Security deposit disputes are one of the most common concerns for tenants — especially in mid-term rentals across different countries.This guide walks you through simple steps to protect your deposit, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and ensure a smooth refund at the end of your stay.
It also explains Spotahome's Deposit Protection Policy: which bookings it covers, and the one thing you need to do in your first 48 hours to stay covered.
1. Document Everything from Day One
You have 48 hours from your move-in date
When you arrive at your new home, take clear, timestamped photos or videos of every room. Focus on:
- Walls, windows, and floors
- Appliances and furniture
- Any existing damage or wear
This is your official record of the property's condition when you moved in, and it's what protects you if there's a dispute later.
If your booking is covered by Spotahome's Deposit Protection Policy, submitting this evidence within 48 hours of your move-in date is a condition of that cover — not just a recommendation. Miss the window and the protection no longer applies to your booking.
Send your photos and videos to our team within 48 hours of the move-in date on your booking.
The same 48-hour window is when you should flag any serious problem with the property, so do both in one go.
2. Maintain the Property During Your Stay
Respect the home like it’s yours
Throughout your rental, keep the home clean and in good condition. This includes:
- Regular cleaning
- Avoiding damage to furniture or walls
- Reporting maintenance issues promptly
The better you maintain the space, the easier it is to prove you left it in good shape.
3. Follow the Rental Agreement
Read the contract and stick to the rules
Your rental contract outlines responsibilities you agree to. Follow these closely:
- Stick to the check-in and check-out dates
- Pay all bills on time
- Don’t make changes (like leaving early) without notice
Breaking these terms can lead to deposit deductions, so always double-check what you signed.
4. Pay All The Bills
Unpaid bills = delayed refunds
In many countries, landlords have the right to withhold part of the deposit to cover unpaid utility bills. To avoid delays:
- Settle all outstanding bills before leaving
- Ask for confirmation or receipts when possible
Spotahome recommends checking with your landlord about any last-minute charges that could affect your refund.
5. Take Move-Out Photos
Your final visual proof
Before handing back the keys, repeat what you did on Day One:
- Take photos or videos showing the clean, undamaged state of the home
- Make sure the furniture and setup match what was originally provided
- Include timestamps if possible
✅ Key takeaways to Avoid Deposit Problems
- Check your booking confirmation for the Deposit Protected label
- Take photos when you move in — and send them within 48 hours
- Take photos again when you move out
- Keep the home in good condition
- Follow all rental terms
- Communicate with your landlord
- Use Spotahome support if needed
Spotahome’s Deposit Protection Promise
Which bookings are covered
Deposit Protection applies to homes that are marked "Deposit Protected" on your booking confirmation. The label tells you the policy applies to that booking.
The label appears on homes whose landlord is on Spotahome's Plus Plan with Security Deposit Protection included. Homes on the Standard Plan are not covered, and neither is any booking that doesn't meet the conditions below.
What you need to do to stay covered
If your booking is Deposit Protected, the cover applies as long as you:
- Send visual evidence of the property's condition within 48 hours of your move-in date
- Respect the terms of your rental contract
- Pay all your bills and leave no outstanding charges
- Leave the property in the condition you found it, allowing for normal wear and tear
What we do
If you've met those conditions and your landlord does not return your deposit within 3 months, Spotahome refunds it to you directly — even in countries where the legal return period is longer.
If your home isn't Deposit Protected
Everything else in this guide still applies, and still works. Documenting the property, paying your bills and keeping to your contract are what resolve the large majority of deposit disputes, protected booking or not. Our support team can still help you make your case to the landlord — what changes is that Spotahome doesn't step in to refund the deposit itself.
⚠️ What to Do in Case of a Dispute
If a landlord refuses to return your deposit unfairly:
- Check your booking confirmation for the Deposit Protected label, so you know which route applies
- Contact Spotahome support as soon as the issue arises
- Submit your documentation — your move-in evidence and your move-out photos
- Describe the issue clearly so we can step in
Our team is here to support you through resolution and ensure fair treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my booking is covered?
Look for the Deposit Protected label on your booking confirmation. If it isn't there, the Deposit Protection Policy doesn't apply to that booking.
Is my deposit safe with Spotahome?
If your booking is Deposit Protected and you've met the conditions — move-in evidence within 48 hours, contract respected, bills paid — then yes: if your landlord doesn't return your deposit within 3 months, Spotahome returns it to you. For bookings that aren't Deposit Protected, your deposit is governed by your rental contract and local law, and our support team can help you follow it up with the landlord.
How long does it take to get my deposit back?
For Deposit Protected bookings, Spotahome commits to refunding your deposit within 3 months, even in countries where the legal timeframe is longer.
What if I missed the 48-hour window for photos?
For Deposit Protected bookings, the 48-hour window is a condition of cover, so we can't extend it. Contact support anyway — we'll help you put your case to the landlord with whatever documentation you do have, and it's always worth taking move-out photos to show the condition you left the home in.
My home isn't Deposit Protected. Is my deposit at risk?
No more than in any standard rental. Your deposit is held and returned under your rental contract and local law. The steps in this guide are exactly what protects it — and our support team is available if a dispute comes up.