We’re here to support you and your holiday rental during hurricane season

• Hurricane-related cancellations won’t affect your ranking. We’ll waive the cancellation so that it does not impact your Ranking Metrics or your Premier Host status. You no longer have to call Customer Service to get the cancellation waived for cancellations. Just select ‘natural disaster’ as the cancellation reason code.

• If you do have to cancel and you offer a full refund, we’ll do our part by returning traveller service fees directly back to the guests. Simply direct them to contact customer service.

• We can help block your calendar, or even hide your listing, in the event that your home is damaged or is under prolonged hurricane threat.

• When a potentially dangerous storm is announced, we’ll reach out to guests so that they know to contact you. They’ll want to know whether they need to cancel or if it’s safe to proceed with holiday plans.

• Download the FEMA app to get alerts and safety precautions.

• Visit your safety features section within the property editor to update emergency exit routes from your property. Also, consider adding one or more evacuation routes so travellers can leave the area quickly.

• Review your insurance policies prior to hurricane season. And encourage travellers to purchase their own trip insurance.

• Consider placing emergency kits in your home and informing guests about where to find them. They’ll find these useful if they’re at your property in the event of a natural disaster.

• A natural disaster can be an incredibly anxious time. Update and communicate with guests often, especially if they’re already staying at your property.
   
•  If your property has a generator, it is recommended that you do not keep it in the garage, covered awning or on the porch. In addition, ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector and that the batteries are fresh.

Force majeure does not supersede your legal agreement with travellers. Refusing to refund a traveller who is within their cancellation policy due to force majeure is a marketplace violation and may result in removal.

Increasing rates to take advantage of increased demand caused by natural disasters is illegal in many places. We’ll support local agencies to assist in dismissing any partners from the website that are determined to be price gouging due to a natural disaster. 

Bookmark this article for reference as you prepare for hurricane season. While we hope that your property is never affected, we’re here to support you in the event of a hurricane or natural disaster of any kind.