Villa deposit refund

sparkle666

Hello all, we had a villa booked in Florida for which the deposit was paid by bank transfer in British pounds directly to the owner who lives in England. Obviously we couldn’t go through no fault of our own. The owner refuses to return our deposit stating it is non refundable.  I get that in normal circumstances if I had cancelled it myself then I would not be entitled to any money back but there’s a global pandemic! Surely the owner can make use of the financial support for businesses by the government and therefore be able to return my money. The CMA’s view on the government website states that even non refundable deposits should be returned. 

We have travel insurance but the excess is £100 and the deposit is £200 and although it would be something to get back I’m not sure who is in the right. We have been offered to book alternative dates but I was made redundant due to the covid situation and we can’t afford the flight prices for next year as they are much more expensive than normal (we are restricted to school holiday dates). Just wondered if anybody could help with where we stand on this. Thanks in advance. 

Westin

It sounds like you have booked direct with a private home owner.  If so I very much doubt that they would have access to claiming UK Government financial support for the private rentals they make for their Florida second residence.  Not sure I'd agree that my tax money should fund your private villa rental either.

The CMA have no influence over this.

If the agreed terms were a non-refundable deposit then really that is what you have both agreed to.  Whilst not your fault that Covid19 is sweeping the world, neither is it the fault of the villa owner in Florida.

I think the offer to move dates and rebook is a fair compromise.  Even with this concession the villa owner is possibly losing out on rental income from next year by moving your 2020 holiday over. Nice gesture. 

If that is not to your liking then it would be a claim on your travel insurance.

sparkle666

Thanks for your reply. That’s cleared up some of my questions. Appreciate your help.