Security deposits
What they cover, when they're held, and when they come back to you.
What it covers
The security deposit protects the owner against damage, loss, or late return of the item. It's set by the owner when creating the listing, and is separate from the rental fee itself.
When it's collected
The deposit is charged to the renter at the same time as the rental fee, when the booking is confirmed. Both amounts are held in escrow together.
When it's released
Once the item is returned and both the owner and renter confirm its condition with no dispute raised, the full deposit is released back to the renter's wallet, normally within a short processing window.
If there's a disagreement
If the owner reports damage at return, they can open a dispute before the deposit auto-releases. The dispute is reviewed with both parties' evidence, and the outcome can be a full refund to the renter, a partial deduction, or full release to the owner, depending on the evidence.