Get your deposit back from a gardener?

Questioner

In March 2022, I hired a handyman company to renovate my garden. The quote stated that the job would be done within a month. After all sorts of excuses, the gardener didn't show up. I then cancelled the job. I was promised via text message that my deposit of 250 euros would be refunded at the end of August. To date, the gardener refuses to refund me. How do I get my deposit back?

Lawyer

If you do not get back an amount to which you are entitled, a logical next step is to start proceedings with the subdistrict court. You should then seek advice in advance on whether this would be useful. For example, you must be entitled to the amount (in legal terms) and a cost assessment should also be made. After all, starting proceedings costs money. The (final) costs will exceed the amount of EUR 250, I expect. Now the other party can be ordered to pay the costs if you win the proceedings, but then there must also be a recovery from that party.