Rental security deposit: what it is and why it matters
A security deposit is an amount agreed between the item owner and the renter, paid before pickup and returned at the end when the item comes back undamaged. It is not required on Alugoae, but it works as practical protection for both sides: the owner feels more comfortable lending something valuable, and the renter takes better care knowing that money is on the line.
Alugoae does not hold or intermediate the deposit. The arrangement is made directly between the parties, by Pix or cash at pickup, however both agree. That is why recording everything in the platform chat is the best way to have clear proof of what was agreed.
How much security deposit to charge by category
A workable benchmark is 20% to 50% of the item's replacement cost. For a Bosch impact drill worth R$ 500, for example, a deposit of R$ 100 to R$ 150 already covers serious scratches or a part that needs replacing. For cameras, drones or higher-value sound equipment, the percentage tends to go up because repair costs can easily exceed the daily rental rate.
- Tools (drill, rotary hammer): R$ 80 to R$ 200
- Parties and events (3x3 m canopy, speaker): R$ 150 to R$ 400
- Sports and leisure (SUP board, kayak): R$ 100 to R$ 300
- Electronics (camera, projector): R$ 200 to R$ 600
- Furniture (lounge set, bistro table): R$ 80 to R$ 150
How to agree on the deposit before accepting the booking
The best time to settle on a deposit is before the owner accepts the booking request. Use the Alugoae chat to ask for the exact amount, the payment method (instant Pix or cash at pickup) and the expected condition at return. The owner can include deposit rules in the listing, but spelling it out in the chat ensures both sides understand exactly what was agreed.
If the listing does not mention a deposit, ask directly: do you charge a deposit for this item? Many owners only charge for higher-value items or when they do not know the renter. An open conversation before the booking is accepted avoids surprises at pickup.
Chat history: the record that protects both sides
The Alugoae chat is saved in the booking history. Agreeing on the deposit amount, payment method and return deadline in writing creates a timestamped record for both sides. If a dispute arises later, that conversation is the main reference.
Taking photos of the item at handover and at return completes the protection. A photo with a visible date, taken before the item leaves the owner's hands, shows its original condition. The same photo at return documents what came back. This care applies to any category but matters most for electronics and high-value tools.
When to return the deposit
The deposit should be returned as soon as the item comes back in the agreed condition. On Alugoae, the owner confirms the return in the dashboard, which closes the rental. From that point, the deposit transfer by Pix usually happens on the same day. Keeping that pace protects the owner's reputation and leaves the renter happy to book again.
What to do if there is damage
If the item came back with a problem, document the damage in the chat with a photo and description before closing the conversation. Describe what was damaged, the estimated repair or replacement cost and what resolution you expect. Keeping the tone direct and respectful speeds up the outcome.
When the parties cannot reach an agreement, the Alugoae team can be contacted through the report button. The previously agreed deposit is the clearest benchmark for covering the damage: if the damage falls within that amount, resolution tends to be quick. For more expensive items, set a deposit that covers at least the cost of a representative repair.
Frequently asked questions
How does the security deposit work on Alugoae?
The deposit is an amount agreed between the owner and the renter, paid before pickup and returned when the item comes back undamaged. Alugoae does not hold the deposit: payment is arranged directly between the parties.
How much security deposit should I charge for an R$ 800 item?
A benchmark used by many owners is 20% to 50% of replacement cost. For an R$ 800 item, that would be R$ 160 to R$ 400, depending on the damage risk and how fragile the equipment is.
Is the owner required to return the deposit if there is no damage?
Yes. If the item came back in the agreed condition, the deposit must be returned in full. Recording the agreement in the chat before the booking is accepted is the safest way to have proof of what was agreed.
List your items on Alugoae and set the deposit amount that makes sense for each booking.