PSA: I just lost a $500 deposit because of a 'materials' clause in a venue contract

I thought 'non-refundable deposit' just meant the booking fee, but the fine print said it also covered 'quoted materials' like tables and chairs they never even ordered. The manager pointed to that line when I had to cancel. Has anyone else gotten burned by a venue contract that hides extra costs in the deposit section?

2 comments

2 Comments

waderamirez3h ago

Yeah, that's a classic move. Always ask for a line-item breakdown of the deposit before you sign anything. If they won't give it, walk away.

owens.laura53m ago

Honestly @waderamirez, I've found that strategy can backfire. A lot of decent landlords see that request as overly aggressive right off the bat. Sometimes you just gotta read the lease carefully and ask about the big charges instead.