Agent takeover
Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2022 5:05 pm
We have had a holiday let for over 10 years during this time we have used two agents. Both agents have worked in harmony and we have maximised our bookings. In July one of the agents said that they had sold their business to another larger agent. The larger agent does not take damage deposits and does permit us to use other agents.
I have said I am unable to operate without security deposits given the amount of damage caused in the last two years, including holiday makers setting fire to the decking. For this reason I could not join the new large agents operation.
This morning the new agent emailed me to say they would be cancelling our three bookings for 2023 and would find the visitors alternative accommodation from their portfolio because we would not join them. I questioned whether this was legal as guests had already booked and paid deposits I didn't think the new agents had the right to cancel the bookings. We have no agreement with the new agent and the old agent does not exist now. After I told them I would not allow them to do this, the new agent say they will pass on my details to the guests so they can continue with the bookings directly with me or with our other agent. Whilst only three bookings these represent a substantial amount of income for next year.
Does anyone have experience of a similar situation and how did they deal with it?
I have said I am unable to operate without security deposits given the amount of damage caused in the last two years, including holiday makers setting fire to the decking. For this reason I could not join the new large agents operation.
This morning the new agent emailed me to say they would be cancelling our three bookings for 2023 and would find the visitors alternative accommodation from their portfolio because we would not join them. I questioned whether this was legal as guests had already booked and paid deposits I didn't think the new agents had the right to cancel the bookings. We have no agreement with the new agent and the old agent does not exist now. After I told them I would not allow them to do this, the new agent say they will pass on my details to the guests so they can continue with the bookings directly with me or with our other agent. Whilst only three bookings these represent a substantial amount of income for next year.
Does anyone have experience of a similar situation and how did they deal with it?