Cancellation Policy?

[mooshie]

Hi - what tends to be the usual cancellation policy for rental homes? It is expected if one was to cancel within 8-12 weeks prior to arrival that we are expected to pay the entire cost of the rental agreement? As an example if the rental is $1000 and say something happened that did not allow us to make our vacation is it usual for the owners to keep that $1000? This is our first time renting and has us a bit nervous - you simply never know what can happen in life!

[JOHNNY BOY]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: Hi - what tends to be the usual cancellation policy for rental homes? It is expected if one was to cancel within 8-12 weeks prior to arrival that we are expected to pay the entire cost of the rental agreement? As an example if the rental is $1000 and say something happened that did not allow us to make our vacation is it usual for the owners to keep that $1000? This is our first time renting and has us a bit nervous - you simply never know what can happen in life! [/quote]



Owners need the oportunity to re-book dates should a guest cancel, as many enquiries can be turned away once dates are booked, hence the reason for the 8-12 weeks you refer to, although this will vary with owners who will have their own cancellation policies.

We always advise guests to take out adequate travel insurance to cover themselves should the need to cancel arise.

JR

[steph_goodrum]

As owners we rappreciate it can be nerve racking when booking for the first time so we're always happy to answer any questions.

As JR says once a home is booked out for certain dates it is then unavailable, so any further requests for those dates are turned away, so if a guest has to cancel for any reason the chances of someone wanting thsse exact dates are quite small and obviously we dont get the benefit of walkins, so have to cover costs still.

For this reason we always recommend for a few dollars guests take out travel insurance to cover possibble cancellation. It's not that we are heartless if someone for instance suffers a bereavement but unfortunately compassion wont pay the mortgage, so have to be realistic and have the cancellation policy and unfortunately if guests choose to take a risk and not have cover, it has to be them who assumes the risk and not the homeowner. Most airlines also have non refundable clauses in their ticket sales so it is an important factor when considering your vacation.

[SteveandJan]

Most owners would have similar cancellation policies to travel agents, but always make sure you have adequate travel insurance when you book and this will cover you for anything unexpected. We always try to accommodate guests if they had to cancel and know other owners would do so too. If you book a home via any of the OV sites you can ensure a high quality home and you will know where you are staying in advance.:)and welcome

[mfairhurst]

When we book a package or just a flight we are asked have we got insurance if not we have to buy the companys own insurance so it is best to shop around for your own and then read all clauses in the small print and tell the insurance companywhat you are doing and the they will advise which is best .
We were there when the last hurricanes were around and had to move and Uk insurance do not pay out for that ,I have since found out that some companys have one for tropical weather bit more expence but it is your choice so ask all the questions to the insurance company .
MAUREEN
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