The security deposit is an essential part of the HomeExchange Collection guarantees, designed to protect both hosts and guests in case of damages during an exchange.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What is the security deposit?
The deposit is a security measure included with your HomeExchange Collection membership.
When you subscribe, you authorize HomeExchange to access a deposit amount of $2,500 USD for the duration of your membership.
No amount is charged upfront — it is simply a payment authorization, activated only if necessary.
👉 Important: HomeExchange will never ask you to pay a deposit outside of the platform.
Is the deposit automatically debited?
No.
When you complete your membership payment, you simply authorize HomeExchange to debit the deposit only if required, for example in the case of damages reported after an exchange.
If no issues are reported, the authorization is automatically released, and no debit is made.
No action is needed on your part.
Following your membership payment, you will receive an email confirmation.
Please note that this is not a subscription: it formalizes the deposit authorization only.
How does the deposit process work after an exchange?
1. After the exchange
If you notice any damage, we recommend first discussing it directly with your guest.
If you need additional support, you can click the “Request assistance” button from the exchange conversation to report the issue.
You will be guided through a structured process to describe the situation and provide supporting documents (photos, estimates, etc.).
Damage or deposit-related issues must be reported within 10 days after the exchange ends. If you have already opened a claim within the first 10 days, you can continue the process and add documents by replying to the confirmation email.
2. Review of the request
Once submitted, our team reviews the situation based on the information provided and may contact both parties if needed.
3. If compensation is requested
If compensation is deemed appropriate, our team will guide both parties through the next steps.
The guest will be informed and may be asked to agree or disagree with the proposed amount.
4. If both parties agree
The agreed amount is debited from the guest’s authorized deposit and transferred to the host.
The remaining deposit authorization is then released.
5. If no agreement is reached
If no agreement is found, HomeExchange may temporarily hold the relevant amount of the deposit while the situation is being resolved, in accordance with our terms and applicable guarantees.
Examples to make it clear:
Example 1: Your exchange goes perfectly. The authorization is released automatically. No debit occurs.
Example 2: You accidentally damage a table. The host requests $100 for repairs, and you agree. HomeExchange debits $100 and releases the rest of the deposit.
Example 3: You dispute the amount requested by the host. After 30 days without an agreement, HomeExchange protects the deposit while awaiting resolution.
Example 4: You break a glass and replace it with the host’s agreement. No debit is made, and the authorization is released.
Example 5: You fail to follow cleaning instructions. The host requests $25. You agree, and this amount is debited from your account.
Important notes:
Direct communication between hosts and guests is encouraged whenever possible.
HomeExchange may request supporting documents if needed.
Depreciation may apply depending on the nature and age of damaged items.
The HomeExchange guarantees also provide additional coverage for major damages, beyond the deposit.
Security reminder:
HomeExchange will never request any deposit payment outside the platform.
If you ever have doubts, feel free to contact our team — we are always happy to assist you.