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Configure Security Deposits

Details on how to add, edit, and remove Security Deposits

Written by Brent Kleinheksel

Security or damage deposits are setup from Settings > Deposit / Fees / Services / Taxes.

Add a New Security Deposit

  1. Click on the Security Deposit tab.

  2. Choose when to collect the security deposit.

  3. Choose a label for your Security Deposit. Options are "Security Deposit", "Damage Deposit", or "Refundable Damage Deposit"

  4. Click Add Deposit

Configure the Deposit

  1. Enter a name, for example "Security Deposit"

  2. Enter the amount of the security deposit

  3. Choose whether the deposit is a pre-auth or not. A pre-auth holds the security deposit rather than collecting it. If there is no damage, the payment gateway releases the hold. If damage occurred, part or all of the hold can be captured through Lodgix or through the gateway dashboard. A pre-auth means that a pre-authorization is run on the guest credit card for the amount of the security deposit. This places a hold on the guest credit card in the amount of the security deposit, usually for seven (7) days, at which time the pre-auth will expire. Note: pre-auths typically aren't a real good mechanism for protecting the property as many times the pre-auth will expire before the guest checks out, leaving little protection for the property manager.

  4. Click Save

Add the Deposit to Properties

  1. Select the security deposit

  2. Assign or Remove from ALL properties or...

  3. Assign to individual properties

Security Deposit Waivers

Note: most property managers no longer use security deposits for many reasons:

  1. Time required to collect / refund the security deposit.

  2. Possible loss of discount rate as most merchant accounts will not refund the discount rate.

  3. Possible damage to online reputation when a guest disputes the retention of the security deposit and complains in the many forums and review sites online.

Most property managers now mandate Damage Protection. Learn more about damage protection and how to set it up within Lodgix.

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