Is this contract law?

[sylvester37]

i had hired a landscaper to do a job for me, however on the day they were due to start the job they phoned and cancelled saying they were too busy to do it and to find someone else. however the only other company available is costing me £1800 more. what can i do? is this an immaterial breach minor breach?

[tahmelapachme33]

complete non-performance, and abandonment of the contract, is a material breach.

[osryd]

Was it in writing? If it was writing, you can file a lawsuit for breach of contract, failure to provide the services agreed to, especially if you already paid a deposit. If not, you could file something in court but by the time you are done with court and court costs, it will cost you far more than $1800--believe me.

[darrick34]

Did any money exchange hands - to seal the deal
Was there any penalty written into the contract in the event that the contract did not start or complete ?

Contracts don't exist unless some payment has taken place
did any (deposit ?)
and contracts cannot be changed with out some price change (even if 1p) up or down.

You have not suffered a loss as a result of the work done or not done according to the contract onlyu a cancellation of the contract.

Cancellation is allowed, no penalty unless written into the contract.

[danil70]

If it was an "oral" contract, as opposed to a "written" contract, it may not be enforceable.

Check with an attorney (solicitor?)

[jaycube]

This contract looks like a verbal contract, take the help of Attorney to challange the claim,