The security deposit is money you authorize as the Host from the Guest's payment method, to cover you in case something goes wrong on the trip. You, as the Host, decide how much this refundable deposit should be, and Outdoorsy collects it from the Guest 2 days before their trip begins.

The security deposit is intended to cover any ancillary charges, such as cleaning fees, interior damage, etc. If the security deposit doesn’t cover all of the ancillary charges, Outdoorsy can assist in bringing these extra charges to a resolution with the Guest.

Quick Guide: Security Deposit Host FAQs

• When exactly does the security deposit hold happen? 

  We place a hold on the Guest's account two days before the adventure officially begins. It’s not a withdrawal, just a temporary "hold" on those funds to make sure everything's covered. See the How do I manage the security deposit? section for more information.

 

• How long does the hold last if I don’t make a claim? 

  Usually, the hold hangs out for about seven days after the trip ends. If you don’t file a claim in that window, the system automatically releases the funds back to the Guest. See How does the security deposit work? section for more details on security deposit hold times. 

 

• What if I need more time to check out the rig? 

  No worries! If you need a bit more time to get a repair estimate or look things over, you can request to extend the hold for up to 30 days. Just keep in mind that this is a total of 30 days from the end of the trip, not an extra 30 on top of the original seven. For more details on how you manage your security deposits, you may see the How do I manage the security deposit? section of this article. 

 

• Can I change the deposit amount after a booking is confirmed? 

  You can definitely update it as long as the Guest hasn't hit the road yet. Both you and your Guest just need to give Customer Support the thumbs up on the new amount, and we'll help you get it sorted.

 

• Does the security deposit cover insurance deductibles? 

  It absolutely can, when needed. If there's an insurance claim, the security deposit is the first line of defense to cover the deductible. If you have other fees (like a toll fee or parking ticket) and an insurance claim on the same booking, your claims adjuster will work with you to help claim for your personal expenses. You may see the How does the security deposit apply to the deductible? section of this article for more information on security deposit and deductibles. 

 

• Can I release the deposit early if the trip went perfectly? 

  While there isn't a "release now" button on your dashboard, you can reach out to Customer Support to request an early release if you're 100% sure you won't need to file a claim or collect any extra fees. Just remember, you only get one shot at claiming funds, so make sure the rig is in tip-top shape before you ask!

 

• What happens if I forget to make a deposit claim within 7 days? 

  No worries, it happens! If you miss that window, the system automatically releases the hold on the 7th day, and the funds head back to the Guest. If you still need to collect for incidentals or extras, we can definitely still help you out as long as you have that Digital Rental Contract signed by both parties and your documentation (like photos and receipts) ready to go. You'll just need to message the Guest first to give them a heads-up, then shoot an email over to our Customer Support team to request a manual charge. Check out the What if I need to charge more than the security deposit covers? section below for the step-by-step on how to handle those post-trip charges once the hold is gone!

In-depth Guide: Managing and Understanding Security Deposits as a Host

How much should I set for the Security Deposit?

Having trouble finding your sweet spot? When you're deciding on a security deposit amount as a Host, think of it as your safety net. While there’s no official maximum, we’ve set a $500 minimum for most RVs, and we recommend charging somewhere between $500 and $1,500. This is designed to keep you and your rig safe by aligning the deposit with your protection package deductible. If you're rocking a Class A vehicle, the minimum is $1,500 because those beauties have a bit higher liability and insurance claim rates.

Note! The data shows that Guests prefer listings with security deposits between $500 and $1,000 over listings with higher-valued security deposits.

How do I set my RV listing's Security Deposit?

Setting your security deposit is a breeze and helps keep your investment safe while you're sharing the adventure. As a Host, you can set your security deposit at a listing level. 

1. Navigate to your Host Dashboard and select the specific Listing you want to update
2. Go to the listing's Pricing tab
3. Click on the Edit button to enter the listing's "Edit mode"
4. Locate the Security Deposit section and enter an amount into its amount input field
5. Click the Save button 

How does the security deposit work?

Think of the security deposit as a smooth safety net for your rig. It’s not a direct charge; instead, we place a hold or authorization on the Guest’s account two days before the trip starts. Here’s how the post-trip flow goes down:

Claiming Funds: If you need to cover minor charges or post-trip extras, you’ve got a 7-day window after the trip ends to make a claim.

