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Getting refundable deposit back - short term let

Hello

I recently spent a weekend (4 nights) in a short-term let flat. We found the flat on a website that allows landlords to rent their flats etc out on a short term basis.

The terms are clear,
1. deposit to secure the dates
2. remaining balance to secure the accomodation
3. refundable security deposit to cover any damage etc - £199

I have paid all 3 (on 3 different dates). We have paid this through PayPal to the owner of the accomodation (the website simply is an advertising medium). This was paid using credit card (American Express)

It has now been a month since we vacated, and the owner is not responding to our requests through paypal, email or phone. In fact we have had no response refusing/accepting or acknowledging.

I have contact paypal - they can't get involved as there is nothing tangible
I have contacted the website - they can't get involved as they are advertising medium and not involved in their payments etc. They have redirected me to their insurance policy which would cover future bookings
I have contacted American Express who not interested because it is my word against a non-responder!

Does anyone have any advice on how I can get my refundable deposit (£199)?

Thanks

Comments

  • Herbalus
    Herbalus Posts: 2,634 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You have the address of the flat where you stayed. Was this the person's own residential flat? Did you meet them?

    If you are reasonably sure that the person who is running away with your funds is contactable at the address where you stayed, send a letter before action telling them you are going to the small claims court to sue them if they do not return the deposit within 14 days.
  • BitterAndTwisted
    BitterAndTwisted Posts: 22,492 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have you tried a charge-back via PayPal?
  • emjayjee
    emjayjee Posts: 24 Forumite
    Herbalus - yes it was his flat. He has someone who drops the keys off etc. I have the mobile number etc. We never met anyonre face to face.

    Bitterandtwisted - what is chargeback? I have sent him an invoice + 2 reminders, and contacted paypal who said there was nothign they could do
  • tim123456789
    tim123456789 Posts: 1,795 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have you tried a charge-back via PayPal?

    AIUI, you're chances of getting money back from PP for anything that was not "physically" delivered is nil

    YMMV

    tim
This discussion has been closed.
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