# Deposits and damage claims

Source: https://app.rentiqa.com/help/hosts/deposits-and-damage-claims

> How a security deposit works on a stay, filing a damage claim after check-out, and what happens when the guest accepts or disputes it.

You set the deposit per place under **Pricing & calendar**, **Base pricing**, **Security deposit**. A security deposit is never charged at booking. If a stay has one, the guest's card stays on file for a set time after check-out, and only an approved claim is charged to it.

## After check-out

Open the booking. If the stay has a deposit, the page shows until when the guest's card stays on file, with two buttons:

- **No damage**: confirm it and the guest's card is released. No claim can follow.
- **File a damage claim**: see below.

## File a claim

1. Press **File a damage claim**.
2. Enter the **Claim amount** (no more than the deposit, across all claims on the stay), the **Reason** and a detailed description.
3. Press **Submit claim**.

Be specific, and attach photos and receipts: the claim page has an **Evidence** box (**Add files**, then **Upload**) that the guest and anyone reviewing a dispute can see. Claims with a vague reason and no evidence usually go the guest's way. For damage worth more than the deposit, contact [support](https://app.rentiqa.com/support).

## What happens next

The guest is told and has a deadline to respond. Follow each claim under **Turnaround › Claims** ([Damage claims](https://app.rentiqa.com/rentals/owner/claims)):

- **Guest approved**: their card is charged and the money is sent to your payout account, less card processing.
- **Disputed**: Rentiqa reviews both sides and decides. An approved charge waits a while after a dispute before it is made.
- **No response**: Rentiqa reviews it.

Your payout for the stay is not held while a claim is open.

Next: [Cancellations](https://app.rentiqa.com/help/hosts/cancellations).