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.