Last Updated: October 2025
1. Purpose
This Refunds & Cancellations Policy (“Policy”) outlines how cancellations, refunds, and lease terminations are handled on the Bahama Homes platform for both Vendors (property owners/managers) and Users (tenants/renters) for long-term, short-term, and commercial rentals. This Policy forms part of the Bahama Homes Terms & Conditions and distinguishes between Bahama Homes’ role as a facilitator and, where applicable, as a property manager operating under a separate management agreement.
2. General Principles
2.1 Facilitator Role.
When acting as a facilitator, Bahama Homes is not a party to any lease, booking, or rental agreement. Refund, cancellation, and termination terms are set by the Vendor and must appear in the listing and/or lease. Users must review those terms before confirming.
2.2 Property Manager Role.
When Bahama Homes manages a property under a Property Management Agreement, it may collect rent, deposits, or booking payments directly on behalf of the owner. In this capacity, Bahama Homes applies this Policy and the management contract.
2.3 Commercial Leases.
Commercial rental listings are also subject to this Policy unless the signed commercial lease states otherwise. Refunds and cancellations for commercial properties follow the terms of the commercial lease, which may differ from residential terms. Bahama Homes remains a facilitator unless it manages the property under a separate property management contract.
2.4 Non-Refundable Categories (Platform-Wide).
• Application fees and tenant-screening fees are strictly non-refundable, including when an application is withdrawn or not approved, except in cases of duplicate/unauthorized charges or where required by law.
• Unless otherwise stated in this Policy, Bahama Homes service fees are non-refundable.
3. Cancellation Before Lease Signing
• Facilitator. If a User cancels before signing and within the Vendor’s notice window, prepaid amounts may be refunded per the Vendor’s policy.
• Property Manager. Bahama Homes may refund prepaid amounts minus any administrative, screening, or processing fees already incurred (note: application/screening fees themselves are non-refundable under 2.4). If the Vendor has delisted the unit or incurred costs (e.g., background checks, administrative work), the Vendor or Bahama Homes (as applicable) may retain those
amounts.
4. Cancellation After Lease Signing (Before Move-In)
After signing, a cancellation is treated as a lease withdrawal and may result in forfeiture of deposits or prepaid rent unless the lease states otherwise.
• Facilitator. Refunds are governed by the Vendor’s lease terms.
• Property Manager. Bahama Homes may refund a portion of prepaid rent only if the unit is successfully re-rented before the intended move-in date.
5. Early Termination After Move-In
Users who terminate early are subject to the lease, which may include:
(a) rent through the notice period or until re-rented; and/or
(b) partial/full forfeiture of the security deposit.
• Facilitator. Vendors are solely responsible for returning refundable deposits, less lawful deductions.
• Property Manager. Bahama Homes returns refundable deposits within 30 days of
move-out, less lawful deductions (damages, unpaid rent, or cleaning), consistent with Bahamian law and the lease.
6. Cancellation by the Vendor or Property Owner
• If a Vendor cancels a confirmed booking before move-in, the User is entitled to a full refund of all amounts paid.
• If a Vendor terminates a lease early without cause, refunds and compensation follow Bahamian landlord-tenant laws.
• If Bahama Homes is property manager, Bahama Homes processes refunds to the User within 10–15 business days after approval.
7. Exceptional Circumstances
A full or partial refund may be granted if:
• The property is uninhabitable due to significant damage before move-in;
• Government restrictions or declared natural disasters prevent occupancy; or
• The Vendor materially misrepresented the property, as determined by Bahama Homes’ review.
As a facilitator, Bahama Homes is not obligated to mediate disputes but may, at its discretion, offer a dispute resolution service as a courtesy. The final responsibility for resolving issues, including refunds, rests solely between the Vendor and User.
8. Refund Process
Refund requests must be submitted through the Bahama Homes platform or via [email protected]. Approved refunds are processed to the original payment method within 10–15 business days. When acting as facilitator, Bahama Homes is not responsible for delays caused by banks or payment processors.
9. Platform Service Fees
Bahama Homes service fees are non-refundable except when:
(a) a booking or lease is cancelled by the Vendor before signing; or
(b) a refund is granted under Exceptional Circumstances (Section 7).
When Bahama Homes is property manager, management service fees or administrative charges may also be non-refundable, as outlined in the management contract.
10. Liability Limitation
When acting solely as a facilitator, Bahama Homes does not assume responsibility for listing accuracy, performance of lease terms, or the actions of any Vendor or User. When acting as a property manager, Bahama Homes assumes direct responsibility for
funds and services under its management contract and processes deposits/refunds in accordance with this Policy and Bahamian law.
11. Managed Properties (Property Management Exception)
For properties managed by Bahama Homes:
• Bahama Homes handles rent collection, deposit management, and refund disbursement.
• Refunds for deposits or prepaid rent follow this Policy and the management/lease agreement.
• Administrative deductions may apply for processing, cleaning, or repair costs.
• Disputes are handled by Bahama Homes’ management team in compliance with Bahamian landlord-tenant regulations.
• Application and tenant-screening fees remain non-refundable (see 2.4).
12. Short-Term Rentals (Vacation or Temporary Stays)
Short-term listings are governed by the cancellation and refund policy stated on each
property page.
12.1 Host/Vendor Responsibility.
Each Vendor must clearly state their cancellation windows, refund percentages, and any applicable fees.
12.2 Default Short-Term Policy (if none is provided).
If a Vendor does not specify terms, the following apply:
• Full refund if cancelled ≥ 14 days before check-in.
• 50% refund if cancelled 7–13 days before check-in.
• No refund if cancelled < 7 days before check-in or after check-in.
• Cleaning fees are refundable if cancellation occurs before check-in and no cleaning has been performed or irrevocably scheduled (e.g., a prepaid, non-cancellable cleaning). Cleaning fees are non-refundable only if cleaning has already occurred or costs are irrecoverable.
• Application or screening fees (if any) remain non-refundable per Section 2.4.
12.3 Property Manager Exception.
If Bahama Homes manages a short-term rental, it processes refunds under these default terms unless the listing or management contract states otherwise.
12.4 Exceptional Circumstances (Short-Term).
Full refunds may be issued if:
• The property becomes unavailable or uninhabitable before check-in;
• The Vendor cancels the reservation; or
• Government restrictions or natural disasters prevent travel or occupancy.
13. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms & Conditions, please
contact:
- Bahama Homes
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 242-805-0423