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Refunds because of national disaster

Marina's Edge Re
Aug 19, 2015 1:50 AM
Joined Oct, 2012 206 posts

If there is a national disaster, flood, wildfire, storm, etc, according to the OwnerReservations template renters agreement are we obligated to refund rents that were prepaid 90 days in advance.

Michelle J
Aug 19, 2015 6:42 AM
OR Team Member Joined Jan, 2011 582 posts

Hi Marinas Edge,

First, as a prelude... The default agreement is offered just to get users started as an idea what they may want to require for their properties. The idea is that you'd start with that and then change and edit the agreement from there for your situation. We don't mandate any renter agreements or email templates to users as far as booking or guest policy. That's up to you and your own preferences. You probably already know this, but it bears repeating in case some users were not aware that it can be changed and that we encourage that.

That being said, when the default agreement was originally created by us, the idea was to write it in a way that would be both generic in applying to many different types of properties and also specific to some of the types of problems that tend to occur.

The refund clause in the default agreement states:

"No refunds will be provided due to inoperable appliances, pools, hot tubs, elevators, etc. The Owner will make every reasonable effort to assure that such appliances will be and remain in good working order. No refunds will be given due to power blackouts, water shortage, flooding, snow, construction at adjacent properties, or mandatory evacuations of the area by county officials due to hurricanes or other potentially dangerous situations arising from acts of god or nature."


Which gives the property owner the right to deny refunds for Acts of God. Storms certainly fall under that category. Some users have removed this clause; others have strengthened it to make it more specific and clear.

You mentioned 90 days out. The default agreement has a termination clause that says only 80 percent is refunded if the cancellation 30 days before arrival. Within 30 days, no refunds. Again, many users have changed this clause to reflect their own policy.

Hope this answers your question? Let me know,

-Michelle

Marina's Edge Re
Aug 21, 2015 2:12 PM
Joined Oct, 2012 206 posts

Thanks, this helps a lot.

We have decided to offer our guests the ability to re-book within 12 months. From a financial accounting perspective, our accountant recommends we record a "refund" for the booking that is cancelled and re-booked at a future date. Owner Reservations, however, requires a refund to be deposited back on the guests card I believe.

Is there a way to refund a guest but retain the refund as a credit toward a future stay?

Damon

Michelle J
Aug 21, 2015 4:24 PM
OR Team Member Joined Jan, 2011 582 posts

Hi Damon,

At the moment, there's no way to refund to a credit like you're referring to. All refunds are recorded as cash payments back to the guest. If you're wanting to hold the money, you could just keep the booking record around and then later on do a Change Dates to move it to the new time which keeps the guest info and payments all in place. Not a great option, but it might work for your situation?

-Michelle

Marina's Edge Re
Aug 21, 2015 5:03 PM
Joined Oct, 2012 206 posts

Thanks. I think this is what we'll do.

Damon