Why do I need to pay a security deposit?
Updated: February 2026 - MiTuCasa Team
Important: terms valid only for direct MiTuCasa bookings
The terms described on this page apply EXCLUSIVELY to bookings made directly on MiTuCasa.com for apartments managed directly by MiTuCasa. If you book through third-party platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, other OTAs) or for apartments managed by external partners, deposit policies may be completely different. Each platform applies its own rules: different deposit amounts (€300-1,500 fixed), different refund timelines (up to 30 days), different payment methods, different dispute procedures. Always check the specific terms of the platform you are booking through.
The security deposit required by MiTuCasa is a standard guarantee in the tourism industry that protects both the Manager and the guest. The amount is calculated at €100 per night of stay, with a maximum of €300 (example: 2 nights = €200 deposit, 3+ nights = €300 deposit). The deposit allows the Manager to keep the apartments in good condition, repairing or replacing damaged items when necessary, and ensuring adequate living standards for all guests. This security deposit is charged to your credit card at check-in and refunded via the same payment method within 7-10 business days of check-out, provided the apartment is returned in the same condition as at handover. The deposit is not an additional cost but a temporarily held amount that ensures clear and transparent procedures for handling any damages.
What the security deposit is and how it works
MiTuCasa requires a deposit calculated based on the length of stay: €100 per booked night, with a maximum cap of €300 even for longer stays. This deposit is intended solely to cover any property damage, loss of items, or serious regulation violations. The amount is automatically refunded within 7-10 days of check-out using the same payment method, provided the apartment is returned in order, undamaged, and with all contractual conditions respected.
- 1 night = €100 deposit
- 2 nights = €200 deposit
- 3+ nights = €300 deposit (maximum applicable)
Why the security deposit is a benefit for you as a guest
The deposit is a mutual protection that ensures adequate living standards. Here are the concrete advantages of the deposit system:
Guaranteed routine maintenance
The deposit allows the Manager to address functional damage without delay: broken appliances are replaced, missing kitchenware is restocked, damaged locks are repaired. Essential repairs for habitability are carried out promptly, ensuring you have a fully functional apartment with everything you need for your stay.
Priority repairs for serious damage
Major damage that compromises usability (broken washer, non-functioning fridge, broken window) is repaired as a priority because the Manager has immediate financial coverage. Without a deposit, many owners would delay costly repairs, meaning you could arrive to find an apartment with functional problems.
Consistent living standards
Apartments with a deposit system maintain more consistent living standards over time. The Manager can afford quality appliances and decent furnishings because they are financially protected. Minor signs of wear (light scratches, normal use) are acceptable and are not charged, but the apartment remains functional and clean for all guests.
Shared responsibility
The deposit encourages respectful behavior from all guests, knowing that deliberate damage or negligence will be charged. This creates a better-maintained environment: those who cause damage pay for it, those who respect the apartment receive a full refund. The system rewards responsible behavior and protects the next guest.
How the credit card charge works
The deposit amount is charged to your credit card at check-in. Here is the complete process:
- At check-in: The deposit (€100-300 based on the number of nights) is charged to the credit card you provided. This charge appears immediately on your statement as a completed transaction
- During your stay: The amount is debited from your account and is no longer available for spending
- At check-out (if no damage): The Manager processes a full refund of the deposit amount
- Within 7-10 business days: You receive the credit back to your bank account via the same payment method (banking circuit processing times)
Security deposit payment in special cases
In exceptional situations (technical issues with credit card, guests without a card, specific arrangements with the Manager), it is possible to pay the deposit in cash. In this case:
- Payment: Cash deposit amount (€100-300 based on the number of nights) paid at the Property at check-in
- Refund: Bank transfer refund within 7 business days of check-out if no damage
- Management fees: The Property may retain 5% of the amount to cover administrative costs and bank transfer fees
- Deposit €100 (1 night) - fees €5 - refund €95
- Deposit €200 (2 nights) - fees €10 - refund €190
- Deposit €300 (3 nights) - fees €15 - refund €285
When and how the security deposit is refunded
At check-out, the Manager performs a quick inspection of the apartment (15-30 minutes). If everything is in order:
| Stay length | Deposit | Card charge (standard method) |
Cash (special cases) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 night | €100 | Refund in 7-10 days Fee: €0 |
Refund €95 (€5 management fee) |
| 2 nights | €200 | Refund in 7-10 days Fee: €0 |
Refund €190 (€10 management fee) |
| 3+ nights | €300 | Refund in 7-10 days Fee: €0 |
Refund €285 (€15 management fee) |
In the case of minor damage reported promptly by the guest, a 20% discount is applied on the repair cost as recognition of the transparency shown, and the remaining amount (deposit minus discounted damage cost) is refunded.
