Uniplaces does not collect security deposits on behalf of landlords. If you want one, state the amount and terms on your listing before the tenant books; you then collect it directly from the tenant, only once the booking is confirmed on Uniplaces, before the move-in date or on move-in day. Uniplaces holds no deposit and is not a deposit protection scheme — the deposit is a matter between you and your tenant.
Does Uniplaces collect the deposit?
No. The security deposit is always paid directly by the tenant to you, never through Uniplaces. Uniplaces is not a member of any deposit protection scheme and does not hold any damages or performance deposit that you request from a tenant.
The only deposit that goes through the Uniplaces checkout is the holding deposit, which applies to listings that have one. The tenant pays it with the first rental payment and service fee, and Uniplaces passes it on to you with your first transfer. It holds the accommodation for the tenant; it is not a damages deposit and does not replace a security deposit. If you cancel a confirmed booking, the tenant is refunded in full, including the holding deposit.
Who pays whom, through what, and when
Paid through Uniplaces: the tenant’s first rental payment, the Uniplaces service fee and, where your listing has one, the holding deposit. Uniplaces holds the first rental payment and transfers it to you, minus commission, within two business days of the move-in date, once the 24-hour Safety Period — the tenant’s 24 hours after the move-in date to report a problem with the accommodation to Uniplaces — has passed without a help request.
Paid directly to you: the security deposit, together with any admin fee, rent in advance and monthly rent from month two. Payments stated on your listing are collected by you directly from the tenant, once the booking is confirmed. Do not ask a tenant for any payment before the booking is confirmed on Uniplaces, and do not ask for anything that is not on your listing.
How to request a deposit
Include the security deposit amount and terms in your listing — in the Services and Expenses section or the rental conditions — so tenants see them before they send a booking request. The listing defines what the tenant pays you directly, and the tenant is only expected to pay what was stated there. State when the deposit is due — before the move-in date or on move-in day — and, once the booking is confirmed, remind the tenant of the amount and how to pay it. Always check the current legal requirements in the country where your property is located before setting an amount.
How to hold the deposit legally
Always give the tenant written confirmation of the deposit payment — the amount, the date it was paid and the property address. Uniplaces does not hold the deposit for you, so check the requirements in your country before accepting it.
Return the deposit promptly after move-out if the property is in good condition.
What if there’s a dispute at move-out?
Because the deposit is paid directly to you and is not managed by Uniplaces, a deposit dispute is a matter between you and the tenant. Document the condition of the property at move-in and move-out with photos or video — this is your strongest evidence if a dispute arises.
If you are unsure how to proceed, contact the Uniplaces support team. Uniplaces is not a party to the tenancy agreement and is not involved in managing the deposit, but the team can advise.
When to contact Uniplaces support
- A tenant disputes a charge, saying it was not on the listing they booked
- A tenant has left early and you want to know whether your booking is covered by the Uniplaces Rent Guarantee
- You need advice on next steps in a deposit dispute
Frequently asked questions
Is a security deposit mandatory on Uniplaces?
No. Requesting a security deposit is your decision as a landlord; Uniplaces does not require it. Taking one is recommended — provided it is stated on your listing before the tenant books.
What’s the difference between a security deposit and a holding deposit?
A security deposit is paid directly to you after the booking is confirmed, before the move-in date or on move-in day, and you return it after move-out, minus any deductions for damage. A holding deposit is paid through the Uniplaces checkout at booking, where the listing has one, and is passed on to you; it holds the accommodation for the tenant and is not a damages deposit. If you cancel a confirmed booking, the tenant gets the holding deposit back in full.
Can I increase the deposit amount after a booking is confirmed?
No. Once a booking is confirmed you are bound to the terms stated on your listing, and the tenant is only expected to pay what was stated there. For future bookings, update your listing first.
Does the deposit cover a tenant who leaves early?
That depends on your tenancy agreement and local law; once the agreement is signed or the tenant has moved in, it governs what you can keep. If the booking is covered by the Uniplaces Rent Guarantee, cover for early departure starts only after the first rental payment, any rent paid in advance and the security deposit have been applied to the unpaid rent. See My Tenant Wants to Leave Early — What Should I Do?.
How long do I have to return the deposit after move-out?
Return timelines are set by local tenancy law and vary by country. Check the legal requirement in your country — late returns are a common source of disputes.
Still need help?
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations vary by country and change over time. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional (lawyer, accountant, or tax advisor) in the country where your property is located.