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?
Question
What happens if a guest does not pay security deposit?
+1
+1- Hospitable Team Member
Hi
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.
+1I have a follow up question. Is there a way to limit this to Booking*com? Booking has a security deposit but you basically need to be there to collect it which makes it useless. It’s the platform I have the most problems with since there does not seem to be good guest verification and background checks. With Airbnb, I can use Air Cover when I need it. I would probably also consider this for VRBO as well, although I have not had the same issues as Booking*com.
+1- Hospitable Team Member
Yes, you can set it for Booking.com only (Vrbo isn't supported yet, but is on the roadmap).
In your property's pricing settings, you'll see separate inputs for Airbnb and for Booking.com & Direct. You can set a deposit for Booking.com while leaving Airbnb untouched (since you prefer AirCover there).
More here in the Help article. 💜
+1Hi
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.
Is there a way to change the 48 hours for submission of the claim? Maybe 72 hours or so?
+1- Hospitable Team Member
Is there a way to change the 48 hours for submission of the claim? Maybe 72 hours or so?
Not at the moment, but it’s on the list of improvements the team will be working on.
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