What the security deposit covers
The deposit is intended to protect the property from:
- Significant functional damage: Broken appliances, damage to fixtures, broken windows, damaged locks
- Substantial aesthetic damage: Large permanent stains on fabrics/sofas, deep or highly visible scratches on furniture (over 10 cm), holes or major wall damage
- Loss of keys or devices: Remote controls, access badges, apartment or garage keys
- Serious regulation violations: Smoking in non-smoking areas (fine €50-200), unauthorized parties, undeclared extra guests
- Extraordinary cleaning: Only if the apartment is left in significantly worse condition than at handover
The overall damage cap is set at €5,000, but the deposit (€100-300) covers the vast majority of real-world cases (minor accidental damage under €300).
What the security deposit does NOT cover (ordinary wear and tear)
The deposit is not withheld for normal signs of use:
- Ordinary aesthetic wear: Minor scratches on furniture from daily use (1-3 cm), light marks on walls, flooring worn in traffic areas, slightly worn handles
- Ordinary fabric deterioration: Fading of sheets/towels from repeated washing, minor imperfections not visible to the naked eye
- Standard cleaning: Final cleaning is always included in the stay price
- Pre-existing damage: Defects already present and documented at check-in (which is why it is important to report them)
- Non-attributable technical failures: Appliance or system malfunctions from natural wear without guest negligence
- Theft suffered: The deposit does not cover theft of the guest's personal belongings
- NOT chargeable: Small scratch (1-2 cm) on furniture from normal use, light mark on wall from accidental brushing, wardrobe door slightly loose from use
- CHARGEABLE: Deep scratch (10+ cm) on sofa from a sharp object, permanent red wine stain on light-colored fabric, wardrobe door torn off from violent slamming, cigarette burn on furniture/fabrics
The general rule: if the damage is visible, compromises aesthetics or functionality, and could have been avoided with normal care, it will be charged. Minor signs of use from normal apartment use are accepted.
Transparent procedure for any withholding
If damage is found during the check-out inspection, MiTuCasa follows a clear and documented procedure:
- Photo documentation: Detailed photos of the damage are taken immediately and sent to the guest by email
- Repair estimate: An official estimate from a third-party supplier or a purchase receipt for the replacement item is sent within 3 days
- Guest confirmation: The guest signs a liability form at check-out authorizing the agreed withholding, or has 7 days to dispute it
- Proportional withholding:
- Card charge: Only the remaining amount after deducting the damage cost is refunded (example: damage €150, deposit €300 - €150 refunded, €150 withheld for damage)
- Cash: The damage amount is deducted from the deposit already paid; the remainder is refunded by bank transfer minus the 5% management fee
- If damage exceeds the deposit: A request for the remaining balance is issued (example: damage €600, deposit €300 - no refund plus an additional €100 requested)
20% discount for timely damage reporting
If the guest immediately informs the Manager of an accidental damage (broken glass, sofa stain, minor malfunction), MiTuCasa automatically applies a 20% discount on the repair or replacement cost. This policy rewards transparency and honest communication, making it beneficial for the guest to report issues right away rather than hide them.
