I personally think it's only fair to offer a refund to guests renting your vacation rental property if a mandatory evacuation is given. BUT if it just rains due to tropical storms-- sorry, no refund: I cannot guarantee the weather.

Here is a recommended hurricane clause (as always, be sure to run this by your attorney for review):

HURRICANE OR STORM POLICY - No refunds will be given unless:

a. The National Weather Service orders mandatory evacuations in a "Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning" area and/or

b. A "mandatory evacuation order has been given for the Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning" area of residence of a vacationing guest. The day that the National Weather Service orders a mandatory evacuation order in a "Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning," area, we will refund:

1. Any unused portion of rent from a guest currently registered,
2. Any unused portion of rent from a guest that is scheduled to arrive, and wants to shorten their stay, to come in after the Hurricane Warning is lifted; and
3. Any advance rents collected or deposited for a reservation that is scheduled to arrive during the "Hurricane Warning" period.

© Christine Karpinski 2006

VRBO Listing Critique: Beech Tree Cottage (Sag Harbor, NY)    With a little tweaking to the headline and photos this VRBO listing could be great.

HomeAway Listing Critique: TurtleCon (Kiawah Island, SC)    This listing faces the challenge of advertising a multi-unit home.

Problem Solving: The Key to Smoothly Renting Your Vacation Home    When considering whether or not to rent their home, a lot of vacation homeowners worry about how to handle the problems that may arise.

Checklist for Turning Your Second Home into a Vacation Rental    A step-by-step guide for preparing your vacation home for rentals.

Establishing a Clear Refund Policy for Your Vacation Rental Guests    Protect both yourself and your renters by creating a clear refund and cancellation policy for your vacation rental home.

Easing Your Renters' Minds During an Economic Downturn    Before you and your guests start to panic, learn how to work with your renters'; financial concerns and keep your bookings strong.

How to Handle Payments for Far-In-Advance Bookings    Consider adjusting your cancellation policy for vacation rentals nine months or more in advance.

Insure Your Booking in Case of Traveler Cancellations    Why you might recommend travel insurance to your renters.

Checklist for Creating a Thorough Rental Agreement    Use this checklist to sort through your own rental agreement and be sure you have all the necessary clauses.

How To Avoid Cancellations While "The Check Is In The Mail"    Steps which should help avoid turning away valuable bookings from vacation rental guests while you're waiting for a “check in the mail."

The Top Ten Things You Should Have In Your Vacation Rental Rules    A good rental policy can go a long way toward protecting you and your renters from common vacation rental “disasters."

Sample Vacation Rental Lease, Agreements & Contracts    Two sample rental contracts, leases or agreements, a rental invoice or confirmation, and a credit card authorization form that you can use for your vacation rental guests.

Homeowner's Insurance For Vacation Rental Homes    Accidents happen. Shield yourself from the unforseen with Homeowner's Insurance.

Why You Shouldn't Hold Time for Vacation Renters    Your vacation rental property is a hot commodity. Why hold it for an uncertain renter?

The Importance of Keeping Your Bookings at Your Fingertips    Don't miss a booking. Know if you have rental dates available when a renter calls.

How To Avoid Cancellations from Vacation Rental Guests    The best way to avoid a cancellation: Don't book a reservation without having money in hand.

Christine's Blog: Budget Travel's Vacation Rental Handbook, Part 3 (11/7/2008)    Christine wraps up her dissection of the Vacation Rental Handbook from Budget Travel Magazine (Nov. 2008).

Christine's Blog: Updating Your Rental Agreements (12/11/07)    Christine make a few alterations to her rental contracts.