How refundable deposits work

Owners can choose to hold a refundable deposit on the renter's card when a booking is accepted. It sits as an authorization on the card — not a charge — and is released on a clean return.

The owner picks the tier when they list the item:

• None — no deposit; damage claims are waived.
• Low — $25 flat, for durable or low-risk gear.
• Standard — 25% of replacement value (min $25, max $500).
• High — 2× standard, capped at $1,000, for fragile or valuable items.

The deposit is authorized at booking and released within a few days of a clean return. Exact timing depends on the renter's bank — typically 3–7 business days.

If the item is returned damaged beyond normal wear, the owner has 72 hours after return to file a claim with:

• Photos of the damage (minimum 2), alongside pickup photos taken before the rental started.
• A written description of what happened.
• A repair estimate or receipt, or a purchase receipt if the item is a total loss.

Claims are capped at the deposit amount on file. Owners cannot recoup more than what was held.

When a claim is filed, the renter has 72 hours to accept it or contest it. Accepting deducts the claimed amount from the deposit and refunds the rest. Contesting sends the case to Cache mediation — no funds move until it's resolved.

Items listed without a deposit cannot be damage-claimed. Owners accept normal wear-and-tear risk in exchange for a friendlier booking flow.