Save on service fees by booking direct on Houfy.

These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.

As a security deposit alternative, houfyProtect, an upfront nonrefundable low cost property damage protection policy for just $5 per night, is taken at time of booking.

This host has not verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host has verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host verified their email and phone number on Houfy.

Houfy lets you contact and book direct with hosts. The host has provided the following links to give you more information.

This host responds to {response_rate}% of inquiries {response_time}.

A professional captain will navigate the boat for you.

Wonderful Houfy hosts are recognized as the best hosts in hospitality. The wonderful Houfy program rewards Houfy's top-rated and most experienced hosts.

, are between the host and guest. Check with your payment processor if you have questions about their policies and what they offer regarding holds/security deposits. 

There are several methods hosts commonly use to collect a security (damage) deposit.  You will need to choose a method so that your listing accurately reflects the correct payments due.  Remember, Houfy is 

holding nor processing these transactions.  

A hold (not a charge) is placed on the guest's credit card, and is released after check out unless a charge is made. Holds are typically processed close to arrival date, or upon check in. You would also use this method if you don't process an actual hold, but keep the credit card number on file. Check with your payment processor to see if this is something they offer, or if using a channel manager, they may be integrated with your payment processor.  

With this method, the deposit is charged/collected separately from the regular payment schedule. Often used when the final payment due date is far in advance, but the host does not want the guest to have to pay till closer to arrival date. This is also used if you collect the deposit by check while the regular payments are paid by credit card. Check with your payment processor regarding any fees for refunds. 

The host requires guests to pay a non-refundable fee that includes accidental damage up to a certain amount. Example: On Vrbo many hosts have opted for their guests to pay a $59 damage protection fee.  You will need to research what services are best for you and your guests.  This is not something you purchase through Houfy.  You need to check your local laws to see if this fee is taxable.  Often, mandatory fees are taxable. 

4) Collect with regular payment schedule.

The host collects the security deposit as a non taxable fee along with the regular payments. For example, if you collect 50% upfront and 50% later, one half of the deposit would be paid with the first payment, and the other half with the second payment. Check with your payment processor regarding any policies/fees for refunds.

When your listing is complete, be sure to do a test booking as a traveler to make sure everything is set up correctly.  

I would like to do a test booking on Houfy to see what it looks like for a guest and for the owner.

Test Booking on Houfy

How do security (damage) deposits work with Houfy?

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Anna Skyfta is behind every pen and passport! With more than five years in the world of travel and hospitality writing, Anna has left her mark on major brands like Ferryscanner, Halo Flights, and Houfy. When she's not crafting captivating stories, you'll find her conquering new trails or sipping delicious chocolate in hotels around the world.

How do security (damage) deposits work with Houfy?

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