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Vrbo Refund Policy

Last verified: 2026-03-19

Official Vrbo PolicyVerified

help.vrbo.com/articles/Does-HomeAway-Payments-automatically-issue-refunds-to-travelers

Summary

Vrbo offers refunds within Depends on the property's cancellation policy: Relaxed gives a full refund 14 days before check-in, Moderate 30 days, Firm 60 days, Strict 60 days with no refund after that, and some listings are non-refundable; eligible California bookings can also be canceled within 24 hours of booking.. Processing time: Full refund for eligible California cancellations processed within 30 days. Damage deposits automatically refunded 7 or 14 days after check-out if no claim.. Refund methods include automatically issued based on cancellation policy and service fees automatically refunded with 100% payment refund. Refund eligibility depends on cancellation policy, damage deposit settings, and insurance requirements..

Refund Window

Depends on the property's cancellation policy: Relaxed gives a full refund 14 days before check-in, Moderate 30 days, Firm 60 days, Strict 60 days with no refund after that, and some listings are non-refundable; eligible California bookings can also be canceled within 24 hours of booking.

Processing Time

Full refund for eligible California cancellations processed within 30 days. Damage deposits automatically refunded 7 or 14 days after check-out if no claim.

Refund Method

Automatically issued based on cancellation policy

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How to Get a Refund — Step by Step

  1. 1Guests cancel bookings via their Vrbo traveler account.
  2. 2Property managers cancel reservations in their software.
  3. 3For non-payment cancellations, property managers must also submit a cancellation waiver.
  4. 4For eligible California guest cancellation requests, property managers must confirm as soon as possible.
  5. 5Review property-specific cancellation policies and seasonal policies in Calendar settings.

When You Can Get a Refund

  • Refund eligibility depends on cancellation policy, damage deposit settings, and insurance requirements.
  • Service fees are refunded only if the guest receives a 100% payment refund.
  • Damage deposits are held for 7 or 14 days post-checkout; claims for damage must be made within this period.
  • Damage deposits are held if an eClaim with Generali is pending until resolved.
  • Refunds for multi-currency bookings may differ due to exchange rates or bank fees.
  • Extenuating Circumstances Policy applies during broad-scale travel disruptions preventing travel.
  • For California properties, a full refund applies if cancelled within 24 hours of booking.
  • Travelers are responsible for coordinating flight refunds with airlines under extenuating circumstances.
  • Property managers must have documentation for traveler violation or non-payment when canceling.

All Refund Methods

  • Automatically issued based on cancellation policy
  • Service fees automatically refunded with 100% payment refund
  • Remaining damage deposit automatically refunded
  • Damage protection premiums automatically refunded after cancellation
  • Full refund for un-checked-in bookings under Extenuating Circumstances Policy
  • Partial refund for in-progress stays under Extenuating Circumstances Policy

Partial Refunds

  • Property managers can claim part of a damage deposit if damage occurs.
  • Partial refunds are required for the uncompleted portion of stays under the Extenuating Circumstances Policy.

Dispute Process

  • Property managers have 7 or 14 days after check-out to claim all or part of a damage deposit.
  • Damage deposits are held if an eClaim with Generali is pending until the claim is resolved.
  • Once a final decision on an eClaim is made, managers can refund or withhold funds.

Additional Notes

  • Each refund type has its own rules and conditions.
  • Trip protection purchased separately requires contacting the insurer for refund eligibility.
  • Property manager cancellation and refund processes may vary by software provider and payment processor.
  • Failure to refund covered bookings under Extenuating Circumstances may lead to marketplace consequences.

What Redditors Are Saying

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0
r/AppleCard·5y ago

GS Closed my Dispute & VRBO Says CAN'T Refund Due to Dispute Opened???

Advice please . . . Cancelled a trip on VRBO one day after booking. Booked on 6/15/20 for 7/4-7/6/20. Cancelled on 6/16 due to cancelled tournament. Called Apple/GS to discuss and they suggested/opened dispute (3 charges: trip $2855, damage insurance $79, pet deposit $250). Next day, 6/17, owner fin

6 comments
10
r/vrbo·2y ago

VRBO refuses to issue a refund

If we’re the ones in the wrong here, please let me know, but I think the situation amounts to theft. A few months back my wife booked a VRBO on short notice for a period of about a month. Events transpired, and she quickly cancelled the booking, less than 30 minutes after making it. The booking was

34 comments
3
r/vrbo·8mo ago

[VRBO] Guest Walked In & Walked Out, Left False Review, Filed 2 Chargebacks — I own the first, seems VRBO is giving up on second What Are My Options Now? Complete unfairness and SCAM. Guest is from California, I am in Texas.

Hi all, Looking for advice (or solidarity) from other STR hosts. I’ve done everything by the book, but I’m now out my payout — thanks to a guest who never even stayed. A couple flew in from Hawaii and booked my VRBO home a day early so they could check in around 10am. They walked in, messaged me wit

44 comments
6
r/vrbo·2y ago

VRBO Maui Refund

I had booked a place in Lahaina months ago and the host texted saying they were cancelling all Sept / Oct reservations understandably. However, they are refusing to refund the booking fee and processing fee, a total of $339.25. Their text says: "Ok your reservation has been cancelled and a refund wa

22 comments