Tradesperson took a deposit but never started: what your letter needs
Paid a tradesperson a deposit but the work has not started? Gather the quote, agreed dates and payment record before asking what happens next.
By TBD · Sources checked · Republic of Ireland
If a tradesperson misses the start date, check what you agreed before writing. Was the date definite? Were materials ordered? Did the job change? Then decide whether you want a new start date or your money back, and ask for a clear written reply.
What you need to know
CCPC guidance says that where a service is not supplied at all, cancellation or a full refund may be available. The agreement and circumstances still matter. A deposit is not automatically forfeited merely because it is called non-refundable, nor is every delayed start automatically grounds to recover every payment.
Read the official sources below for the detail and current procedure.
Documents and details to keep
- Quote, scope, trader identity and agreed start date or scheduling messages.
- Deposit receipt and a payment record with unrelated transactions redacted.
- Promises to start, explanations for delay and your requests for a resolution.
What to do first
Choose what you are asking for now. If you still want the work, request a definite proposal for starting it. If you want repayment, explain the cancellation basis and amount. Do not combine an unconditional instruction to start with an unconditional demand to cancel. Ask the trader to identify any disputed deductions and supporting documents.
A fictional example
In this fictional example, a homeowner pays €600 for painting. Two agreed start dates pass, with no work or materials supplied. They gather the quote, payment record and messages, then ask the painter to explain whether the deposit will be returned. The example does not decide whether a refund is due.
What you could write
Adapt only if accurate for your facts. This is not a court document or formal statutory notice.
I paid €600 for the work described in your quote. The agreed start dates have passed and no work has begun. Please respond with your position on returning the deposit, including the basis and evidence for any amount you propose retaining.
How TBD can help
TBD helps you bring the dates, payments and messages together in a draft complaint. Check that it accurately describes what happened before using it. A delay alone does not establish that the tradesperson was dishonest.
If the first letter does not resolve it
If there is no useful response, check the legal identity of the trader and whether an official consumer route is appropriate. Obtain advice for high-value or complex construction contracts. Suspected crime is a separate issue; a civil complaint letter should not be used to threaten criminal reporting as leverage for payment.