How do I proceed if my booked vacation home does not correspond to the descriptions?
December 22, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Fred Kock
Dear lawyer,
My name is Alexander Schröter and I recently booked a vacation home for my holiday. Unfortunately, I have discovered that the house does not correspond to the descriptions that were given to me at the time of booking. The vacation home was supposed to be spacious and modern according to the advertisement, but in reality, it is small, outdated, and dirty. Additionally, some of the advertised amenities are missing, such as the hot tub in the garden.
I am very disappointed with this situation as I was looking forward to a relaxing holiday in a beautiful vacation home. Now, I am unsure of how to proceed. Should I contact the landlord directly and demand a solution? Or should I perhaps take legal action to get my money back?
My concerns are that I will not be able to enjoy my holiday as planned and that I have spent money on accommodation that does not meet my expectations. I would like to know what options I have to resolve this situation and whether I have a right to compensation or a refund of the rental fee.
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and advice on how to best proceed in order to protect my rights as a customer and find a suitable solution to this unpleasant situation.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Alexander Schröter
Dear Mr. Schröter,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your booked holiday home. I am sorry to hear that you are not satisfied with the accommodation and that your expectations were not met. It is understandable that you are disappointed and unable to enjoy your holiday as planned.
In your case, it is important that you first contact the landlord to discuss the problem and find a solution. The landlord may address your complaint and offer you an alternative accommodation or a refund of the rental price. Therefore, it is advisable to document your complaint in writing and give the landlord a reasonable deadline to resolve the issue.
If the landlord does not respond to your complaint or offer a satisfactory solution, as a consumer you have certain rights that provide protection. According to travel law, you are entitled to appropriate and contractual accommodation. If this is not met, you can withdraw from the contract and demand a refund of the rental price.
It is advisable to keep all communication with the landlord in writing and gather evidence such as photos or witness statements to support your claims. If the landlord continues to be uncooperative, you may consider taking legal action and consulting a travel law attorney.
An experienced travel law attorney can help you enforce your rights and obtain appropriate compensation for the inconvenience caused. They can also advise you on legal options and chances of success to find an optimal solution for you.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you can find a satisfactory solution to your problem. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am happy to help.
Sincerely,
Fred Kock
Travel Law Attorney
