I am trying to move my June 19th booking from South Uist to the mainland as the island location is unsuitable for my family and dog. Sykes is refusing a transfer and demanding a £700 penalty, nearly 30% of the total cost despite me giving 4 months notice. This is a clear breach of the consumer rights act regarding unfair penalty fees. I have now instructed my bank to block further payments and am being forced to cancel due to this unreasonable behaviour.
UPDATE[26/02/2026]
Thank you for the reply. However, I have already contacted your team via phone and email today, and the alternative solution offered was a £700 penalty for a booking that is still 4 months away.
Regarding the property owners terms, under the consumer rights act 2015 Sykes(as the agent) has a legal responsibility to ensure contract terms are fair and transparent. Demanding a £700 fee when there are 16 weeks left to re-let the property is a penalty, not a 'genuine pre-estimate of loss'
I have already sent a formal dispute email outlining that I am terminating the booking and accept only the loss of my initial £60 deposit. My bank has been instructed to block any unauthorised attempts to charge the remaining £700 while this unfair contract term is under formal dispute.
I wil not be pressured into paying a £700 fine over the phone.
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