Hi Connif Very helpful post! Does this mean that if the cottage company have time to re-let and have not incurred costs or losses of £500, then it is unreasonable for them to charge us this amount for something we have not received, despite having ticked the box and accepted the confusing T&C at time of booking? mapmum x

Hi I'm glad I have found this post. We are in the same situation except that we booked our holiday more recently and were due to go mid june...this still leaves them over 3 months to fill the slot. My husband called to explain the situation and that we could not afford it due to a change in our financial circumstances. They would not allow him to cancel unless he paid the difference in deposits of £490. He explained we could not afford this but as far as they are concerned if we do not pay this now to cancel, we will have to pay the full amount when due or cancel then and still have to pay!!! What can we do? I paid the £25 by credit card - are they within their rights to just take the money or can thay take us to court? I haven't been in a situation like this before? Any help would be greatly appreciated. mapmum x