Cancellation & Refund Policy

1. Cancellation Policy

1.1 Meaning of Cancellation: For the purposes of Rented Ghar and the services provided through the website, “Cancellation” shall mean the voluntary withdrawal, termination, or discontinuance of a confirmed accommodation booking by a Guest or, where applicable, the withdrawal or termination of the availability of a confirmed accommodation booking by a Host before the scheduled check-in date and time.

1.2 A cancellation shall be considered valid only when it is initiated through the designated cancellation mechanism made available by Rented Ghar. Mere non-payment, failure to respond, or verbal communication shall not automatically constitute a valid cancellation unless expressly confirmed by Rented Ghar.

1.3 The effective date and time of cancellation shall be the date and time on which the cancellation request is successfully recorded in Rented Ghar’s booking system.

1.4 For the Weekly Slot, a Guest who cancels the booking at least seven days prior to the scheduled check-in date shall be treated as having made a cancellation within the permitted free-cancellation period. A cancellation made after the expiry of the applicable seven-day period shall be treated as a late cancellation and subject to forfeiture or cancellation charges.

1.5 Cancellation is distinguished from modification, postponement, early check-out, or no-show.

1.6 Where a Guest fails to arrive at the property within the applicable check-in period without completing a valid cancellation, it may be treated as a “No-Show”.

1.7 Where a Host cancels a confirmed booking, it shall be treated as a Host Cancellation and subject to the applicable Host Cancellation Policy and penalties.

2. Calculation of the 7-Day Cancellation Period

2.1 For the Weekly Accommodation Slot, the seven-day cancellation period shall be calculated with reference to the scheduled check-in date and time expressly stated in the booking confirmation.

2.2 A Guest shall be eligible for a 100% refund where the cancellation request is successfully submitted and recorded at least seven complete calendar days before the scheduled check-in date.

2.3 The cancellation deadline shall be determined according to Indian Standard Time (IST). Where the scheduled check-in date or cancellation deadline falls on a Sunday or public holiday, the cancellation deadline shall not automatically be extended.

3. When Cancellation Becomes Effective

3.1 A cancellation shall become effective only when successfully submitted through the designated cancellation facility on the Rented Ghar platform.

3.2 A Guest shall not be deemed to have cancelled merely by informing the Host or property manager unless officially recorded.

3.3 Where technical difficulties prevent completion, the Guest must promptly contact customer support. Rented Ghar may examine system logs to determine if the attempt was within the applicable period.

4. Guest Refund Entitlement & Forfeiture Mechanism

4.1 Refund Eligibility: A Guest making a valid cancellation at least seven complete calendar days prior to check-in (for Weekly Slots) shall be entitled to a 100% refund of the eligible amount paid, subject to legal deductions or non-refundable third-party charges.

4.2 Forfeiture: Where cancelled after the seven-day free-cancellation period, Rented Ghar may retain an amount equivalent to one week's rent or the advance amount paid. The retained amount constitutes the Guest's cancellation liability.

5. Payment Gateway & Taxes

5.1 Payment Gateway Charges: Payments may involve transaction-related costs (payment gateway, convenience charges). Where such a charge is genuinely non-refundable due to third-party terms, it may be excluded from the refundable amount.

5.2 Taxes: All prices, rental amounts, and charges are subject to applicable GST and statutory levies. Refunds of tax components shall be treated in accordance with applicable tax laws.

6. No-Show Situations

6.1 A “No-Show” occurs when a Guest fails to arrive at the booked property without valid cancellation. For the Weekly Slot, Rented Ghar may retain the applicable advance or cancellation amount in accordance with the policy.

6.2 If a Guest is delayed, they must notify Rented Ghar. Mere late arrival does not constitute a No-Show if appropriately communicated.

7. Late Cancellation & Early Departure

7.1 Late Cancellation: Cancellations after the free-cancellation period attract a penalty (e.g., equivalent to one week's rent for Weekly Slots). Exceptions are made strictly for documented emergencies like natural disasters or hospitalizations.

7.2 Early Departure: Once checked-in, voluntary early departure does not automatically entitle the Guest to a refund for unused days. Unused portions remain non-refundable unless Rented Ghar successfully rebooks the property or exceptional circumstances apply.

8. Host Cancellation & Penalties

8.1 A Host is expected to honour every confirmed booking. A Host may cancel without penalty at least seven calendar days before check-in.

8.2 Penalty: A cancellation by the Host after the seven-day period shall attract a penalty equivalent to one day’s rent. This penalty will be deducted from the Host's payouts.

8.3 Waivers: The penalty may be waived only for genuine Force Majeure events, serious safety hazards, or government restrictions beyond the Host's control (evidence required). Desire for a higher rent or personal use does not qualify for a waiver.

8.4 Alternative Accommodation: Where a Host cancels, Rented Ghar will take reasonable steps to assist the Guest in securing suitable alternative accommodation. If alternative accommodation is more expensive due to a Host failure, the additional cost may be recovered from the Host.

9. Fraudulent Bookings & Misrepresentation

9.1 Rented Ghar adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards fake bookings, identity theft, forged documents, and payment manipulation. Such activities will result in immediate cancellation, account termination, and potential legal action.

9.2 Misrepresentation: Both Guests and Hosts must provide accurate information. If a Host materially misrepresents a property, or a Guest misrepresents their identity, Rented Ghar may cancel the booking and apply penalties.

10. Government Restrictions & Force Majeure

10.1 In cases of natural disasters, epidemics, severe weather, or government lockdowns/sealing orders, performance of the booking may be suspended or cancelled. Rented Ghar may offer rescheduling, alternative accommodation, or appropriate refunds based on the exact situation and legal guidelines.

11. Property Becoming Unavailable & Safety Issues

11.1 If a property becomes legally or physically unavailable (e.g., structural damage, utility failure), the Host must notify Rented Ghar immediately. Rented Ghar will attempt to relocate the Guest or issue a full refund.

11.2 Properties must be reasonably safe and habitable. Immediate action will be taken if significant hazards (gas leaks, structural flaws) are reported.

12. Refund Processing & Timelines

12.1 Rented Ghar will endeavour to initiate eligible refunds within 7 business days from confirmation of entitlement. Actual credit time depends on the banking network and payment gateways.

12.2 Refunds will ordinarily be processed to the original payment method used for the booking.

13. Dispute Resolution & Consumer Rights

13.1 Rented Ghar has the right to investigate disputed cancellations, requiring documentation like photos, official notices, or medical records.

13.2 Administrative determinations made by Rented Ghar are final for internal platform purposes but remain subject to applicable Indian consumer protection laws. Nothing in these terms requires a consumer to waive their mandatory statutory rights.