Brighton Holiday Homes, a leading short-term lets company in Brighton, has closed without warning owing tens of thousands of pounds to holiday makers including dozens of stag and hen parties, and landlords.

The company appears to be the victim of a substantial downturn in holiday makers visiting the seaside city and booking short-term let accommodation; Brighton Holiday Homes is the third to close its doors this month.

Based at a substantial and modern-looking office (pictured), it has emailed all its clients who have paid to book properties to say that their rentals have been cancelled and advising them to claim the money back through their credit card provider. The company’s website remains online featuring properties to rent in Brighton.

Several of these customers have contacted the BBC to complain that they had paid significant sums to book accommodation for holidays last week but had not been warned that the company was about to cease trading.

Heartbroken

One woman, Jennie Nash, says she is ‘heartbroken’ after plans to celebrate her combined 30th birthday and engagement in Brighton were dashed after the company took money from her last week for a booking.

No details of an administrator have been provided, and a sign has appeared on its high street branch saying: “It is with great regret that due to the challenging economic conditions Brighton Holiday Homes has ceased trading with immediate effect.”

The company has not missed any of its Companies House filing deadlines and has been trading since 2008 after being set up by director Neil Stonehill at an office in the popular Kemptown area of the city. Staff left the office for the last time two days ago, neighbouring businesses have reported.