Your deposit is an important part of your rental journey — and at Spotahome, we’re here to help ensure it’s protected. To benefit from our Deposit Protection Guarantee, there are a few simple steps you should follow throughout your tenancy.

This checklist will walk you through what to do before you move in, during your stay, and before you leave, so you can feel confident that your deposit is safe.

🏠 At Move-In: Start Off Strong

1. Read your contract carefully

Before anything else, take the time to read through your rental agreement in detail. It’s important to understand:

• Any extra costs or cleaning fees

• Penalties for early move-out

• What’s expected at the end of the tenancy

Knowing this upfront avoids surprises later on — and helps you meet the terms required for your deposit to be returned.

2. Capture the condition of the property

We highly recommend you take photos and videos of the property as soon as you move in. Focus on things like appliances, furniture, walls, bathrooms, and any pre-existing marks or wear.

Once you’ve captured everything:

• Spotahome will send you a link to upload the material during your check-in

• You can also find this upload link in your Tenant Panel on our platform

📌 This step is not mandatory, but it can be extremely helpful if there are any damage claims later on. Think of it as your personal security backup.

🧾 During Your Tenancy: Keep Things on Track

To stay covered under the Spotahome Guarantee, it's essential that your rental timeline and terms remain valid throughout your stay.

• Stick to the contract dates
  If you need to extend your stay, the extension must be managed through Spotahome.
  Extensions arranged privately with your landlord will not be protected, and your deposit won’t be covered under our guarantee.

• Avoid early move-outs
  Most rental agreements include a penalty if you leave early. This is often the equivalent of one month’s rent, but it may be more depending on the contract.
  These penalties are enforceable and will likely be deducted from your deposit.

📦 At Move-Out: Wrap It Up Right

1. Capture the state of the property again

Just like at the beginning of your stay, take photos and videos of the property before you leave. This will help confirm the condition you left it in.

You’ll receive a dedicated upload link for your check-out material, and it will also be available in your Tenant Panel. Again, this isn’t mandatory — but if any dispute comes up, it’s a powerful way to support your case.

2. Double-check your contract conditions

Make sure you’ve followed all terms, including:

• Leaving on the agreed checkout date

• Paying all outstanding bills or rent

3. Leave the home in good shape

Before you go, give the property a quick once-over:

• Is it clean?

• Are all your belongings removed?

• Is it in the same state you found it?

Leaving the space tidy and ready for the next tenant helps avoid cleaning charges or complaints.

4. Be patient — the return might take time

It’s normal for landlords to take some time to return the deposit. They may need to wait for final utility bills or go through internal approval steps.
Some utility bills are issued quarterly, which can delay the process.

If you haven’t heard back from your landlord after 30 days, feel free to reach out to Spotahome. We’ll check in with them and support you through the next steps.

🕒 Just remember: Spotahome guarantees your deposit will be returned within 90 days of your checkout, provided you've met the conditions of your agreement and the property was left in good condition.

✅ In Summary — Your Deposit Protection Steps

If you ever feel unsure, or something doesn’t seem right, you can always check in with our [Help Center]. We're here to support you from move-in to move-out — and all the moments in between.

Because your deposit is your money — and we’re here to help you get it back.