Communication 12: OwnerRez - System Message - Optional Security/Damage Deposit
System Messages
For most well-run short-term rentals, a security or damage deposit is not necessary, because it can reduce bookings and make guests feel distrusted while rarely being needed. A deposit works best as a deterrent for properties with higher-risk amenities like spas or pools. If you use one, manage it quietly, only message guests when they must act, and weigh any claim against the cost of a poor review.
What this lesson covers
- OwnerRez Security & Damage Deposits – Messaging, Enforcement, and the Real Cost of Being “Right”
- Why This Matters: Deposits Are a Behavioural Tool, Not a Safety Net
- What a Security or Damage Deposit Actually Does
- Why deposits feel bigger to guests than they are
- Hold, charge, damage protection, waiver: know the difference
- How a deposit hold works behind the scenes
- Holds don’t last forever
- What the guest sees
- Release takes time on the bank’s side
- Our Default Position: Don’t Use a Deposit
The full lesson is for clients
Clients get every step, the live walkthrough videos and our exact settings and templates from Skye’s Beach House.
Questions people ask
Do I need a security deposit for my Airbnb?
Not usually. Clear house rules, good screening and professional operations tend to protect a property better than a deposit, which can deter bookings.
When does a damage deposit make sense for a holiday rental?
Mainly for properties with higher-risk amenities such as spas, hot tubs or pools, where the deposit discourages misuse.
Should I tell guests when their security deposit is released?
Yes. A clear release confirmation closes the stay professionally and prevents follow-up questions about the hold.
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