue.

On our contract, it says that the deposit is non-refundable except for under extreme circumstances.

Im pretty sure my situation fits those circumstances, but that definition in itself is a bit vague.

I managed to speak to the owner of the place, who told me he didnt know what that definition was - and that it was dealt with by his legal dept.

I asked him to contact them for a definition, and he said "no, i sent your original letter off - they sent it back saying it didnt meet the criteria" - all i have is his word on this, so i dont know where i stand?

Also, we didnt ever get confirmation or a copy of the contract - is it still binding if we dont have a copy?

Look forward to any replies.

Equaliser123

Any more details? How much is the deposit? What are the circumstances? When is the reception planned for? Will it be easy for them to relet the venue?

noalenpell

£500, my father is ill, and it was for a wedding reception.

It is for end of May - we informed them in November last year.

Id say going back to November they would have been able to relet the venue quite easily, which they are trying to do - they say trying, but theyve just free'd up the date.

Anihilator

Whilst you don't state what your fathers illness is I wouldnt say someone being long term ill for a wedding reception is exceptional circumstances I'm afraid.

It's a choice from yourselves as opposed to unavoidable.

noalenpell

Ive had to help out and look after him, and help with money etc.

What exactly are exceptional circumstances, apart from death (and that probably would only be to either me or my partner i would imagine) ?

Equaliser123

Irrespective of whether the illness constitutes exceptional circumstances, they should return the deposit unless it constitutes a genuine pre-estimate of the loss likely to be suffered by them in you not proceeding with the hire.

Did you pay by credit card?

Anihilator

Equaliser123 wrote: »

Irrespective of whether the illness constitutes exceptional circumstances, they should return the deposit unless it constitutes a genuine pre-estimate of the loss likely to be suffered by them in you not proceeding with the hire.

Did you pay by credit card?

Which it almost certainly will. They wont be able to hire out again at wedding rates at 3 months notice.

Equaliser123

Anihilator wrote: »

Which it almost certainly will. They wont be able to hire out again at wedding rates at 3 months notice.

Read the posts. They were informed in November.

Anihilator

Equaliser123 wrote: »

Read the posts. They were informed in November.

Ok six months. same argument still stands. Not many people leave booking wedding venues until last minute hence any subsequent reletting would be for another less lucrative event.

Equaliser123

Anihilator wrote: »

Ok six months. same argument still stands. Not many people leave booking wedding venues until last minute hence any subsequent reletting would be for another less lucrative event.

You clearly aren't married....

And it is not limited to weddings presumably.