Are non-refundable deposits always non-refundable

BELLAJUNE

I have recently (6 days ago) placed a large apparently non-refundable deposit down on a wedding venue (2016 wedding). Unfortunately within 2 days of doing so our personal circumstances changed completely out of the blue meaning that this venue would no longer be appropriate. Is there any legislation or means by which the deposit can be refunded? I have read about a 14 day cancellation rule for services ordered via telephone. Does this or any other legislation help me in any way shape or form?

wealdroam

BELLAJUNE wrote: »

I have recently (6 days ago) placed a large apparently non-refundable deposit down on a wedding venue (2016 wedding). Unfortunately within 2 days of doing so our personal circumstances changed completely out of the blue meaning that this venue would no longer be appropriate. Is there any legislation or means by which the deposit can be refunded? I have read about a 14 day cancellation rule for services ordered via telephone. Does this or any other legislation help me in any way shape or form?

To answer the question in your title, no they are not.

This excellent post will answer your question more fully:

Is a deposit ever refundable?

Unfortunately the "14 day cancellation rule for services ordered via telephone" rule won't help you.
"Catering or services related to leisure activities" arranged for a specific date are specifically excluded from those cancellation rights.

bris

They need to mitigate the loss, they can hold the deposit until the re book the venue if they do so. There is plenty time so they should re book it if it's a popular venue. They can hold on to expenses used to re book if any or the difference in price by what you were to pay and what they get if they have to take less.


Only problem is getting them to understand about them needing to mitigate their loss as some believe it is just free money. Later on down the line ask some one to enquire about the dates to find out if it's been booked again or not, if it is send a letter demanding your money back or send a LBA, a court will make them explain all the financial details on the new booking and make them pay you back.


Basically they are not entitled to be paid twice.

bod1467

And they are also not allowed to deliberately sell it cheap just to get the date sold again ... they need to make reasonable efforts to mitigate your loss too.

JethroUK

you give deposit or you leave deposits to show good faith (PROMISE to use their service) so they're in a position to start a acruing a cost for that service but if they've not spend any money or accrued any damages and they want happy customers then they might just refund you to keep you happy