Cancelled booking - where do I stand?

[Rich]

Following my earlier post. Background to this is we are travelling to Carvoeiro a week on Saturday. Its my daughter's 21st on Monday so we've paid for a holiday for her and her boyfriend. We booked an apartment for them on MC and a villa for my wife and self, other daughter and friend.

Apartment booked in December and fully paid for by cheque. I shan't name the agency now. Anyway, e.mail from them yesterday evening - sorry, cancelled, owner has sold apartment without telling us. Alternative apartment, smaller and seemingly not on a complex, up near the church.

I'm seething as you can imagine. Can anyone give me a view on my legal position. I've no way of knowing but I suspect they've just got a better offer.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Gambrinus]

A sale is a possibility, often enough a house sale will be made dependent on existing bookings. Therfore, if the buyer does not wish to take over existing rental contracts, the seller is forced to cancel the existing contracts to be able to go through with the sale.

Motive aside, a rental contract is a legally binding contract, so the seller has to ensure the clients that have rented his villa/apt are offered alternative accomodation (of equal or superior quality) or a full refund of the funds.

As this is very short notice and your holiday is obvioulsy in jeopardy, I would advise you consult travel associations in your home country to see what possibilities you have.

[Guest]

Rich,

Please telephone 00 351 282 350111 as soon as possible

[Rich]

Thank you for input. Happy to say this has been sorted. I did establish the place has indeed been sold and agent has now found us another apt. on MC. Glad I didn't libel agent now - as stated above I guess these things happen. Daughter now much relieved and celebrations back on track. Apologies if I've wasted anyone's time.