My fiance and I are not wild peole and we did not destroy the headboard... we didnt notice if there was any damage when we left. Do you think that they can charge $150.00 and get away with it? or do you think that they would have to provide proof that we did it? any thoughts would be great and if anyone knows of a legal site that may help me that would be great as well.
2007-01-31 07:58:23 · 9 answers · asked by This is harder than it looks? 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Please note... we did not cause the damage. I allready know that legally they can not charge the amount directly to our card. you have to be able to see a receipt and sign off on it. No matter what we previously signed. Other wise any one in any service position could charge whatever they wanted to your card.
2007-01-31 08:07:57 · update #1
Unfortunately, A lot of places can do what is called a card-not-present transaction. So yes they can charge the debit or even the credit card for the damage.
However, you can dispute that charge on the debit card because you didn't damage the head board.
To correct some posters. You can lose the money even with a credit card.
Also, you might want to call your banks and have them hot card your debit card and any credit card you used fot that hotel. So they can't keep charging your cards.
2007-02-01 13:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, abqdan had a good answer. He's right, when you signed in at the hotel, you most likely signed a liability waiver. Often times it doesn't say it on anything you signed and it's more or less "understood." Most people when they break something either pay for it willingly, or fight it for a little and then give up when they don't get anywhere. If you really want to get out of paying this, you probably can. I work at a hotel and when people complain enough, they basically get what they want. I do work at a Marriott, so it may be a little different because Marriott has a reputation. I would suggest if you really want to get out of paying it, go to the hotel, make them present you with your signature on something saying you're liable. When they do that, do what abqdan said and get them to present some cost repair estimates. More than one. Call them every day bothering them about your money and you need it back until they can present you with receipts, even threaten court for flare. Eventually they'll decide that it's not worth it and they'll give you your money back. They probably wont be able to present you with receipts because they probably had their own maintenance guys fix it or replace it for next to nothing. Good luck.
2007-01-31 08:15:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a hotel can do that if they think that you did damage to a room. when you register, you sign a piece of paper and on there, usually in small print, it says that they can charge your credit card or what ever card you used to book the room, if there is damage...i would call and talk to the manger and make them give me evidence that it wasn't already there before you checked in and several estimates of the damage....but in the end, you are probably better off to just pay it and chuck it up to experience and make sure that the next time you check in that you survey the room before, to make sure there is not any damage previous to you checking in, sorry :(
just to add that you have to sign a receipt before you leave the hotel. when you check out and give your key or whatever back you usually have to sign a receipt but NOT always. i have been in severally well know hotels where unless you made phone calls or something of that nature, you just left you key or card on the dresser and left and they can charge you card with any damage they find because it was in the paper you signed at the beginning....my niece works at the front desk of a Hilton and that is what she told me when i had the same question.
2007-01-31 08:12:17 · answer #3 · answered by blah blah blah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they can - you signed a waiver to that effect when you booked in. Ask to see the damage, and at least three estimates for repair or replacement.
It is very hard to argue you were not responsible for the damage, unless you take photos when you leave - and nobody does that! So although someone else probably did the damage, you're stuck with the bill. Just make sure it's a reasonable amount, then make sure everyone - family, friends, work colleagues - know not to stay there.
2007-01-31 08:02:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the problem with debit cards. You can't dispute charges. You're screwed. An attorney would cost many time more than $150.00. Which hotel was it so we don't stay there??
2007-01-31 08:04:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can, but they should have to provide proof, it just isn't worth the attorneys fees. I would tell them to provide proof and possibly take them to small claims court if they don't have that proof. Check what it cost to file a small claim, it may not be worth the time and aggravation. In the future, if you rent a room, check it thoroughly, make a complaint if something isn't right, and take a picture.
2007-01-31 08:07:54 · answer #6 · answered by Cheryl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure they can. You didn't mention the headboard being broken when you walked in the door.
2007-01-31 08:08:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they can charge you...u agreed to it when u signed for the room
unfortunately more and more people need to read what they sign
2007-01-31 08:06:49 · answer #8 · answered by sunbun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES THEY CAN DO ANYTHING THEY WONT WHEN YOU BREAK SOMETHING
2007-01-31 08:03:41 · answer #9 · answered by Mavell J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