The Service Fee is what you pay Uniplaces for booking through the platform. It is charged once per booking, on top of your first month’s rent — never as a recurring or monthly charge.
It is separate from your rent. Your first month’s rent goes to your landlord. The Service Fee covers the Uniplaces service that helps you find and securely book your accommodation from anywhere in the world, with a trusted platform, secure booking and payment processes, and support when you need us throughout your rental journey.
How much is the Service Fee?
The Service Fee is not a fixed value — it varies from booking to booking.
You will always know the amount in advance. The exact figure is shown on the checkout page before you send your booking request, together with the full cost breakdown — your first month’s rent, the Service Fee, and any additional Services and Expenses that apply to the listing.
When and how do I pay it?
Seeing the Service Fee and paying it happen at two different moments. You see it before you request; you pay it only once your booking is accepted.
Here is where it sits in the booking process:
- You choose a listing and go to checkout, where the full cost breakdown is displayed — including the exact Service Fee.
- You send your booking request.
- The landlord accepts your request, or the booking is confirmed automatically on Instant Booking listings.
- Your payment is processed: your first month’s rent plus the Service Fee, in a single transaction.
- Your booking is confirmed.
If your booking request is rejected, no payment is captured. You are only charged once a booking goes through.
All payments on Uniplaces are encrypted and PCI-compliant, and your card details are never shared with landlords. All transactions are processed in euros (EUR) — if your card is in another currency, your bank converts the amount at its own exchange rate. Uniplaces does not charge currency conversion fees.
What does the Service Fee cover?
The Service Fee covers the services and support Uniplaces provides to make booking accommodation abroad safer, simpler and more convenient — from finding your home to securing your booking and getting support when you need it.
- Verified listings — access to accommodation with photos, detailed descriptions, house rules and rental conditions, so you can make an informed decision before booking.
- Secure booking and payment — your booking and payment are processed securely through Uniplaces, giving you a safer way to rent remotely.
- The Safety Period — if the accommodation significantly differs from the listing, you have 24 hours after moving in to report the issue to us. Our team will review the case before the rent is released to the landlord.
- Support throughout your booking journey — our support team is available before, during and after your booking to help with questions, concerns or issues related to your accommodation.
- Landlord communication and mediation — we facilitate communication between you and your landlord and support you in addressing issues related to your booking or accommodation.
- A trusted platform for international renting — the convenience of having Uniplaces as the intermediary, rather than dealing directly with an unknown landlord from abroad.
Is the Service Fee refundable?
While the total or partial rent portion of your payment may be refundable depending on your listing’s cancellation policy, the Service Fee is separate from your rent and is non-refundable. We recommend checking the cancellation terms of your specific listing to understand what refund options are available to you.
If your confirmed booking is cancelled by the landlord, Uniplaces will refund you in full, including the Service Fee, and we will also help you find an alternative accommodation and assign a member of our team to guide you through this process.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Service Fee charged monthly?
No. It is a one-time fee charged only when you book. You will never be charged it again during your stay.
Can I see the Service Fee before I send a booking request?
Yes. The exact amount is shown on the checkout page before you send your request, alongside your first month’s rent and any additional Services and Expenses that apply.
Do I pay a Service Fee if my booking request is rejected?
No. If a landlord declines your request, no payment is captured.
Does the Service Fee go to my landlord?
No. The Service Fee goes to Uniplaces, while your landlord receives your first month’s rent. Your rent is transferred to your landlord after your move-in date, only if the 24-hour Safety Period has passed without you submitting a request for help regarding the accommodation.
Is the Service Fee the same on every listing?
No. The Service Fee is not a fixed value and varies from booking to booking. The exact amount for your booking is always shown at checkout before you send your request.
Is the Service Fee the same as the admin fee?
No — they are two different charges. The Service Fee is charged by Uniplaces and applies to every booking. The admin fee is set by the landlord, only applies to some listings, and is paid directly to the landlord. Learn more in What Is the Admin Fee?