Holiday let damage bond withheld, possible scam

[Calsmum]

Needing help with regard to which route to go down to get back my refundable damage bond.

 

To cut a very long story short, I booked a short caravan break through a private owner website. Paid the full amount upfront, included in this was a refundable £75 damage bond to be returned within 7 days of leaving the let, if left as found and damage free. I paid for the holiday with my credit card as refused to pay by bank transfer. I contacted the third party by email to book the holiday and paid by card over the phone, she said that the money would be paid into the owners account on the holiday park.

 

Left the van on the Friday, contacted the third party on the Sunday to ask when I would receive my refunded damage bond. Heard nothing until I contacted them again on the Wednesday when I was informed that the owner had claimed that we damaged a piece of furniture in the holiday let. I was stunned to be honest, as left the property as found it, no damage by ourselves. Asked for proof of the damage, was sent two undated photos by the third party that were taken by the owner on the Friday we left (apparently). I asked the third party to contact the owner to ask him to send us dated photographs of the damage, she then said she wasn't getting involved anymore and we were to contact the owner direct. She sent us a name and email address for the owner. I have been in contact with him and again asked for my money to be refunded unless he had sufficient proof that we caused damage in his property and also to send us dated photographs of the damage. He sent a short email saying, because the let was so popular he hasn't been able to get access and he hasn't had time to get quotes to have the furniture repaired or replaced. No mention of the proof I've asked for or the photos. I replied stating that he was in breach of contract and has failed to provide any sufficient evidence that we damaged anything. Needless to say I've heard nothing back. I have been in contact with Citizens Advice and waiting to hear back from Mastercard. Is there any other measures I can take to try and get my money back?? Small Claims, Trading Standards?? All advice welcome.

[ericsbrother]

go through the procedures with the card co first. they dont like losing money so will try and get you to sort it out with the owner but dont let them off the hook. they have to refund and then sort out the dispute.

Does the photograph ring any bells about the condition of the furniture when you arrived? In any case damge itself is no reason not to release the bond, there has to be some indication that it was caused by carelessness or deliberate action. Wear and tear is part of the joys of renting, you claim it back against tax.

[Migster]

You can get the date date/time and location of the photos from the EXIF data if it's available. You may be able to get this info by viewing the properties of the images or you can upload them here to view it http://regex.info/exif.cgi