Hammond Kumar (42), of Oulston Lane, Hamilton, Leicester, had been accused of ripping off customers by keeping their deposits and making unexpected charges. He was taken to court by Trading Standards and now faces jail if he breaks his promise.
The Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards team first investigated Kumar in 2013 when he ran the online businesses UK Van and Minibus Hire Ltd and UK Van and Minibus Rentals Ltd. Later that year he was issued with a court order requiring him to trade fairly but he ignored that.
After the order was made, Trading Standards received more than 40 further complaints from people left out of pocket after hiring vehicles.
Many reported that they were not told a deposit of between £200 and £400 would be taken as soon as their booking was placed. When returning vehicles, many customers were not given back their deposits.
Some complained that the terms and conditions led them to think that they could cancel at short notice, whereas they actually found themselves stung by an administration fee of 15 per cent.
During a recent hearing at Leicester County Court Kumar promised that for the next three years he will not be employed or have any connection with vehicle hire businesses.
