Guest Cancellation Policy
LibraX operates two distinct cancellation frameworks depending on the length of a booking: one for short-term stays (1–27 nights) and another for long-term stays (28+ nights). Each framework is designed to balance the needs of guests and hosts fairly, while maintaining transparency at every stage of the booking process.
All cancellation policies are displayed to guests at checkout before payment is made, so there are no surprises.
Short-Term Bookings (1–27 Nights)
For short-term stays, hosts choose one of three cancellation policies when listing their property: Flexible, Standard, or Strict. The policy chosen determines how much of a refund a guest receives if they cancel.
Flexible Policy
Best for guests with flexible travel plans. Hosts who want to attract more bookings often choose this option.
- Full refund: cancel more than 24 hours before check-in.
- Partial refund with 1 extra night penalty: cancel on check-in day.
| Example (book May 6, check-in June 20–25) | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Cancel on or before the 19th | Full refund — more than 24 hours before check-in |
| Cancel on the 20th | One night penalty |
| Cancel on the 22nd (after check-in) | 2 nights (20th & 21st) + 1 night penalty not refunded |
Standard Policy
The most popular option. Provides a fair balance between guest flexibility and host security.
- Full refund: cancel more than 7 days before check-in.
- 50% refund: cancel within 48 hours to 7 days of check-in.
- No refund: cancel less than 48 hours before check-in or after.
| Example (book May 6, check-in June 20) | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Cancel before June 13 | Full refund — more than 7 days before check-in |
| Cancel between June 13–18 | 50% refund |
| Cancel on/after June 18 | No refund |
Strict Policy
Designed for luxury properties and high-demand or peak-season bookings.
- Full refund: cancel more than 14 days before check-in.
- 50% refund: cancel within 5–14 days of check-in.
- No refund: cancel 5 days or less before check-in or after.
| Example (book May 6, check-in June 20) | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Cancel before June 6 | Full refund — more than 14 days before check-in |
| Cancel between June 6–15 | 50% refund |
| Cancel on/after June 15 | No refund |
Policy Comparison
| Policy | Best For | Full Refund | 50% Refund | No Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible | Flexible travel plans | Before 24 hrs of check-in | — | Check-in day+ (1 night penalty) |
| Standard | Most guests | >7 days before | 48 hrs–7 days before | 48 hrs before / check-in+ |
| Strict | Luxury homes & peak periods | >14 days before | 5–14 days before | 5 days before / check-in+ |
Long-Term Bookings (28+ Nights)
Long-term bookings represent a higher commitment for both guests and hosts. A single cancellation policy applies to all long-term stays on LibraX, with specific rules depending on when the cancellation occurs relative to the booking date and check-in date.
Strict Policy
Once the 48-hour free cancellation window has passed, the following rule governs refunds:
- First 30 nights: non-refundable, regardless of when the guest cancels.
- Remaining nights beyond 30: fully refundable if unused at the time of cancellation.
If check-in is 13 days or less away at the time of booking, the 48-hour free cancellation window does not apply. The first 30 nights are locked as non-refundable immediately upon booking confirmation.
| Scenario | Nights Used | Refund Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cancels within 48 hrs of booking (>14 days to check-in) | 0 | Full refund |
| Cancels within 13 days of check-in | 0 | First 30 nights non-refundable; remainder refunded |
| Cancels before first 30 nights used (e.g. 15 of 60 nights) | 15 | First 30 nights non-refundable (June 1–30); remaining 30 nights fully refunded |
| Cancels after first 30 nights used (e.g. 32 of 60 nights) | 32 | 32 nights charged; remaining 28 nights fully refunded |
Flexible Policy
- Cancellation within 48 hours of booking: fully refundable.
- Between 48 hours and check-in: 50% refund of the first 30 nights; full refund of all unused nights beyond that.
| Scenario | Nights Used | Refund Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cancels within 48 hrs of booking | 0 | Full refund |
| Cancels after 48 hrs but before check-in | 0 | 50% refund of first 30 nights; 100% refund of remaining nights |
| Cancels before first 30 nights used | e.g. 0–29 | First 30 nights non-refundable; remaining nights fully refunded |
| Cancels after first 30 nights used (e.g. 32 of 60 nights) | 32 | 32 nights charged; remaining 28 nights fully refunded |
General Notes
- Cancellation display at checkout: the applicable cancellation policy is always shown to the guest before payment. Guests must acknowledge the policy before confirming a booking.
- Refund timeline: approved refunds are processed within 5–10 business days, returned to the original payment method.
- Time zone: all cancellation deadlines are based on the local time zone of the listing, not the guest’s location.
- Service fee: the LibraX service fee is only returned when a full refund is issued. In all other cases — including partial (50%) refunds — the service fee is non-refundable.
- Host-initiated cancellations: if a host cancels a confirmed booking, the guest receives a full refund, including all fees and taxes, regardless of the cancellation policy on the listing.
Quick Reference Summary
| Type | Policy | Full Refund | 50% Refund | No Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | Flexible | >24 hrs before check-in | — | Check-in day+ |
| Standard | >7 days before | 1–7 days before | Check-in day+ | |
| Strict | >14 days before | 1–14 days before | Check-in day+ | |
| Long-Term | Flexible | <48 hrs after booking | Unused nights beyond 30 | First 30 nights |
| Strict | <48 hrs after booking | Unused nights beyond 30 | First 30 nights |