The security deposit is stated on the listing you booked and is paid directly to your landlord — never through Uniplaces — only after your booking is confirmed, either before your move-in date or on move-in day (both are normal). Uniplaces holds no deposit and is not a deposit protection scheme: the deposit is a matter between you and your landlord, who returns it after you move out, minus any deductions for damage or other breaches of your tenancy agreement.
What is a security deposit?
A security deposit is an amount you pay to your landlord to cover any damage to the property during your stay, or any other breach of your tenancy agreement. If you return the property in the condition you found it, normal wear and tear excepted, the landlord returns it in full after you move out. It is separate from your rent, from the Uniplaces service fee and from the holding deposit (see below).
How much is the security deposit?
The amount is set by the landlord and shown on the listing page — in the Services and Expenses section or the rental conditions — before you send a booking request, so you can factor it into your budget. The amount depends on local law and the type of accommodation; in many European countries it is capped by law — typically 1–2 months’ rent in Portugal, 1 month’s rent for residential rentals in Spain (fianza) and typically 1–3 months’ rent in Italy. Always check the rules in the country where you are renting.
Who pays whom, through what, and when
Paid through Uniplaces, at checkout: your first rental payment, the Uniplaces service fee and, where the listing has one, the holding deposit. You give your payment details when you send the booking request; the card is only charged once the landlord accepts.
Paid directly to your landlord: the security deposit, together with any admin fee, rent paid in advance and your rent from the second month onwards. Uniplaces never processes these payments. Some landlords ask for the deposit before your move-in date, others on move-in day; both are normal.
Any payment to your landlord is legitimate as long as it is stated on the listing you booked and your booking is already confirmed. If it isn’t on the listing, or the amount is higher, contact Uniplaces support before paying. Ask your landlord for written confirmation of the amount when you pay.
Uniplaces is not a member of any deposit protection scheme and does not hold any damages deposit on a landlord’s behalf.
The holding deposit is not the security deposit
Some listings include a holding deposit. This is paid through the Uniplaces checkout with your first rental payment and service fee, and Uniplaces passes it on to the landlord. It holds the accommodation for you; it is not a damages deposit and does not replace the security deposit. If the landlord cancels your confirmed booking, the holding deposit is refunded to you in full, along with your first rental payment and the service fee. If you cancel, what you get back follows the cancellation policy on the listing you booked — check it before you cancel. See What Is the Uniplaces Cancellation Policy?.
When do you get the deposit back?
Your landlord returns the deposit after you move out, provided the property is in the same condition as when you arrived, normal wear and tear excepted. How many days the landlord has to return it, or to raise a claim against it, depends on local tenancy law.
If you leave early, the deposit may be affected. Once you have signed the tenancy agreement or moved in, leaving early is governed by that agreement. Depending on its terms and on local law, the landlord may be entitled to keep part or all of the deposit to cover the remaining rent or the notice period. In addition, if you permanently leave the accommodation before the end of your term and Uniplaces pays your landlord under the Uniplaces Rent Guarantee (a landlord-side cover for rent lost when a tenant leaves early), you must reimburse Uniplaces for those sums on written demand. Read Can I Move Out Before My Contract End Date? before making plans to leave.
Before you leave, document the condition of the property with photos or video. Keep a record of any pre-existing damage you notice at move-in, and report any problem with the condition of the accommodation to Uniplaces within 24 hours of your move-in date (see What Is the Uniplaces 24-Hour Safety Period?).
What if there’s a dispute?
If your landlord refuses to return the deposit or makes a claim you disagree with, raise it with your landlord directly first: ask for the reasons in writing and agree a timeline for the return.
If you cannot resolve it, contact the Uniplaces support team. Uniplaces is not a party to your tenancy agreement and is not involved in managing the deposit, but the team can advise on next steps. Photos from move-in and move-out are your strongest evidence.
When to contact Uniplaces support
- A landlord asks you for a deposit, or any other payment, before your booking is confirmed
- The deposit requested is not stated on the listing you booked, or is higher than the listed amount
- Your landlord is withholding the deposit beyond the timeframe allowed in your country and you want advice on next steps
Frequently asked questions
Is the security deposit paid through Uniplaces?
No. The security deposit is always paid directly to the landlord, never through Uniplaces, and only once your booking is confirmed. The only deposit that goes through the Uniplaces checkout is the holding deposit, which applies to some listings, is passed on to the landlord and is not a damages deposit.
What if the landlord asks for a deposit that’s not on the listing?
Any deposit must be stated on the listing before you book. If a landlord asks for a deposit that was not on the listing, or for more than the listed amount, contact Uniplaces support before paying anything.
Can I use the deposit to cover my last month’s rent?
Not unless your landlord agrees to it in writing. The deposit covers damage or other breaches of your tenancy agreement; it is not a rent payment. Treating it as your last month’s rent without agreement can put you in breach of your tenancy agreement and lead to a dispute.
What happens to my deposit if I move out early?
Your tenancy agreement and local law govern this, and the landlord may keep part or all of the deposit to cover the remaining rent or notice period. If Uniplaces pays your landlord under the Rent Guarantee because you left early, you must reimburse Uniplaces. Speak to your landlord as early as possible.
How long does the landlord have to return my deposit?
Return timelines are set by local tenancy law and vary by country. If your landlord is withholding the deposit beyond the legal timeframe, contact Uniplaces support for advice on next steps.
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 you are renting.