Steps to collect: 

1. Just head to your Bookings, select the trip

2. Click the Collect Fees button

3. Fill out the Collect Fees form, double-checking the final amount to be claimed

• One-Shot Rule: Keep in mind, you only get one opportunity to collect money from the security deposit. Make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row and include everything you need in that single claim.

• Automatic Release: If everything was totally in excellent condition and you don’t file a claim or collect any charges post-trip, the hold is automatically released back to your Guest 7 days after the trip ends.

• Taxes & Fees: Most claims—like those under "Miscellaneous charges"—are subject to standard taxes and fees, including a 2.95% processing fee. However, specific items like "Damage and municipal costs" or "Penalties" (like a smoking fee you’ve set in your rules) are not subject to service fees or taxes.

• The Automated Message: As soon as your claim is processed, an automated message is sent to both you and your Guest via the Outdoorsy messaging system. It includes a full breakdown of the claim, like the items you’re charging for, any applicable taxes and fees, and the final total being charged against their deposit.

Pro Tip: Always double-check your rig thoroughly before the 7-day window closes! Once the security deposit is released, it can be much harder to collect those funds since the automatic hold is gone.

What does the security deposit cover?

The security deposit is your safety net for anything that isn't covered by the Outdoorsy protection package. When you go to the Collect Fees form to claim funds, you'll see three main categories where you can bucket these costs:

• Post-Trip Charges & Municipal Costs: This is for the stuff that happens out on the road, like:

  • Tolls or parking fees incurred during the trip.

  • Damage that isn't covered by the standard protection package.

• Penalties: These are for those "house rules" you set in your listing before the trip started. You can claim for things like:

  • Cleaning fees if the rig comes back a mess.

  • Dumping or re-fueling costs if the tanks aren't handled.

  • Smoking or pet rule violations (as long as they were in your listing rules!).

• Miscellaneous Charges: This is your catch-all for anything else that’s a bit more unique, such as:

  • Missing items that were there when the keys were handed over (like those favorite camping chairs).

  • Interior damage, like a scratched cabinet or a broken hinge.

  • Damage from illegal activities or any other unexpected costs.

Pro Tip: Just a reminder that you can't enforce a penalty if it wasn't already a part of your listing rules when the Guest booked. Keep those rules clear so everyone stays on the same page!

How do I manage the security deposit?

It’s important to be communicative and transparent with your Guest so they know exactly what’s happening with their deposit. Here’s how you can handle those funds post-trip:

Your Management Options

1. Hold the Entire Deposit (for additional days): If you need more time to estimate repairs or find a specific receipt, you can extend the hold on the deposit.

2. Claim a Portion: If the post-reservation charges (like a $50 cleaning fee) are less than the total deposit, you can claim just that specific amount.

3. Claim the Full Amount: If the total charges meet or exceed the deposit amount, select this option to withhold the entire hold from the Guest.

Automated System Actions

1. The 7-Day Auto-Release: If the rig comes back in perfect shape and you take no action, the system will automatically release the hold 7 days after the trip ends. No work is required on your end!

2. The 30-Day Extension: If you file an official insurance claim before the 7-day window closes, the system will automatically retain the deposit for at least 30 days.

   Pro Tip: Be sure to tell your Claims Adjuster if there are additional ancillary fees (like cleaning) you want to collect from that retained deposit.

Handling Long-Term Bookings

On longer adventures, a Guest’s bank may have an "authorization expiration" (usually every 7–30 days, depending on their specific policy).

• What happens: We will automatically release and re-authorize the hold to keep your security net active.

  This may reflect as a line item on their card statement, but rest assured, if they check the available balance, the authorization for these funds will only be held once. (Reminder - Outdoorsy is not responsible for the management or validity of Guest payment methods.)

• Guest Communication: If a Guest asks about a new line item on their statement, reassure them that it is just a "refresh" of the original hold and not a double charge.

If there are variable add-on costs or fees that need to be charged once your Guest returns, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Bookings page on your account
2. Select the applicable booking
3. Click Collect charges
4. Charge any items out of the security deposit as necessary

What if I need to charge more than the security deposit covers?

