Question 1

How do I book a rental on Shanty BB™?

Accepted Answer

Every booking follows the same simple path:
1. Browse or search rentals by location, dates, and category (cabins, ice shanties, hunting blinds, docks, and more).
2. Open the listing and review the description, photos, house rules, and cancellation policy.
3. Pick your dates, review the price breakdown, and hit Book Now.
4. Complete secure checkout through Stripe.

Once your booking is confirmed, your Host's private address and any access instructions are released to you — never before.

Question 2

When is my payment charged?

Accepted Answer

Your card is charged the full booking total at the time you submit checkout. The Renter platform fee is added to your booking total and paid by you as part of that charge — it is not a hidden fee.

Standard Stripe payment-processing fees are handled by Stripe itself and are not paid on top of what you see at checkout.

Question 3

When do I get the property address and access instructions?

Accepted Answer

For your Host's safety and privacy, exact addresses are hidden from all listings until a booking is confirmed. As soon as your payment is captured and the booking is confirmed, the full address and any check-in / access instructions are released to you inside your booking confirmation email and your Shanty BB™ dashboard.

If you don't see the address after confirmation, message your Host through the Shanty BB™ message thread on the booking.

Question 4

What is Shanty BB™'s cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Every listing displays its own cancellation policy on the listing page and in your booking summary before checkout. Common variants are:
• Flexible — full refund up to a set number of days before check-in.
• Moderate — partial refund inside a shorter window.
• Strict — limited or no refund once booked.

Always read the specific listing's policy before you book. Refunds are processed to your original payment method through Stripe and typically appear within 5–10 business days.

Question 5

What if the Host cancels on me?

Accepted Answer

If a Host cancels a confirmed booking, you are automatically refunded 100% of what you paid, including the Renter platform fee. Shanty BB™ will also help you find a comparable replacement rental when possible.

Repeat or last-minute Host cancellations can result in penalties or removal from the platform — Renters aren't left holding the bag for a Host's decision.

Question 6

What if the property isn't as described?

Accepted Answer

Message your Host through Shanty BB™ first — most issues (missing supplies, minor cleanliness, access confusion) are resolved directly in a few minutes.

If it isn't resolved, open a ticket with Shanty BB™ Support within 24 hours of check-in. You'll be asked for photos, videos, and a written description. When claims are substantiated, we can issue partial or full refunds through Stripe under the terms of the Renter Agreement.

Question 7

Are damage deposits held on my card?

Accepted Answer

Some listings require a refundable damage deposit that is held (authorized) on your card at check-in and released after check-out if there's no damage. If a listing requires a deposit, it's clearly disclosed on the listing page and in your booking summary before you pay.

Deposit disputes are handled through Shanty BB™ with photo evidence from both sides — the Host can't unilaterally keep your deposit.

Question 8

How do I communicate with my Host?

Accepted Answer

All Host communication happens inside the Shanty BB™ message thread attached to your booking. This keeps the full conversation searchable, timestamped, and available to Shanty BB™ Support if anything ever needs to be reviewed.

Never move the conversation to a personal email, SMS, or off-platform payment app — you lose Renter protections the moment the transaction leaves Shanty BB™.

Question 9

Is my payment information safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All payments are processed exclusively through Stripe's bank-grade payment platform. Shanty BB™ never sees, stores, or handles your full card number — Stripe uses advanced encryption, secure financial infrastructure, and industry-leading safeguards to help protect every transaction.

You can review Stripe's security details at stripe.com/security.

Question 10

Can I bring pets, kids, or extra guests?

Accepted Answer

That's the Host's call. Every listing spells out its rules on pets, additional guests, age limits, smoking, quiet hours, and any other constraints. Always double-check the Rules & Restrictions section on the listing before you book.

If a rule isn't stated and you have a question, message the Host before booking — clarifying up front avoids friction later.

Question 11

What happens if I need to cancel because of weather or an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation refunds are governed by the listing's stated cancellation policy first. Extenuating circumstances (severe weather warnings from the National Weather Service, natural disasters, medical emergencies with documentation) can qualify for additional Renter protection at Shanty BB™'s discretion.

Open a support ticket as early as possible with documentation attached — waiting until the day-of makes the review harder.

Question 12

Are Shanty BB™ properties insured?

Accepted Answer

Renters are responsible for their own conduct and any damage they cause. Hosts are responsible for maintaining safe, habitable listings and carrying appropriate property insurance for their location and property type.

Shanty BB™ is a marketplace — not the property owner and not an insurer. For high-value activities (hunting, fishing, water sports), consider your own personal or activity-specific insurance.

Question 13

Do I need to sign anything before I stay?

Accepted Answer

Booking a rental confirms your agreement to the Renter Agreement (linked on every listing and at checkout) and to the specific listing's rules. Some Hosts also require a separate signed agreement for high-liability activities like hunting access or watercraft use — those are disclosed on the listing before you book.

Question 14

How do reviews work?

Accepted Answer

After check-out, both you and your Host have 14 days to leave a review. Reviews are only published once both sides submit — or once the 14-day window closes — so neither party can retaliate against a bad review by writing a worse one.

Honest, specific reviews (with photos where useful) help future Renters find the right rental for them.

Question 15

What if I have a safety issue during my stay?

Accepted Answer

For an immediate emergency, call 911.

For non-emergency safety issues (dangerous conditions, missing critical amenities, security concerns), contact Shanty BB™ Support through your booking dashboard. Include photos where possible. Verified safety issues can qualify for partial refunds, rebooking help, or listing suspension pending review.

Question 16

Can I book on behalf of a group?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The person who books is the Primary Renter of record and is contractually responsible for the group's compliance with the listing's rules — occupancy limits, pet policy, quiet hours, and any other Host-set requirements.

Some listings require the Primary Renter to be present for the duration of the stay. Check the listing rules if this applies to you.

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