> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hostelmate.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hostelmate.co/finance-management/property-setup/cancellation-policy.md).

# Cancellation Policy

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Setting clear expectations is the best way to avoid disputes with guests. The Policies page is where you lay down the law—defining exactly what happens when a guest cancels, doesn't show up, or asks for a refund.
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## The Policy Categories

When you load the page, you'll see four primary text boxes corresponding to the most critical areas of guest interaction:

| Policy Type           | Description                                                                                                               |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Cancellation Fees** | Explain exactly how much a guest will be charged if they cancel their booking 14 days out versus 24 hours out.            |
| **No Show Policy**    | Define what happens if the guest simply never arrives. (Do they lose their deposit? Are they charged for the whole stay?) |
| **Refund Policy**     | Clearly outline under what circumstances you are willing to return money that has already been collected.                 |
| **Modifications**     | Detail your rules for date changes or reducing the number of guests.                                                      |

## Writing Your Policies

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We intentionally designed the editors on this page as simple, plain-text `<Textarea>` fields. We don't use fancy formatting or rich text here because these policies need to be injected into plain text emails, OTAs (like Booking.com), and simple invoice PDFs without breaking the layout.
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Just type out your rules clearly and concisely, and hit the **Publish Policies** button at the top right to make them live!