What do I do? Rented a poor quality caravan!!

[emjojowells2]

I am recently back from a week at Haven Seashore where I rented a caravan via a local independent business who service and rent caravans on behalf of the owners. The caravan was advertised as deluxe and when we arrived the smell of ‘old dog’ was overwhelming and we found the previous occupiers clothes in each room. I contacted the company who apologised and came out the next day to clean the sofas. But it was so much more than just that and we asked for a partial refund... awful smell in toilet, oven seal broken so didn’t heat properly, fire extinguishers not tested since 2008 and 2013, dust, cobwebs on every vent, radiator light fitting, every light fitting had at least one bulb missing broken, no items PAT tested. It was overall dated and dingy. The business has again apologised but has not offered any refund and has said it is up to us to take further. My question is how can I take further?

Take it to Trading Standards and Health and Safety Executive. You may be able to get a refund if you paid by credit or debit card so call them too. Sounds like not only were there a range of consumer issues (trading standards) but also safety concerns such as the extinguisher which the HSE would deal with. Only communicate with the company by email so you have proof of correspondence. Did you take pictures?

Thanks for quick response. Yes I paid by debit card and all correspondence has been via Facebook messenger so have messages, I also took lots of pictures. Thanks I will persue 👍🏻

Cool - blast them for this! Local press may also be interested and there's always TripAdvisor ratings to bear in mind....

Maybe also their local district/county council who regulate or licence these kinds of things? Trading Standards may be able to advise on that too.