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Hospitable Security Deposits: Overview

Find out how Hospitable can collect, manage & release your security deposits

Tim Parry avatar
Written by Tim Parry
Updated yesterday

Currently in Beta for Hospitable Direct Premium users

Currently in Private Pilot for Airbnb reservations. Sign up here

Hospitable’s built-in security deposits feature helps Direct Premium hosts protect their properties by automating the collection, management, and release of deposits for Direct Premium & Airbnb reservations. This removes the need for third-party tools and ensures a smooth experience for both hosts and guests.

What is a security deposit?.

A security deposit is an amount of money collected from a guest before check-in to cover issues such as:

  • Accidental or intentional damage

  • Missing or stolen items

  • Excessive cleaning required after check-out

If no issues occur during the stay, the deposit is released automatically after check-out.

How to set a deposit amount

  1. Go to Properties

  2. Select the property you want to add a deposit to

  3. Go to Pricing > Security deposits > Hospitable automatic deposits

  4. Enter the amount you'd like to collect between $100-$5000

How does it work?

  • Deposit collected automatically 2 days before check-in

  • Deposit released automatically 2 days after check-out (if no charge request is submitted)

  • Hospitable handles all guest communication:

    • Guests see the deposit amount and collection dates during the booking flow

    • Deposit details are shown in the guest portal

    • Guests receive a reminder email 1 day before the deposit is collected

  • Check-in instructions are withheld until the deposit is successfully secured

  • Hosts can submit a charge request from the Inbox if there’s an issue

  • Hosts can track the deposit status in the Inbox, including:

    • Deposit amount

    • Scheduled collection and release dates

    • Real-time status: Pending, Scheduled, Secured, or Released

What do the deposit statuses in the Inbox mean?

Here’s what each status means:

  • Pending: We’re waiting for the reservation to be accepted. A deposit cannot be placed until this step is completed.

  • Scheduled: Payment details have been provided. We’ll automatically attempt to place the deposit 2 days before check-in.

  • Secured: The deposit was successfully secured. You can submit a charge request at any point.

  • Released: The deposit has been released (either fully or partially), 2 days after check-out.

Who can use this feature?

This feature is currently available for Direct Premium reservations.
It applies to new reservations only - it does not affect existing bookings.

What are the benefits of Hospitable security deposits?

  • Chargeback protection - because Hospitable handles the payment processing, we help safeguard you from disputes or reversals

  • Host control over funds - there’s no lengthy claims process or third-party approval; you retain direct access to the funds and can submit a charge when needed

  • No third-party tools required - everything happens within Hospitable

  • Guests are automatically informed - no need to manually message or follow up

  • Check-in is restricted until the deposit is secured - giving you peace of mind before guests arrive

  • Free ID Screening (Airbnb bookings) - Every booking that contains a security deposit will also include free guest ID screening in the guest portal.

What does it cost?

A processing fee equal to 2% of the deposit amount is charged per reservation where a deposit is collected. This fee will be added to your monthly subscription invoice.

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