Security Deposit vs Tourist Tax: Two Refunds, Two Timelines at Kustlicht
If you need to cancel a stay, the most urgent question is usually simple: what money comes back, and when? At Kustlicht, that question matters even more because the accommodation charges are non-refundable in the event of cancellation or early departure, while some other amounts may still be returned. Understanding the difference between the security deposit and the tourist tax can help you plan your budget, avoid confusion, and know what to expect after a cancellation.
In this guide, you will learn how Security Deposit vs Tourist Tax at Kustlicht works, which costs may be refunded, which are not, and why these two items do not follow exactly the same timeline in practice.
The short answer: what gets refunded at Kustlicht?
Here is the direct answer many guests are looking for:
- Accommodation charges are non-refundable if you cancel or leave early.
- If you have already paid the full booking amount, Kustlicht refunds:
- the security deposit
- the tourist tax
- any additional optional costs
- You will also receive a written cancellation confirmation that you can forward to your travel-insurance provider.
This makes one thing very clear: not every part of your booking is treated the same way. The rental amount follows the cancellation policy, while the deposit, tourist tax, and optional extras can be returned if the full amount has already been paid.
What is the security deposit at Kustlicht?
At Kustlicht, the security deposit is €100,-, with one stated exception: branding 26.
The deposit is a separate amount paid alongside the booking costs. In general, a security deposit exists to cover possible costs that may arise in connection with the stay. Kustlicht also notes that if the deposit, after deduction of any costs, is exceeded, an additional payment may be required.
When is the deposit normally refunded?
Under normal circumstances, the deposit is transferred back within 2 weeks.
That timing gives guests a specific expectation for standard deposit returns. It is the clearest fixed refund timeline mentioned for any of the refundable items.
Why the deposit timeline stands out
When people compare Security Deposit vs Tourist Tax at Kustlicht, the deposit is usually the easier item to understand because it comes with a stated timeframe:
- Deposit refund timeline: within 2 weeks
That makes the deposit the most predictable refund category in terms of timing.
What is the tourist tax at Kustlicht?
The tourist tax is listed as an additional cost on top of the rental price. Kustlicht states the tourist tax as € 2,42 p.p.p.n.
The rental price itself includes:
- energy
- final cleaning
- administration costs
By contrast, the tourist tax is not included in that rental price. It is charged separately, like the deposit and optional extras.
When is the tourist tax refunded?
The tourist tax is refunded after cancellation if the full booking amount has already been paid.
That is the key rule guests should remember. Unlike the deposit, the tourist tax is described mainly in relation to the cancellation process, not with a separate standard turnaround period.
The practical difference in timing
This is where the distinction becomes important:
| Item | Refundable? | Condition | Stated timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | Yes | Refundable after cancellation if the full amount has already been paid; also normally returned after the stay | Within 2 weeks |
| Tourist tax | Yes | Refunded after cancellation if the full amount has already been paid | After cancellation |
| Optional additional costs | Yes | Refunded after cancellation if the full amount has already been paid | After cancellation |
| Accommodation charges | No | Cancellation or early departure | Non-refundable |
So, in Security Deposit vs Tourist Tax: Two Refunds, Two Timelines at Kustlicht, the essential takeaway is this:
- the security deposit has a clearly stated refund timeline of within 2 weeks
- the tourist tax is refunded after cancellation when the full amount has already been paid, but without a separate fixed timeframe stated alongside it
Why these are treated differently
The difference makes sense once you look at the role of each charge.
Security deposit
A security deposit is tied to the stay and any possible costs connected to it. That is why it is often handled as a separate return process. At Kustlicht, this process comes with the specific statement that the deposit will be transferred back within 2 weeks.
Tourist tax
Tourist tax is a separate booking cost rather than part of the rental price. In Kustlicht’s cancellation policy, it is grouped with the other amounts that can be returned when the full booking amount has already been paid.
This distinction helps explain why guests should not assume that every refunded item follows the exact same operational schedule, even if all are refundable under the same cancellation conditions.
