Looking for some help and advice if anyone has had this happen to them...
We moved house towards the end of last year. Due to complete on a Friday, the solicitors messed up and we ended up in the unfortunate situation at 5pm having sold our property and nowhere to live. So it was a weekend in a hotel until we could complete on Monday. The bank supplied a letter listing the events from their file, the solicitor had not completed the Certificate of Title correctly in the days prior and the bank was then unable to get a response until it was too late.
I'm claiming £628 compensation for expenses and losses for 3 adults, 1 child and 1 dog. The solicitors have offered £300 which is for hotel and basic supplies. Doesn't include food and additional days rental for van/storage. They said its "up to yourselves to mitigate your losses".
Any advice on what we should be entitled to claim?
My advice, don't move house on a Friday.....
Isn't this just the nightmare scenario!
Everyones advice is dont move house on a friday, but its the hardest day to book with removals people at short notice so I guess most people move... on a friday!
As far as what you are entitled to claim, that could be contract dependent, does it specifically mention anything?
The cost is tricky, you should be reasonable, as should they, you couldn't be reasonably expected to fit all those into one travel lodge room, but likewise you wouldn't be expected to go and stay in 3 luxury penthouses.
Time is obviously an issue, as short notice finding a hotel to cater for that isn't always cheap.
Food, obviously again you should be reasonable if your expecting someone else to pay so you should have limited the impact as much as was reasonably possible.
You should claim for all consequential losses and expect to haggle downwards. So hotel, any excess travelling, extra storage, and penalty fees from removers etc
Personally I would reply with a letter clearly stating "without prejudice" you offer to accept as a full and final settlement £475, as long as its received by the end of Jan.