What are my rights if the booked vacation home does not match the descriptions?
April 14, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Alwin Hohenwarter
Dear lawyer,
My name is Ben Czakaj and I recently booked a vacation home for my holiday through an online platform. Unfortunately, upon my arrival, I found that the vacation home does not match the descriptions that were presented to me before booking. The house is in poor condition, the amenities do not meet the promised standards, and the location does not meet my expectations.
I am very disappointed and frustrated that I have spent a lot of money on accommodation that does not meet my expectations. I wonder what rights I have in this situation and how I should proceed to receive appropriate compensation or alternative accommodation.
Could you please provide me with information on the steps I can take to get my money back or find a suitable solution to this problem? Are there any legal regulations or rights that can help me in this case? I would be very grateful if you could provide me with your legal expertise to resolve this matter.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Ben Czakaj
Dear Mr. Czakaj,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the issue with the booked holiday accommodation. I am sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with your current situation, however, I can assure you that there are legal options available to address such a situation.
First and foremost, it is important to know that as a consumer, you are legally protected and have certain rights if the booked accommodation does not match the descriptions presented to you at the time of booking. In your case, it appears that the holiday home does not meet the promised standards and is therefore not in accordance with the contract.
According to § 536 of the German Civil Code (BGB), as a tenant, you have the right to a defect-free accommodation. If the holiday home does not meet the agreed standards, you have the right to a reduction in rent, compensation for damages, or in extreme cases, even the right to terminate the contract.
In your situation, I would advise you to first contact the landlord or the booking platform through which you booked the holiday home. Describe in detail the defects of the holiday home and demand an appropriate solution, such as an alternative accommodation or a refund of the rent.
If the landlord or booking platform does not cooperate or offer a satisfactory solution, you may consider taking legal action. In this case, it would be advisable to consult a lawyer to effectively enforce your rights.
I would recommend gathering all relevant documents, such as the booking confirmation, photos of the defects, and all communication with the landlord, and presenting them to a lawyer. A lawyer can help you obtain appropriate compensation and get your money back.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you success in resolving your issue. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Alwin Hohenwarter
