A French-based English builder took a deposit for timber treatment in September 2010 but has never undertaken the work, despite giving at least 3 dates between September 2010 and June 2011. He is refusing to return the deposit and threatening to enforce the full contract price under general French Contract Law - he says he has not refused to carry out the work, he keeps overlooking it. The deposit is only €170 and the total contract value €420 but it is the principal that is important. The builder also refuses to return the property keys that I left with him to complete the work when we returned to UK.
Already Tried: E-mail, phone messages and recorded delivery letter requesting return of deposit money and house keys. Dates and times of all calls, e-mails and letters logged and referred to in Recorded Delivery letter.
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Hi, I'm still waiting for a response - the builder is trying to "bludgeon" me into foregoing the deposit, stating that he has not REFUSED to do the work. I have now completed the work myself whilst undertaking connected repairs so I just need my property keys and my deposit back. The builder has not undertaken the work some 15 months after he accepted the deposit so I need to know if I can claim that the contract has lapsed?Thanks.Steve March
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Hi Fran,I'll wait to hear from you. I expect the builder to launch his next tirade around 7-10 January 2012 based upon previous response times - if he responds earlier, I'll contact you again.ThanlsSteve March
Thank you for your patience, your business is very important to us, we are waiting on the Expert with the right expertise to come online. Feel free to let us know if you would like us to continue searching for an Expert or if you would like us to close your question. Thank you for your understanding!