thanks for everyone that checked in. Good to know that I'm not missing something about changing the policy from my end. I will just have to re-assure the people that I can refund some of their money up to a certain point - by verbal agreement. The way the policy stands now, they would get no refund for the 31 days they paid for. That is the long term policy.
2 stays of 15 days each isn't that great an idea because this is Portland, Oregon and they add on an 11.5% rooms tax for any reservation under 31 days, which adds up to a couple hundred dollars.
Louise