The Commerce Commission has filed proceedings in the High Court against holiday home company Bachcare Limited.  It alleges that some of Bachcare’s contract terms with consumers are unfair under the Fair Trading Act 1986 (FTA).

The Bachcare contract terms in question are:

• Regardless of how far in advance a guest cancels their booking the guest may lose up to 100% of the amount paid
• Service fees are deducted regardless of whether the booking is cancelled by Bachcare or the guest, and
• Where a booking is cancelled due to an uncontrollable event, such as an extreme weather event, and is unable to be re-scheduled, a guest could lose 100% of the amount paid.

Since 2022, the unfair contract terms regime has applied to contracts between businesses that have a trading relationship with an annual value of $250,000 or less (known as ‘small trade contracts’).  The Commerce Commission appears to be increasing enforcement efforts now the regime has been in force for some time.

If you have not already done so, now is a good time to review your consumer terms and conditions, and small trade contracts to ensure they comply with the FTA.

Please contact us if we can help with a review of your contract terms or you need help with unfair contract terms.