uni accom reservation fee - can they keep it?

[islandgirl]

Good afternoon - I would really appreciate some views on this issue. My son was going to go to Uni in Scotland and stay in private uni accommodation (a large block of uni type flats) but now is not. We paid £135 "non refundable" reservation fee for his room. I understood that this was not legal in Scotland and have now asked for the money to be returned. They are refusing. I found the law which says the following. Can I insist on a refund? I have evidence saying it is a non refundable reservation fee and another saying it is advance rent... Many thanks for all views Illegal premiums

In Scotland, landlords and letting agents can only ask tenants to pay for:

• rent
• a refundable deposit (which can't be more than 2 months' rent)

Any other charges to tenants are called 'illegal premiums' and are against the law. They include charges like:

• administration fees
• credit checks
• holding fees (including refundable and non refundable fees)