Bank transfer dispute

My advice is to get on a Facebook page and shame him. Going to cops or talking to the bank would be a waste of time. If it's a high-end condo project: Sunwah, City Garden etc.., even easier. Every building has its own dedicated FB page: for rental and buying and selling. You can describe your situation with the pic of the agreement in Vietnamese and English. Vietnam is a shame culture, not a guilt culture. Trying to convince him to do you right by his conscience would only waste a lot of time and effort. You point out his deed for all to see and judge, especially if he has a stake in that property or building and has to face the gossip and ridicule from his neighbors/agents/co-workers/family, it might work. Good luck!

Long story short. Did a bank transfer and apartment manager is breaking his written agreement on the deposit. Any generic advice on what can be done realistically? Police? Dispute with the bank? Spam the review section? Throw rocks through the window lol? JK
Long story.
Wife and I put a deposit down on an apartment in super high demand. We have a dog and it was one of the few really dog friendly places. Tried for a long time to get an apartment here and just couldnt. Since we put the deposit down 3 months in advance we had worries about it. The manager assured us that they will refund us the money if our plans change. He wrote in our agreement for the deposit below...

"You will be charged if you cancel or re-schedule your reservation without informing STAY 1 week prior to check – in. The penalty fee will be 50% of the total deposit"

So my mom got sick and we had to fly back to the states. I notified the manager 9 days before our check in which was as soon as I found out. Manager is now refusing to honor the agreement. His reasoning is that since I didnt sign the agreement yet (required on check in day) that agreement isnt a legal document and he doesnt have to abide by it. He says vietnam law requires all agreements to be signed yet he required money and never asked for a signature of course. I have so much evidence in writing but of course all of it is in english. I mean he is basically admitting they are breaking their own agreement and just refusing to honor it. All of this in writing over Zalo. Not sure if that helps.

Also I can already see the comments coming about how I should have known better and how this is vietnam and blah blah blah. Not helpful. Yes me and the wife have talked about contacting the bank or police but she thinks its a complete waste of time. IDK just curious about others experiences if there are any.
-@jrharvey

I agree with your wife.

I don't want to make light of your situation.

It's a shame this has happened to you.

But I'm wondering if you would mind if a link to your post is offered in response to anyone contacting us about booking any lodging in Vietnam in advance?

so many of us are continually warning people to not give advanced deposits prior to the date of moving in.

I understand that the situation had you thinking that it was necessary.

It's just that the odds seem to be stacked against people who send any advanced deposits to anyone.

Our former Vietnam expert who is Việt Kiều lost two deposits in Sài Gòn in one week and couldn't do a thing about it, even though she has a nephew very highly placed in HCMC government.

As an aside, I know a number of people with dogs who have found that the best solution for them was to rent a house and not an apartment or condominium.

I hope everything in the future is better for you.