Extend security deposit charge window and fix UI timing to respect property timezone
Problem statement
- The security deposit charge window is advertised as 48 hours, but the UI shows "Released" status before the actual release time, blocking the charge option early
- Hosts effectively have less than 48 hours to inspect properties and submit charge requests
- The release timing may not respect the property's timezone, causing deposits to release earlier than expected
Current workaround
- Hosts must rush to inspect properties and submit charges within approximately 24 hours
- Some hosts lose the ability to charge for legitimate damage because the UI blocks the option before the actual release time
Impact
- Cleaners need time to inspect properties and report issues
- Hosts need time to determine if damage is new or pre-existing
- Owners need time to decide whether to pursue charges
- Repair quotes must be obtained before submitting a charge request
- The current window makes it "virtually impossible" to complete this workflow in time
Proposed solution
- Extend the security deposit charge window to give hosts adequate time to inspect and process damage claims
- Fix the UI so the "Released" status doesn't block charging until the actual release time
- Ensure the 48-hour window respects the property's timezone, not UTC or another timezone
Unlock
- Hosts would have adequate time to properly inspect properties, get owner approval, and obtain repair quotes
- Reduced stress and operational friction for hosts managing damage claims
- Fairer process that aligns with the advertised 48-hour window
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Comments1
Abby Grous
May 25
Thanks for the feedback @Megan Blount | Hosted Havens. We currently have a bug that is causing the security deposit to be released 48 hours after checkout in UTC time, not the property local time. Our team will get that fixed!