Deposit vs other platforms: comparison
Important: this table refers ONLY to direct MiTuCasa bookings
The advantages highlighted in the "MiTuCasa" column are valid exclusively for bookings made directly on MiTuCasa.com. If you book through Booking.com, Airbnb, or other platforms - even for MiTuCasa apartments - the deposit policies of the booking platform apply, not those described here.
| Aspect | MiTuCasa (direct booking) |
Booking.com | Airbnb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit amount | €100/night (max €300) | €200-1,000 (varies by hotel) | €300-1,500 (varies by host) |
| Payment method | Card charge with refund (cash only in exceptional cases) | Varies by property | Card charge or withheld from payment |
| Refund timeline | 7-10 days (card) 7 days (cash) |
7-14 days (varies) | 14 days from check-out |
| Management fees | €0 card charge 5% cash (€5-25) |
€0 generally | €0 |
| Damage inspection | At check-out with guest present | After check-out (no guest present) | Within 48h (no guest present) |
| Dispute procedure | Direct with Manager (response within 24h) | Through platform (5-10 days) | Through Resolution Center (up to 30 days) |
| Damage reporting discount | ✓ 20% on repairs | ✗ No discount | ✗ No discount |
| Cost transparency | ✓ Estimates + detailed photos | ~ Varies by property | ~ Depends on host |
| Proportional amount | ✓ €100/night (fair for stay length) | ~ Fixed regardless of stay length | ~ Fixed regardless of stay length |
MiTuCasa Insurance: an alternative to the security deposit
For guests who prefer not to have the deposit charged to their credit card, MiTuCasa offers an optional insurance policy at €60 per person that includes, among other coverages, a €250 deductible for structural damage. This option is particularly convenient for:
- Large groups: For 4 people (€240 total insurance) you avoid having €200-300 charged to your card, with damage coverage up to €1,000 total (€250 x 4 people)
- Those with low card limits: If your card has a €1,000 limit and charging €200-300 creates difficulties for other travel expenses
- Long stays: For stays over 5 nights, the deposit is fixed at €300 but the insurance remains €60/person regardless of duration
- Travelers with children: Higher risk of accidental damage; the insurance deductible covers small incidents without worry
MiTuCasa Insurance also includes flexible cancellation beyond the standard 15-day window, 24/7 assistance, free luggage storage, and medical expense coverage (€250/person). Full coverage details.
Frequently asked questions about the security deposit
The deposit protects you and ensures living standards
The deposit is a mutual protection tool that ensures adequate functionality and maintenance:
Benefits for you as a guest:
- Functional apartment: Working appliances, functioning systems, complete furnishings
- Priority repairs: Major breakdowns resolved promptly thanks to financial coverage
- Complete kitchenware/linen: Sets restocked if damaged by previous guests
- Consistent standards: Living quality maintained over time, not degraded
- Shared responsibility: Those who cause damage pay, those who respect the apartment receive a full refund
- Proportional amount: €100/night (fair for short stays)
Procedural guarantees:
- Clear amount: €100-300 based on the number of nights, transparent maximum
- No charge for normal wear: Minor signs of use accepted (95%+ of cases)
- Transparent procedure: Photos + official estimates for any damage
- Right to dispute: 7 days to contest unjust withholding
- 20% discount: If you report accidental damage yourself
- €0 fees: With card charge (recommended method)
In 95%+ of cases the deposit is refunded in full within 7-10 days of check-out. The deposit ensures apartments are well maintained and functional, though they may show normal signs of everyday use (minor scratches, slight imperfections) that do not compromise comfort or habitability.
Remember: terms valid only for direct bookings
All terms described on this page (€100/night max €300 amount, 7-10 day refund, 20% damage reporting discount, transparent procedure) apply exclusively to bookings made directly on MiTuCasa.com. If you book through Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, or other third-party platforms - even for MiTuCasa apartments - the deposit policies of the booking platform apply, which may involve different amounts, different timelines, and different procedures.
MiTuCasa's deposit requirement follows international tourism industry standards and represents mutual protection: it ensures each apartment is kept in good functional condition with timely intervention on breakdowns and significant damage. The €100/night (max €300) system is fair and proportional to the length of stay. Credit card charge with refund is the most convenient and cost-effective method (€0 fees), while cash is available only in special cases with a 5% management fee. In 95% of cases the deposit is fully refunded because normal signs of use are not charged - only evident damage avoidable with ordinary care. The deposit system allows the Manager to maintain consistent living standards by intervening on functional issues without delay. For guests who prefer not to have funds held on their card, MiTuCasa Insurance is an alternative with additional coverages.