TL;DR: Damage deposits are collected by Radius and remitted to the Host. After the stay, the Host assesses the property and either returns the deposit to the Guest directly or sends a payment through Radius. Radius does not assess damage claims — disputes are between the Host and the Guest (the Booker can be involved if needed). Damages beyond the deposit are handled outside the platform.

Who this is for: 👤 Guest 👥 Booker 🏠 Host

When a Host requires a damage deposit, Radius collects it from the Guest (or the Booker's payment method for Book-for-Others bookings) as part of the booking. The deposit is held and remitted to the Host. After checkout, the Host inspects the property and decides what happens next.

Radius facilitates the collection and remittance of the deposit — but Radius does not inspect the property, assess damage claims, or determine whether a deduction is valid. That's between the Host and the Guest.

After the Guest checks out, the Host inspects the property and takes one of two actions:

🏠 Host: You are responsible for inspecting your property promptly after checkout and communicating any damage findings to the Guest. Document the condition with photos and a clear description of the issue before making any deductions.

👤 Guest: If you disagree with a damage deduction, raise it directly with the Host. If a Booker placed the stay on your behalf, involve them — they may have an existing relationship with the Host that can help resolve the issue.

If the Host and Guest disagree about whether damage occurred or about the amount deducted, that dispute is between the Host and the Guest. Radius does not assess the validity of damage claims and does not mediate or arbitrate these disputes.

The Booker can be involved in the conversation if needed — particularly when the Booker placed the stay on the Guest's behalf through the Book-for-Others flow and has a working relationship with the Host.

Radius's in-app messaging thread for the booking is available for communication between all parties, but Radius does not take a position on the outcome.

If the cost of damage exceeds the deposit amount — or if there was no deposit on the booking — the matter is between the Guest and the Host. Radius is not involved in the resolution of these claims.

Payments for damages beyond the deposit (from Guest to Host or from Host to Guest for over-deductions) will typically flow outside of the platform — directly between the parties.

💡 Tip: We strongly recommend that Hosts and Guests document property condition at both check-in and checkout — photos with timestamps are the clearest evidence if a dispute arises later.

Does every booking have a damage deposit?

No. Whether a deposit is required depends on the Host's listing settings and the terms of the rental agreement for that booking.

Can Radius force the Host to return my deposit?

No. Radius collects and remits the deposit but does not assess damage claims or determine whether a deduction is valid. If you disagree with a deduction, raise it directly with the Host.

What if I'm a Booker and my Guest has a damage dispute?

You can get involved in the conversation between the Guest and the Host — especially if you have an existing relationship with the Host through your company's partner network. Use the in-app messaging thread for the booking to keep the discussion on the record.

What if damages cost more than the deposit?

The Host and Guest work it out directly. Any additional payments will typically happen outside the platform. Radius does not process payments for damages beyond the original deposit.

Click the chat icon at the bottom-right of any page on help.bookradius.com, then click Contact Radius Support under "Create a ticket." Full walkthrough in How do I contact Radius?