I booked a camper van for the holidays and paid a deposit of £130. The following day I discovered that a relative had bought a caravan that we could borrow. I rang the owner of the hire firm, who agreed to return the deposit, but I’ve now received a letter saying they will only give us a credit note. What’s my legal position?
You entered into a contract, and subject to any agreement you signed, you stood to lose the deposit by pulling out of the deal. However the contract was altered by the owner’s agreement to refund the money; if you could prove that the telephone conversation took place (which I presume you can’t) you would be able to take the firm to court for your £130. However the firm wasn’t initially obliged to offer you even a credit note.