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
Go to Properties
Select the property you want to add a deposit to
Go to Pricing > Security deposits > Hospitable automatic deposits
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.