Learn how damage deposits work for Booking.com listings, where they must be configured, and what to check to avoid guest payment or booking setup issues.
 

Booking.com: Damage deposits

With this feature, you configure Booking.com damage deposits directly in Hostaway. When you create a new Booking.com listing, you set a damage deposit from the start, giving you more security and control over each reservation.

Where can I find this feature?

To set the damage deposit for Booking.com in Hostaway, please follow the next steps

1. Go to your Hostaway Dashboard > Listings
2. Select the Listing > Edit
3. Select Price & fees
4. Enter the amount you would like to charge as a damage deposit
   
   
    
5. Save

Why this matters

• One platform, one workflow
  You set the Booking.com damage deposit directly in Hostaway, without switching to the Booking.com Extranet. This keeps your process in a single place and reduces manual steps.
  • Important: The damage deposit field for Booking.com is blank by default in Hostaway. Once you enter a value and save it, the field becomes required, and you no longer leave it blank. If you try to clear it afterwards, you see the following error:
    
    
     
• More control over how and when you collect
  You choose the collection method (offline or online) and the collection time (on arrival or at check-out) from within Hostaway, matching your internal policies and guest expectations.
• Clear expectations for guests
  By defining the damage deposit in the listing settings, you tell guests upfront what is required. This reduces disputes, keeps communication transparent, and helps you deliver a smoother experience that leads to 5-star reviews.

Important details to keep in mind

• You set the damage deposit when you create a new Booking.com listing in Hostaway.
• You configure it in Hostaway only when you collect payments yourself. If Booking.com Payments handles the payments, you must set the damage deposit directly on Booking.com.
• Important: Setting the damage deposit in Hostaway does not enable automatic payments for the deposit. If you need automated collection, you must configure auto-payments separately according to your payment flow.