Booking Help & Assistance

Get help with making, managing, and modifying your KIKS bookings. Whether you're receiving a quote from a host or need assistance with an existing reservation, we're here to help.

Need immediate assistance? Contact us at support@kiks.com or call (612) 888-7778


How Bookings Work on KIKS

Quote-Based Booking System

Most KIKS bookings start with a quote from your host:

  1. Host creates a custom quote for your dates and sends you a unique quote link
  2. Quote includes complete pricing breakdown (nightly rates, cleaning, fees, taxes)
  3. Quote expires after 24 hours (or custom timeframe set by host)
  4. You review the quote and click "Accept Quote" to proceed
  5. Booking moves to pending_screening status
  6. For KIKS-managed properties, you'll complete pre-check-in and payment via ChargeAutomation
  7. Once payment is processed, booking status changes to confirmed

Direct Booking (when available on property listings)

  1. Select dates and number of guests on property page
  2. Review complete pricing breakdown
  3. Click "Book Now" to create booking
  4. Complete payment and verification
  5. Receive confirmation email with reservation code

Making a Booking

What payment methods are accepted?

KIKS uses ChargeAutomation as our payment processor. They accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). All payments are processed securely with bank-level encryption.

When will I be charged?

  • Deposit: 50% is charged at the time of booking
  • Balance: Remaining 50% is automatically charged 30 days before check-in
  • Late Payment: If balance isn't paid 3 days before arrival, your booking will be canceled and you'll only receive a refund of the cleaning fee and taxes

Are there any hidden fees?

No. KIKS quotes show the complete price upfront—including nightly rates, cleaning fees, service fees, taxes, and any surcharges—before you accept.

How long is my quote valid?

Quotes typically expire after 24 hours, though hosts can set custom expiration times. You'll see the expiration date clearly displayed on the quote.

What is my reservation code?

After your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a unique reservation code (also called confirmation code). Keep this safe—you'll need it to access your booking details and check-in guide.


Payment Processing

Payment Schedule

  • 50% deposit - Due at booking
  • 50% balance - Due 30 days before check-in
  • Payments are processed automatically by ChargeAutomation

What if I don't pay the balance on time?

If your balance isn't paid 3 days before check-in, your booking will be automatically canceled. You'll receive a refund for the cleaning fee and taxes only—the nightly rate is forfeited.

Is my payment information secure?

Yes. All payment data is processed by ChargeAutomation using bank-level encryption. KIKS never stores your credit card details.

Can I get an invoice or receipt?

Yes. An invoice is automatically generated when your booking is confirmed. You can view and download it from your booking dashboard or the guest portal at kiks.com/booking/access.


Managing Your Booking

How do I access my booking details?

Two ways:

  1. Guest Dashboard - Log in to your KIKS account at dashboard/guest/bookings
  2. Guest Portal - Visit kiks.com/booking/access and enter your reservation code + booking PIN

Can I modify my booking dates?

Contact your host directly via the messaging system in your booking dashboard, or email support@kiks.com. Modifications depend on property availability and host approval.

How do I cancel my booking?

Contact support@kiks.com or your host to request cancellation. Review our cancellation policy to understand refund amounts based on timing.


Cancellation Policy & Refunds

Refunds depend on when you cancel relative to check-in:

30+ Days Before Check-In

  • Guest receives: 100% refund (nightly + cleaning + taxes)
  • Host receives: Nothing

7-30 Days Before Check-In (Within 24 Hours of Booking)

  • Guest receives: 100% refund
  • Host receives: Nothing

7-30 Days Before Check-In (After 24 Hours of Booking)

  • Guest receives: 50% nightly + cleaning + taxes
  • Host receives: 50% nightly

Less Than 7 Days Before Check-In

  • Guest receives: Cleaning + taxes only
  • Host receives: 100% nightly

Booked Less Than 7 Days Out & Canceled Within 24 Hours

  • Guest receives: 50% nightly only
  • Host receives: 50% nightly + cleaning + taxes

See our full cancellation policy for complete details.

