I am seething having returned from a holiday booked through one of the major UK holiday cottage providers we have used before with no dramas. This time, although the area was lovely, the cottage was shabby and a bit grimy but we made the most of a bad job and even tidied the place up a bit as we went along- cleaned the grill etc as it was so manky! We noticed there was no smoke alarm, something which had been noted in the visitor book some time previously. I informed the agent to be told “we rely on visitors to inform us of these things” I had assumed there was some sort of basic inspection prior to accepting properties- apparently not! We had paid a “house keeping bond” directly to the owner via details given to us from the agent prior to the holiday but I had done this on previous holidays when booking direct with owners and assumed having booked through an agent I would have even more clout. This has deposit not been returned in agreed time frame. The agent is saying it is a contract between us and the owner, whom they admit they have been unable to contact over the past few days. I am seething about all of this and feel they are admonishing all duty of care in case of fire and also presumably will be letting other suckers send this deposit over in good faith! I have informed the local fire service and will get in touch with the local authority but this all stressing me out and I am considering going to small claims court. Has anyone else come up against this?