Terrible cottage - extra costs!

[islandgirl]

I would welcome any views or ideas on the following please. Arrived at a cottage booked through a huge cottage company last weekend for a 5 night stay. It was absolutely freezing - had no heating (no oil in tank), no wifi (needed for work) and no equipment (2 plates, 2 glasses and a bowl in a cottage let for 4 sleeping 6). It was freezing! Although booked via the huge company it was owned by a business in a neighbouring town which has several lets. I first contacted them. They apologised and offered a refund saying they had nowhere to move me. They told me they had instructed the huge cottage company to refund me. I then contacted the huge cottage company. Finally got through to someone and reported the issue. Someone else rang back, apologised, said they would do all they could to help including relocating us. Promised to call back. Waited one and a half hours - no call. Tried to ring them - all gone home no human available! Bear in mind it is now well after 7pm and dark (clocks had not yet changed!). I went onto Air b and b - very few lets have hosts who reply immediately but I did finally find one about 50 mins from the cottage. We booked, paid and moved there. That cottage cost me £200 more than the original but it was "hobsons choice" (and absolutely fine I have to say!). I emailed the big company and said I want my refund and the extra £200 I was forced to pay. After hearing nothing for days I got hold of them via a whatsapp for owners and they emailed to say they will refund the £400. I am still waiting for it to arrive. I would like to claim the extra £200 when/if the £400 arrives. Do I have a case?

[echat11]

How did you pay?

[islandgirl]

I did use a credit card. They have now refunded the amount initially paid less £12. No mention of the additional £200

[echat11]

I did use a credit card. They have now refunded the amount initially paid less £12. No mention of the additional £200

Contact your Credit Card company, this is best done online, make a Section 75 claim.
Explain what happened, you booked a cottage for 6, ended up with a cottage for 4,
you complained and had no other choice, then to seek alternative holiday accommodation,
at short notice that was only available at additional cost, which you had to pay. Explain that
£388 has been refunded, but not the £200. Attach any evidence you have i.e. original booking
invoice for 4 and alternative accommodation for 6 invoice.

[islandgirl]

Thank you Echat11. So the cottage was £400, the air b and b £600. The credit card was only used for £400 with the initial company then £600 with the new hosts who were great - I cannot see why the cc would refund the extra £200 when the transaction was not with the initial company who are at fault

[echat11]

Thank you Echat11. So the cottage was £400, the air b and b £600. The credit card was only used for £400 with the initial company then £600 with the new hosts who were great - I cannot see why the cc would refund the extra £200 when the transaction was not with the initial company who are at fault

Under Section 75 of the UK Consumer Credit Act 1974, credit card providers are jointly liable with retailers for breaches of contract on purchases between £100 and £30,000.

This protection allows consumers to claim for the original purchase cost and "consequential losses".

[islandgirl]

Amazing thank you Echat I was not aware of the consequential losses element - much appreciated