debiting pre-authorisation amount at the time of check-in

[UTash]

Hi Evereyone,

I'm new to the forum and trust you will guide me to understand my legal position.

I recently booked a serviced apartment in London for a week. Total payment was made during the booking time and a further holding deposit (pre-authorised amount of £200) was to be paid during check-in. It all seemed fine to me and I went ahead with booking.

 

Now , I have checked out of the apartment 10 days ago and my holding deposit is still not back. There was no damage done to the property what so ever and even they are not claiming it. They are telling me that the hold has been released but mney has still not reached my account.

 

In case you are confused with the holding deposit we pay to agents before renting, It was a bit different as they promised not to debit anything from my account untill and unless there is a damage done to the property due to my actions. They were supposed to keep a block on £200 for the time I'm staying there and release it after the check-out.

 

My bank has now confirmed that they actually deducted £200 and the return of the payment is now pending with Visa which might still take many days before clearing.

 

I'm really unhappy:mad2: with their(Service Apartment company) business conduct as they have no right to debit any amount from my account without my permission, especially when their written policy says otherwise. This is a clear violation of security and trust.

I might still get my money back but they could have easily taken out much more than £200 as a interest free credit leaving me in a desperate situation. I still don't know when will I get my money back but more annoying part is the breach of trust.

 

Could anyone please advise how can I make them pay for their unprofessional conduct and breaching the trust & security of my account.

 

Thanks,

Tash

[Conniff]

Credit cards can take up to 30 days to be reimbursed and most regulations of different things say must be done within 30 days so that looks a fair time to wait before kicking up a fuss.

 

You could go to the bank and do a chargeback of that deduction as unauthorised.

[Conniff]

Have moved you to the Residential and Commercial lettings/Freehold issues section.

[UTash]

Thanks for your help. The payment was made through Visa Forex corporate card.

 

Regards,

Tash

[raydetinu]

As with car rentals, I presume, they take the deposit off your card then return it when you return the car ( leave flat ), usually takes three days to get it back. at least with most car rental cos.

What did it say in the actual agreement?

Have you checked when they ( service co. ) actually paid it back?