Effective Date: 1 August, 2025

Jurisdiction: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas

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) in the context of long-term rentals. This Policy forms part of the Terms & Conditions.

2. General Principles

• Bahama Homes is a facilitator and not a party to any rental or lease agreement.
• All refund and cancellation terms are set by the Vendor and must be clearly stated in the property listing or lease agreement.
• Users are responsible for reviewing the Vendor’s cancellation policy and lease terms before confirming a booking.
• Security deposits, application fees, and first month’s rent are generally non-refundable once a lease agreement is signed, unless otherwise stated in the lease or required by law.

3. Cancellation Before Lease Signing

• If a User cancels a booking before signing a lease and within any Vendor-specified notice period, prepaid amounts may be refunded in full or partially, based on the Vendor’s stated policy.
• If a User cancels after the Vendor has removed the listing from the market or incurred costs (e.g., background checks, administrative fees), the Vendor may retain part or all of the paid amount.

4. Cancellation After Lease Signing (Before Move-In)

• Once the lease agreement is signed, any cancellation is considered a lease withdrawal and may result in forfeiture of the security deposit and/or prepaid rent, unless otherwise stated in the lease.
• Vendors may refund certain amounts at their discretion if the property is re-rented before the intended move-in date.

5. Early Termination After Move-In

• Users who terminate the lease early are subject to the terms in the signed lease agreement, which may include:
• – Paying rent until the end of the notice period or until the property is re-rented.
• – Forfeiture of all or part of the security deposit.
• Vendors must return any refundable portion of the security deposit in accordance with Bahamian law and the lease agreement, less allowable deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

6. Cancellation by the Vendor

• If a Vendor cancels a confirmed booking before move-in, the User is entitled to a full refund of any amounts paid.
• If a Vendor terminates a lease early without cause, refunds and compensation will be handled according to Bahamian landlord-tenant laws.

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.
• – The Vendor materially misrepresented the property, subject to investigation by Bahama Homes.

8. Refund Process

• All refund requests must be submitted through the Bahama Homes platform or to [email protected].
• Approved refunds will be processed to the original payment method within 10–15 business days.
• Bahama Homes is not responsible for delays caused by banks or payment processors.

9. Platform Service Fees

• Bahama Homes’ service fees are non-refundable unless a booking is cancelled by the Vendor prior to lease signing or under Exceptional Circumstances.

10. Contact Information

• Bahama Homes
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 242-805-0423