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Renter guide

How to rent an item, from the first request to getting your Security Deposit back. The screenshots use sample data. Listing something instead? See the Owner guide.

  1. 1. Pick your dates

    Open a Listing and choose a Start and End date. The prices update as you type: the Upfront Collection you pay, and the Security Deposit that is held on your card at Handover. The small info buttons beside each label explain what a field is for. Both days count, so a Rental from the 2nd to the 5th is four Rental days.

    The request panel on a Listing with Start and End dates filled in, an info hint open beside End, and the price breakdown below.

  2. 2. Send the request

    Tap Request Rental. Nothing is charged yet. The Owner accepts or declines. If they have not accepted by the end of your first day, the request is cancelled automatically. You can follow it on the Rentals page.

    A Rental card on the Rentals page showing the status Requested.

  3. 3. Pay the Upfront Collection

    Once the Owner accepts, your Rental card asks you to pay. The Upfront Collection is the Rental Charge only. Renthings keeps it as Held Funds while the Rental is in progress, then pays the Owner.

    A Rental card in the Accepted stage with a Pay Upfront Collection button.

  4. The payment page

    Enter your card details and check the amount on the button. The screenshot is from a test setup with a sample card, so the payment form you see may look a little different.

    The Upfront Collection payment page with card details filled in.

  5. 4. Authorize the Security Deposit

    From the day before your Rental Period starts, you authorize the Security Deposit. It is reserved on your card, not taken, and the start Handover waits for it. It is released when the Rental is completed, minus any Return Adjustment the Owner proposes for loss, damage, or a late return.

    The Security Deposit page explaining the amount reserved on the card.

  6. 5. Meet the Owner for the Handover

    Arrange the meet-up in the Conversation, using the Handover expectations on the Listing. The Owner confirms the start Handover as they hand the item over, and the Rental is then in progress. Check the item before you leave.

  7. 6. Return the item

    When you give the item back, tap Mark item returned on your Rental card. The Owner then has a Return Review Period to accept the return or raise a Dispute.

    A Rental card in progress with a Mark item returned button.

  8. 7. Done

    When the Owner accepts the return, the Rental is completed and your Security Deposit is released. You can leave a Review from the card.

    A completed Rental card showing the Security Deposit released.

Something not as expected? See Help for Disputes and what to do if an item never arrives.