We know that moving out of a rental home comes with a lot of to-dos — and one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely:
“When will I get my deposit back?”

At Spotahome, we’re here to make that process as transparent, fair, and stress-free as possible. Whether your experience was short or long, your deposit is your money — and you deserve to feel confident it will be returned if you've met your contract terms. Here's how it all works.

📸 Step 1: Before You Leave — A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Before you check out, we strongly encourage you to take photos and videos of the property — both when you move in and when you're ready to move out. While this isn’t mandatory, it’s one of the best ways to protect yourself in case of any disagreements about the property’s condition.

You’ll receive an email from us with a simple guide and a link where you can upload your photos and videos directly to Spotahome. You can share as many as you like — in fact, the more the better. This visual record helps us handle any disputes with the landlord fairly and efficiently on your behalf.

📄 Step 2: Understanding Your Responsibilities

To qualify for Spotahome’s Deposit Protection Guarantee, it’s important that your tenancy follows the conditions outlined in your rental contract.

This means:

• You’ve paid all your rent and bills

• You’ve moved out on the agreed checkout date

• You’ve left the property in acceptable condition, similar to how it was when you moved in

• You’ve not ended the contract early, unless previously agreed

Your landlord has the right to deduct part of your deposit if any of these conditions haven’t been met, or if any deductions are clearly stated in your contract. For example, some contracts include penalties for early checkout, or specify that final bills must be paid before the deposit is released. That’s why we always recommend reviewing your rental agreement closely before moving out.

Also, if you decide to extend your stay, please remember:
Only extensions managed through Spotahome on Deposit Protected listings are covered under the Deposit Protection Guarantee. If your booking goes beyond the dates registered in your Spotahome agreement — and that extension was arranged privately with the landlord — the guarantee no longer applies.

⏳ Step 3: What to Expect After Moving Out

Once you’ve checked out, your landlord will need time to inspect the property, review the final bills, and settle everything on their end. This process doesn’t always happen overnight — and that’s okay.

In fact, it’s completely normal for deposit returns to take some time. Some landlords wait to receive final invoices from utility providers, and in some cases, bills are only issued quarterly. Others may follow internal approval workflows that add a few extra weeks to the timeline.

We know waiting can be frustrating, but rest assured:
Spotahome monitors this process closely, and we give landlords a reasonable amount of time to handle everything.

🔒 Step 4: Deposit Protected properties

When you book a property tagged as "Deposit Protected" on Spotahome, your security deposit is backed by our Security Deposit Protection Policy.
This means that if there's ever a dispute with your landlord about getting your deposit back, Spotahome will step in and cover it for you — as long as the conditions of the guarantee are respected.

In other words, if everything is in order on your side, we’ve got your back.

💬 Still Have Questions?

If you’re unsure about the process or feel there’s been an unnecessary delay, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Support Team is ready to help through the Contact form. We’ll ask for a few details, such as your booking reference, property address, and any documentation or photos you have — and we’ll take it from there.

🧾 A Final Checklist for Peace of Mind

Here’s what you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly:

• Review your rental contract to understand what’s expected before check-out

• Take detailed photos and videos of the property at check-in and check-out

• Keep copies of utility payments and communication with the landlord

• Stick to the agreed move-out date, and notify Spotahome if anything changes

• If extending your stay, make sure it’s booked through Spotahome

📂 Deposit Documentation Checklist — What to Keep

Keep these documents handy to support your case, especially if a dispute arises:

• Signed tenancy/rental agreement

• Check-in inventory reports

• Proof of final rent and utility payments

• Any written communication with the landlord about the deposit

• Photos and videos from check-in

• Photos and videos from checkout (especially your own personal inspection)

🤝 Need Help with Your Deposit?

If you’re unsure about your deposit status, facing unfair deductions, or haven’t received your refund within 90 days:

👉 Visit our [Help Center] to contact our Support Team.

Please include:

• Your Spotahome booking reference

• The property address

• A brief explanation of your issue

• Any relevant documentation (photos, videos, receipts)

We’re here to support you and ensure the process is handled fairly, every step of the way.

In Summary:

• Review your rental agreement carefully

• Take your own photos and videos before you leave

• Keep your records organized

• Know that your deposit is protected — and guaranteed — with Spotahome Deposit Protected listings.