Security Deposits & Damage Waivers

Dtravel is making it easier than ever to protect your listings while ensuring a smooth booking experience for guests. You can set optional rules that let your guests choose between:

• A refundable security deposit

• A non-refundable damage waiver

Benefits

• Enhanced Flexibility – Allow guests to choose the option that best suits their needs, potentially increasing your booking rates.

• Improved Cash Flow Management – For eligible credit cards, the pre-authorization hold helps avoid unnecessary charges while ensuring funds are available if needed.

• Custom Protection – Set deposit and waiver amounts that align with your property’s risk and value, providing tailored protection.

• Streamlined Claims – With a clear 48-hour post-check-out claim window, managing any damage-related claims becomes more straightforward.

How It Works

1. Setting Up Rules

As a host, you can:

• Choose whether to offer a refundable deposit, a damage waiver, or both.

• Set the amount for each option based on your preference.

2. Guest Payment Process

• If a guest selects the refundable damage deposit, Dtravel will first attempt a preauthorization hold. If the guest uses a credit card or payment that doesn’t support preauth’d holds, they will be charged a refundable deposit upfront.

• If a guest selects the non-refundable damage waiver, they will pay this amount upfront as part of their booking.

• If a host does not offer a waiver, the refundable security deposit will apply automatically.

3. Managing Security Deposits

• For preauthorized holds, Dtravel will re-auth the card as many times as needed until the host’s claim window expires.

• Hosts have 48 hours after check-out to charge the preauthorized card directly on Stripe.

• For upfront security deposit charges, hosts can choose how much to refund the guest.

Why Offer a Damage Waiver?

• Increases Bookings – Guests may prefer a smaller, non-refundable fee over a large, refundable hold.

• Simplifies Management – No need to handle refunds for small accidental damages.

• Ensures Protection – Damage waivers cover accidental damage, while refundable deposits offer more comprehensive security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if a guest’s payment method doesn’t support pre-authorization?

A: In that case, the refundable security deposit is charged upfront. You’ll have the ability to manually refund the amount after the guest checks out, assuming no damage is reported.

Q: Can I offer both a refundable deposit and a non-refundable waiver for the same listing?

A: Yes! You can offer both options and let the guest decide which one to choose during the booking process.

Q: How do I set up these options?

A: You can configure your security deposit settings in the host dashboard: Settings → Payments

Q: What happens if damage is claimed?

A: If damage is reported, you can either charge the guest’s pre-authorized card within 48 hours of check-out or withhold a portion of the upfront security deposit.