Pub Accomodation - Deposit normal?

lifemagic

I live abroad and am back for a short time, leaving on 15 Nov. I'm staying at a crashpadder place but it's full on Monday, so I found a room in a pub. I stayed last year but the owners are different now.

It's 40 a night for a double, but there's a 'to let' sign and they told me it's 100 for the week, plus a weeks deposit. I only need it for one week. I gave them 100 today to hold it, and got a (standard) cashbook receipt, that says, 'accomodation booked, room 7, Nov 5-12 £100.00), and they said come Monday with another 100.00.

The issue is, I'm leaving the UK three days after checking out. It would be very easy for them to take the deposit. Would there be time to use the small claims? I'm going to ask for an inventory, but they're very blase and don't think they'll be bothered... but I already paid now. Any advice?

Fire_Fox

This sounds like holiday accommodation (hotel, B&B) not rental accommodation that is your home (store all your belongings, receive post), you don't get an inventory the former. You would need to send a 'letter before action' prior to using the small claims track, no three days is not long enough but you have loads of time after you return. TBH I think you are winding yourself up about something that probably won't happen!

thelem

Worst case scenario is they keep your deposit and you end up spending £200 for the week, which is still great value and less than the £280 it would cost to book for seven separate nights. I'd expect to get the £100 back as I handed the keys back.

G_M

I agree with the above.

But if you are worried, take lots of photos when you move to show the contents/condition of the room so if there IS a dispute at the end you can say "Look, there was never a ming mask on the mantlepiece and the cooker was already scratched on the side when I moved in".

lifemagic

Yeah, you're right. I'm in a paranoid frame of mind.

The issue is, I'm not coming back for a year. The brewery is called T&J Bernard, and I can't even find a website. The pub itself is kind of rough and the landlord scary and gruff. The owners have changed each time I've ever been in there.

However, I'll take pictures, and write up my own receipt/inventory and try and have the courage to get him to sign it.

I am paranoid though.

lifemagic

Just to keep it current...

I moved in and he gave me a printed itinery without asking, and let me amend it to show minor damage I found on inspection, so it's looking pretty good.