Managing security/damage deposits

Modified on Thu, 29 Feb 2024 at 11:42 AM

Travelnest processes security deposits/damage claims on your behalf for Airbnb and TripAdvisor only. This includes TripAdvisor's affiliate sites HolidayLettings, HouseTrip and FlipKey.

If you choose to list your property on Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo, Holidu and HomeToGo please be aware that these booking sites do not currently offer security/damage deposit processing. For these booking sites, it is your responsibility, as the property host, to collect and manage security/damage deposits from your guest. Travelnest does not collect or manage security deposits on your behalf for these booking sites.

Travelnest tip: We recommend having comprehensive insurance in place for your property. This mitigates the need for a large damage deposit. If you are looking for insurance, we recommend Pikl - they are a specialist insurance provider for short-term, vacation rental properties.

How to add a security/damage deposit to your account

1. If you wish to add a security/damage deposit to your listings first choose the property you want to add that from your home page.

2. Once you've selected the property for which you wish to set a security deposit, go to your property details. Scroll down until you find the "Security Deposit" option and click 'Edit'. It should be located under the "Edit Pricing, Fees, and Tax" section of your Property Profile, as shown below.

3. Upon clicking 'Edit', you'll find the section where you can specify the amount you wish to charge your guests a security deposit.

Travelnest tip: We strongly advise against setting a very high security deposit, especially for new listings. Depending on your property type and location, if you charge more than £300, your listing may not show up in booking site searches, potentially putting potential guests off to book your property.

4. If you have added a security deposit, you must click on 'Publish changes now'. This option will turn green as soon as you make any changes to your property profile. This action ensures that the booking sites listing your property with Travelnest will be updated with the new information.

Making a claim

To report property damage to our team (for Airbnb and TripAdvisor bookings only), please call us on 0333 666 6111 as soon as possible. To make the process faster, we recommend for you provide damage cost and evidence, such as photos, receipts etc as this information is required by the booking sites.

Other booking sites

For all other booking sites, including Booking.com, Expedia, Holidu and Vrbo their affiliate sites, the security deposit value entered in your TravelNest account will be shown at the time of booking. However, please be aware it is your responsibility to collect and release security deposit funds to your guests. We advise you to collect the security deposit within 14 days before the check-in date and release it within 14 days after the check-out date.

Travelnest will not collect or be responsible for any security deposit transactions associated with Booking.com, Expedia, Holidu, Vrbo, HomeToGo and their affiliate sites.