Security deposit cheque, ok to cash?

xsorrelx

Hi

I am going on holiday for a week in August. We paid for the cottage rental in 2 stages by cheque which is now complete.

We were also asked to give them a £100 cheque as a security deposit. I have just seen that this has been cashed but I thought that they just held the cheque uncashed, and would then return the cheque to me unless we broke something during the stay??

Are they allowed to do this?

Should I complain (don't really want to before we go but am a bit miffed!!)

Thanks

withabix

Of course they are allowed to do this. Otherwise you would be able to cancel the cheque or it might bounce.

downshifter

Exactly as withabix says. We take payment, whether in cash or card or bacs, including the damage deposit, and then repay the damage deposit after the housekeeper has checked the property is ok. We very rarely have to hold anything back.

If people don't want us to pay in the damages cheque then if they let us know, we can take their card numbers and only take the money off the card if there's a problem afterwards. Not sure if your cottage company would do that but it's worth asking if they are as flexible as us. Too late for this time obviously but maybe next.

DS