Auto Release Pre-Auth based on time
In other PMS like Guesty, when you create the automatic payment pre-auth (to use as a security deposit) you not only set up the time when the pre-auth should be placed, but also the time when it should be released. I understand that Stripe has a max of 7 days and Authorize.net has a max of 30 days, but we should be able to set a timeframe to have the auth automatically released unless we intervene.
For example, we can set the hold to be released 3 days after check-out.
If you combined an automatic, time-based release of the pre-auth with the only placing a hold a few days before check-out. This would achieve the greatest number of hosts having the most amount of security deposit protection.
We already have the ability to manually release the hold earlier than the 7 (or 30) day max limits, we just need a way for the system to push the button for us a few days after check-out.
This becomes more important for those considering using Authorize.net with their 30 day holds. A 2 day stay with 28 days of hold afterwards is unreasonable and most guests would not be okay with that, which means hosts have to manually remember to press the release button for their guests. But if we could have 30 days max with an automatic release, then hosts could easily start the hold before or at check-in and still be fully protected until after the stay. I think the vast majority of hosts would prefer that and be willing to handle stays longer than 30 stays with manual charges and refunds.
Obviously, a full-fledged automatic charge and refund system would be better, but this is a simpler way to get the ball rolling.
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This is something really missing in the Hostaway automation - if you set it to take the hold eg 3 days before check out, you cannot guarantee that you will get the hold. You cannot delay your code etc going out to allow them in. There needs to be an automated re -hold on the card when the 7 days runs out
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