{"id":524,"date":"2026-04-14T11:23:55","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T11:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.staging-uniplaces.com\/help\/?p=524"},"modified":"2026-04-17T11:54:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T11:54:08","slug":"security-deposit-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uniplaces.com\/help\/en\/security-deposit-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Collect a Security Deposit from My Tenant?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Uniplaces does not collect security deposits on behalf of landlords. You can request a deposit directly from your tenant \u2014 agree on the amount and terms before the booking is confirmed.<\/p>\n<h2>Does Uniplaces collect the deposit?<\/h2>\n<p>No \u2014 <strong>the security deposit is always paid directly by the tenant to you on move-in day.<\/strong> It is not processed through Uniplaces. The only deposit that goes through Uniplaces is the holding deposit, which is a separate charge that applies to some listings and is non-refundable on cancellation.<\/p>\n<p>Because the security deposit is handled outside the platform, it&#8217;s important to agree on the amount and payment method with your tenant before the booking is confirmed \u2014 and to get written confirmation of the payment when you receive it.<\/p>\n<h2>How to request a deposit<\/h2>\n<p>Include the security deposit amount and terms in your listing details so tenants can see it before booking. When communicating with your tenant before move-in, remind them of the deposit amount and confirm how and when it should be paid.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Always ask for the deposit on move-in day.<\/strong> Do not accept the deposit before move-in \u2014 if the booking is cancelled before the tenant arrives, a deposit received in advance creates a refund obligation that can be difficult to resolve.<\/p>\n<h2>How much should the deposit be?<\/h2>\n<p>The appropriate deposit amount depends on local law and the type of property. In most European countries, the security deposit is capped by law:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Portugal<\/strong> \u2014 typically 1\u20132 months&#8217; rent for medium-term rentals<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spain<\/strong> \u2014 1 month&#8217;s rent for residential rentals (fianza)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Italy<\/strong> \u2014 typically 1\u20133 months&#8217; rent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Always check the current legal requirements in your country before setting a deposit amount. For country-specific guidance, visit the Uniplaces Landlord Portal.<\/p>\n<h2>How to hold the deposit legally<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Always get written confirmation of the deposit payment<\/strong> \u2014 include the amount, the date it was paid and the property address. In some countries, landlords are legally required to register the deposit with a government deposit protection scheme. Check the requirements in your country before accepting a deposit.<\/p>\n<p>Keep the deposit in a separate account if possible, and return it promptly after move-out if the property is in good condition \u2014 delays in returning deposits are a common source of disputes.<\/p>\n<h2>What if there&#8217;s a dispute at move-out?<\/h2>\n<p>Since the deposit is paid directly to you and is not managed through Uniplaces, deposit disputes are primarily a matter between you and the tenant. <strong>Document the condition of the property at move-in and move-out with photos or video<\/strong> \u2014 this is your strongest evidence if a dispute arises.<\/p>\n<p>If you need support mediating a deposit dispute, contact the <a href=\"\/contact\/\">Uniplaces support team<\/a> \u2014 they can provide guidance and, where possible, help facilitate a resolution.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h4>Is a security deposit mandatory on Uniplaces?<\/h4>\n<p>No \u2014 requesting a security deposit is your decision as a landlord. Uniplaces does not require it. However, taking a deposit is strongly recommended as it provides financial protection against damage or early departure.<\/p>\n<h4>What&#8217;s the difference between a security deposit and a holding deposit?<\/h4>\n<p>A security deposit is paid to you directly on move-in day and returned after move-out if the property is undamaged. A holding deposit is paid through Uniplaces at booking to secure the reservation \u2014 it is non-refundable if the tenant cancels. These are two separate charges.<\/p>\n<h4>Can I increase the deposit amount after a booking is confirmed?<\/h4>\n<p>The deposit terms should be agreed before the booking is confirmed. If you need to adjust the deposit for a confirmed booking, contact Uniplaces support before raising it with the tenant.<\/p>\n<h4>How long do I have to return the deposit after move-out?<\/h4>\n<p>Return timelines are governed by local tenancy law and vary by country. In most European countries, landlords must return the deposit within a set number of days after move-out unless a legitimate deduction claim is made. Check the legal requirement in your country \u2014 late returns are a common source of disputes.<\/p>\n<p>Still need help?<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/contact\/\">Contact our landlord support team \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Related articles<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/help\/landlords\/tenancy\/tenant-early-departure\/\">My Tenant Wants to Leave Early \u2014 What Should I Do?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/help\/landlords\/tenancy\/tenant-missed-payment\/\">My Tenant Hasn&#8217;t Paid Rent \u2014 What Should I Do?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/help\/landlords\/payments\/how-uniplaces-pays\/\">How and When Does Uniplaces Pay Landlords?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/help\/landlords\/taxes\/rental-income-tax\/\">Do Landlords Pay Tax on Uniplaces Rental Income?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is a security deposit mandatory on Uniplaces?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No \u2014 requesting a security deposit is your decision as a landlord. 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