If your total costs exceed the amount held in the security deposit, our Customer Support team is here to help you process the additional balance. To ensure a smooth process, first identify which type of fee you are claiming:

• Reservation Overages (Expected): These are fees that can be reasonably expected and accounted for based on your listing's "House Rules". This can include cleaning fees, late return fees, or pre-agreed charges (mileage or generator overages).

  Note: Mileage and generator overages can also be handled automatically via the in-app Digital Key Exchange.

• Post-trip charges (Unexpected): These are costs discovered after the return, such as road tolls, parking tickets, or missing equipment.

Note: Before Customer Support can assist with any manual charge, the Digital Rental Contract must be signed by both the Host and the Guest within the Outdoorsy app during the key exchange. 

Follow these steps to request an additional payment:

1. Claim the Full Deposit: Go to your Bookings page, select the reservation, and use the Collect charges button to claim the entire security deposit amount first.

2. Message the Guest: You must message the Guest through the Outdoorsy platform. Clearly explain the reason for the additional costs and the exact total amount still owed so they are aware of the upcoming charge.
3. Contact Support: Email support@outdoorsy.com with your documentation. This must include copies of official bills, tickets, or repair estimates that explicitly state the total cost and nature of the expense.

Once our team verifies the documentation and confirms the Guest has been notified, we will process the additional charge directly to the Guest’s payment method on file.

What happens after a security deposit claim?

After a security deposit claim is processed, the system immediately takes several actions:

1. New Charge to the Guest: Since the Security Deposit is just a hold on the Guest's card, once an amount is claimed, the system processes a specific new charge for just the amount you claimed, plus any applicable taxes and fees.
2. Release of the Hold: Think of the "hold" as a temporary lock on those funds. What happens next depends entirely on your claim:
   • If you claim NOTHING: The "lock" is simply removed 7 days after the trip ends. The funds stay in the Guest's account and become available to spend again. They won't see a "refund" transaction because the money never actually left.
   • If you claim the FULL amount: The system will process a new charge for that full amount (plus the 2.95% processing fee and any applicable taxes/service fees). Once that new charge is successful, the original hold "disappears" or is released.
   • If you claim a PARTIAL amount: This is the most common scenario. The system creates a new charge for only the amount you claimed. Once that goes through, the "lock" on the remaining balance is released, making those leftover funds immediately available to the Guest again.
3. Host Payout: A payout is generated for you based on the claimed amount, minus the 2.95% processing fee and any applicable Outdoorsy service fees. You’ll typically see those funds land in your account within 3 to 5 business days.
4. Automated Communication: Both you and your Guest will receive an automated message through the Outdoorsy system. This message is super detailed, so there’s no confusion; it includes:
   • Summary of Claimed Items: A line-by-line look at what you charged for, including the descriptions you provided.
   • Security Deposit Claimed Subtotal: The cost of the items before taxes and fees.
   • Taxes and Service Fee Amount: A clear breakdown of the taxes and service fee added to the claim.
   • Security Deposit Claimed Total: The final price charged to the Guest.
   • Security Deposit Refund Amount: The remaining portion of the deposit that’s heading back to the Guest's available balance. 

How does the security deposit apply to the deductible?

Think of the Guest's security deposit as the first line of defense. It’s designed to align with your protection package deductible to keep things smooth if an insurance claim pops up. Here is the breakdown of how those funds are managed:

• Covering the deductible only: If there are no fees to collect directly from your Guest post-trip, but there is a $500 deductible owed on the insurance claim, and they have a $500 security deposit on hold, those funds will be retained and held by Outdoorsy to cover the deductible.
• Coordinating with your adjuster: If there are both post-trip fees (like late fees or smoking) and an active insurance claim for a booking, your assigned claims adjuster will help you action the security deposit funds in order to collect your portion.

Note! If the security deposit is released for any reason before an insurance claim is fully wrapped up, the Guest remains responsible for paying the full deductible amount. Releasing the deposit doesn't mean the insurance investigation is over—it just means that specific "hold" is gone, but Outdoorsy can still pursue any remaining deductible or ancillary charges as needed.

Is there an alternative to Security Deposits? 

We also now offer a Security Deposit Waiver, which is optional coverage that can be purchased by Guests at the time of booking and acts to pay directly for any resulting Outdoorsy claims deductible, up to $1,500 for most vehicles and up to $4,000 for Class A RVs only. Please see the attached article for more information on how this works and your options as a Host.