Equipment Damage Protection

What Is Damage Protection?

Every rental on LendLocal includes a $100 refundable damage deposit collected at booking. This deposit acts as a security buffer — it's held during the rental and returned to the renter once the owner confirms the equipment was returned in good condition.

How the Deposit Works

• The $100 deposit is collected from the renter at checkout along with the rental cost.
• The deposit is held securely and not paid out to the owner.
• After the rental ends, the owner reviews the equipment condition.
• If no damage is found, the full $100 is refunded to the renter.
• If damage is reported and confirmed, some or all of the deposit may be forfeited to cover repair costs.

Reporting Damage

Either party — the owner or the renter — can file a damage report directly from the My Rentals page. When a report is filed, both parties are notified immediately via email and in-app notification. The deposit remains held while the situation is reviewed.

Dispute Resolution

• Both parties are encouraged to communicate directly via the Messages feature first.
• If an agreement can't be reached, LendLocal support can be contacted to mediate.
• Photographic evidence shared through messaging is strongly recommended.
• Final deposit decisions are made based on the evidence and communications provided.

Refund Timeline

Once the owner marks the rental as complete and confirms no damage, the deposit refund is processed immediately. Depending on your bank or card provider, funds typically appear within 5–10 business days.

Tips for Owners

• Take clear photos of your equipment before and after each rental.
• Document any pre-existing wear or cosmetic damage in your listing description.
• Communicate expectations clearly with the renter before pickup or delivery.
• Use the in-app messaging system to keep a record of all agreements.