What if the host cancels my booking?

If a host cancels your confirmed booking, you'll receive a 100% refund and assistance finding alternative accommodations.


Communication with Hosts

How do I contact my host?

After booking, a messaging thread is automatically created between you and your host. Access it through:

When will I receive check-in instructions?

Check-in details are automatically sent based on the property's automation settings (typically 2-7 days before arrival). The email includes:

  • Reservation code
  • Booking PIN (for access codes/locks)
  • Property address
  • Check-in/check-out times
  • Attached PDF check-in guide with WiFi, parking, house rules, and local recommendations
  • Host contact information

My host isn't responding. What should I do?

Contact our support team at support@kiks.com or (612) 888-7778 and we'll assist you.

Can I send check-in details to myself again?

Yes. Hosts can resend check-in details from their dashboard, or you can access all information anytime through the guest portal.


Pre-Check-In (KIKS-Managed Properties)

What is pre-check-in?

For KIKS-managed properties, you'll complete a pre-check-in process through ChargeAutomation that includes:

  • ID verification
  • Guest information confirmation
  • House rules acknowledgment
  • Payment processing

You'll receive a link to complete pre-check-in after your booking is confirmed.

Do I need to complete pre-check-in?

Yes, for KIKS-managed properties. Your booking cannot proceed without completing pre-check-in.


During Your Stay

What if I have an issue during my stay?

  1. Contact your host first for property-specific issues (WiFi, appliances, access)
  2. For urgent issues, call our 24/7 support: (612) 888-7778
  3. For non-urgent issues, email support@kiks.com

Can I extend my stay?

Contact your host or our support team. Extensions depend on property availability and are subject to the standard nightly rate.

What if something is broken or damaged?

Report any damage or maintenance issues immediately to your host through the messaging system. Document issues with photos if possible.

Who do I contact in an emergency?

For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first. Then contact our 24/7 support at (612) 888-7778.


After Your Stay

How do I leave a review?

You'll receive an email invitation to review your stay after checkout. Reviews help future guests and provide valuable feedback to hosts.

What about security deposits?

Security deposit policies vary by property. Deposits are held during your stay and refunded after checkout inspection according to the property's damage policy.


Booking Statuses

Your booking will move through these statuses:

  • Tentative - Initial booking created
  • Pending Screening - Awaiting guest verification
  • Pending Payment - Awaiting payment processing
  • Confirmed - Fully confirmed and paid
  • Active - Currently during your stay
  • Completed - Stay finished
  • Canceled - Booking canceled

Property Types & Management

What are the different property management types?

  • Self-Managed - Host manages everything directly
  • KIKS-Managed - Full-service management with automated guest screening, payments via ChargeAutomation, and 24/7 support
  • Portfolio - Multi-property professional management

Management type doesn't affect your booking experience significantly, though KIKS-managed properties use ChargeAutomation for payments and pre-check-in.


Troubleshooting

I didn't receive my confirmation email

Check your spam/junk folder. You can also access your booking anytime at kiks.com/booking/access using your reservation code.

I don't have my reservation code

Check your confirmation email or log in to your booking dashboard. If you still can't find it, contact support@kiks.com.

I lost my booking PIN

Your booking PIN is in your confirmation email and check-in details email. You can also find it in the guest portal or contact support@kiks.com.

My payment was declined

Payment declines can occur for several reasons:

  • Insufficient funds
  • Incorrect card details
  • Bank fraud prevention
  • Card restrictions

Contact your bank or contact support@kiks.com for assistance.

The property doesn't match the listing

Contact support@kiks.com or call (612) 888-7778 immediately. We'll investigate and work to resolve the issue.


Still need help?

Browse our FAQ or contact us directly:

  • Email: support@kiks.com
  • Phone: (612) 888-7778
  • Response time: Typically within a few hours
  • Availability: 24/7 for urgent issues

Our team is here to ensure you have a great booking experience with KIKS.