Question : Florida beach house rental cancellation?
I booked a house for 8 people on April 13, in Destin Florida, for the dates of May 13-17, for a price of 800, plus 250 deposit, all paid through paypal on my credit card,. Because of the oil spill, the other people have cancelled, leaving me with the bill. According to the rental terms, “Final payment is nonrefundable upon cancellation” except in the case of “a mandatory tropical storm evacuation ordered by the National Weather Service before or during your reservation dates.” I have contacted the owner, and he has refused to refund any part of my bill, and says he will keep the full $ 1050. I know that my short-notice cancellation is going to cost the owner, but I am a poor college student, and a $ 1050 bill is going to wipe me out. Is there any way to recoup my money?
p.s. – I did all of this online, through email and paypal, and was sent a rental term agreement before I paid. I am wondering, since I never signed this agreement, is this contract binding?
destin beach house rentals

Best answer:

Answer by Landlord
The contract is binding because you exchanged money, just like a hotel reservation is bindign once they have your credit card information.

You can’t get your money back, you are claiming that you need this money because you are a poor college student, but that money is no longer yours, it is his, his income. You are not entitled to his income.

Unless you get lucky and there is a mandatory tropical storm evacuation ordered by the National Weather Service you are bound by your agreement.