What happens if you cancel your booking?
If you cancel, Kustlicht’s policy can be understood in a few clear steps.
1. The accommodation charges are not refunded
Kustlicht states that in the event of cancellation or early departure, there is no refund according to the rental conditions for the stay itself.
2. Some separate charges may still be returned
If you have already paid the full amount, Kustlicht refunds:
- the deposit
- the tourist tax
- additional optional costs
Optional additional costs may include items such as:
- Bed linen package € 15,- per package
- Towel package € 9,50 per package
- Kitchen package € 9,50 per package
- Pet charge € 9,- per day
- Bollercar (€ 5,- per day/€ 25,- per week)
- Cot/chair/playpen (€ 12,50 per item per weekend/short week/week)
3. You receive written confirmation
Kustlicht provides a written cancellation confirmation that you can submit to your insurance company.
What about early departure?
The same core policy applies to early departure. Kustlicht states that cancellations or early departures are non-refundable under the rental conditions.
That means guests should not expect a refund of the accommodation charges simply because the stay ends sooner than planned. The policy draws a clear line between:
- the non-refundable rental component, and
- refundable items such as the deposit, tourist tax, and optional additional charges when the relevant payment condition has been met
Payment timing matters
A crucial part of the refund rule is the phrase if you have already paid the full amount.
Kustlicht’s payment terms are:
- when booking an apartment, the pre-payment is 50% of the booking amount
- the remaining 50% and the deposit must be in Kustlicht’s possession at least 4 weeks before arrival
- for bookings made at short notice, the full amount must be paid immediately
- payment by credit card is not possible
This matters because refundable cancellation amounts are explicitly linked to whether the full booking amount has already been paid.
Practical tips for guests
If you want to manage Security Deposit vs Tourist Tax at Kustlicht with fewer surprises, these tips can help.
Keep the booking costs separate in your own budget
Treat these as different categories:
- Accommodation charges
- Security deposit
- Tourist tax
- Optional additional costs
That makes it easier to see what is subject to the non-refundable cancellation policy and what may still come back.
Know the clearest refund timeline
If you are waiting for money after a change in plans, the most concrete timing available is for the deposit, which is transferred back within 2 weeks.
Save your cancellation confirmation
The written cancellation confirmation is important if you plan to contact your insurer.
Consider cancellation cover
Kustlicht does not provide its own cancellation insurance and advises guests to arrange personal cover. This is especially relevant because no refunds are given for accommodation charges if you cancel or depart early.
Related booking questions worth checking
Guests comparing Security Deposit vs Tourist Tax at Kustlicht often also want clarity on related topics, such as:
- payment terms
- what is included in the rental price
- when the deposit is refunded
- where to find the rental conditions
- whether cancellation insurance is available
Reviewing these topics together gives a fuller picture of how the booking and refund process works.
Security Deposit vs Tourist Tax at Kustlicht: key takeaways
Here are the main points to remember:
- The accommodation fee is non-refundable in the event of cancellation or early departure.
- If the full booking amount has already been paid, Kustlicht refunds:
- the security deposit
- the tourist tax
- any additional optional costs
- The security deposit has a specific refund timeframe: within 2 weeks.
- The tourist tax is refunded after cancellation when the payment condition has been met.
- Kustlicht provides a written cancellation confirmation for insurance purposes.
- Kustlicht does not offer its own cancellation insurance.
Conclusion
The difference between Security Deposit vs Tourist Tax at Kustlicht is not about whether both can be refunded after a cancellation. It is about how they are handled and when guests can expect clarity on the return. The security deposit comes with a stated timeline of within 2 weeks, while the tourist tax is refunded after cancellation if the full booking amount has already been paid. In both cases, these refunds are separate from the accommodation charges, which remain non-refundable under the rental conditions.
If you are planning a stay, review your booking carefully, keep track of the separate cost categories, and make sure you understand the cancellation policy before arrival. For added peace of mind, arrange personal cancellation cover and contact Kustlicht directly if you want to confirm the details of your booking, payment timing, or rental conditions.