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Question

What happens if a guest does not pay security deposit?

  • March 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 12 views

odntuk
New Participant

I just turned on the security deposit feature. It looks like guests need to pay it separately and it is not included in their standard reservation breakdown of costs such as with Airbnb. What happens if they decide not to pay it?

1 reply

Petra Podobnik
Hospitable Team Member
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  • Hospitable Team Member
  • March 10, 2026

Hi ​@odntuk! Thanks for reaching out. 

The security deposit is set up as a ​Guest Portal task​, so yes, it's separate from the standard reservation payment. When a guest books, they'll receive a link to complete this task.

What happens if they don't pay?

  • Check-in instructions are withheld​ until the guest completes the security deposit task — this is a strong incentive for guests to follow through.
  • Collection timing:​ Hospitable collects the deposit ​2 days before check-in​. For last-minute bookings (less than 2 days out), collection is attempted immediately.
  • Reminders​ are sent to the guest to complete the task.

If collection ultimately fails:

  • The host is notified.
  • The deposit status remains unresolved, and the host can decide whether to proceed with the booking.

After checkout:

  • If no damage claim is submitted within 48 hours, the deposit is ​automatically released 2 days after check-out​.
  • If a claim is needed, the host submits a charge request with evidence (photos, receipts, etc.).

More info here: https://help.hospitable.com/en/articles/11383887-hospitable-security-deposits-overview

I hope this helps.