Venue won’t return deposit

Beardandclairebear

Hi! Would like some advice regarding a party venue I hired before Covid. 

I booked the venue and paid deposit. Covid happened so I moved the date, didn’t hear anything from the venue communication wise after this time (almost 1 year) despite sending numerous emails. 

Finally got a reply 3 weeks prior to the party after saying I would cancel to say they have no staff and will be in touch after the 19th July. I received no update so cancelled last week and asked for my deposit to be returned. They replied straight away and said the don’t have the deposit due to being in financial difficulty. 

I empathise with that but surely a security deposit isn’t there’s to spend? How to I go about getting it back, I need the money to hire a marquee as the party is now in the garden. 

tacpot12

You need to sue them, but the first thing to check is what your contract with them says about when the deposit is refundable. 

If you have home insurance, check whether you have legal expenses ccover. If you do, you can call the legal helpline provided by your insurer for legal advice about how to recover the money. 

sheramber

if they  have no money suing won't help.  If there is no money on the bank, there is no money to pay out.

How did you pay? if by debit/credit card contact you card provider about a chargeback  or S75 claim.

Newnoel

sheramber said:

How did you pay? if by debit/credit card contact you card provider about a chargeback  or S75 claim.

This is your easiest option. Your card provider should refund you if you provide adequate grounds, and they would then pursue the venue for their loss, if they feel its worthwhile.