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Chargeable deposit abroad

On holiday in Portugal,renting a villa,paid €300 deposit for breakages/damages by credit card.2 days in I reported a damaged sunbed my wife had tried to use which subsequently collapsed.
On the strength of my picture the letting agent informed me that this would be chargeable,as it was a new bed ?
Since then I have been back and forward to the agent requesting how they can tell from my picture was one of their new beds,as they admit they have a mix of new and not so new.
I was told they carry out "vigorous" checks on sunbeds,I then asked for details/recording of checks,are they visual or is each bed physically checked.
I have since questioned their whole checking regime as a light fitting in one of the bedrooms had exposed wires.
I am told all information is recorded on their "system",and I requested further information on the details listed above,as yet nothing.
On checking the reviews about this company,based in England,there are multiple complaints about deposits being held back for "damages" .
Is there any way my Credit card provider can "hold" this money while I dispute their findings ?
They do not carry out inspections till tenants move out,and like me,will be out of the country,they then have carte blanche to inflict more recharges as they appear to have done repeatedly.
Any advice would be welcome.

Comments

  • Mark_d
    Mark_d Posts: 2,688 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Does it matter whether the sunbed was new or "not so new"?  It sounds uncontested that the damage was caused by you (more specifically your wife).  I would be surprised if you can get anywhere with this.
  • born_again
    born_again Posts: 20,948 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Sixth Anniversary Name Dropper
    If they have already taken the funds then no.
    If not, no they can not block the payment & stopping your card will not stop the payment.
    Life in the slow lane
  • Aylesbury_Duck
    Aylesbury_Duck Posts: 15,850 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    There's no tactful way of asking this...how did your wife break it?

    Second question: How much are they proposing to charge, and what is the cost of that type of sunbed when brand new?
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