What Waivo Does
Waivo is a damage protection service designed specifically for short-term rentals. It replaces the traditional security deposit model with a non-refundable damage waiver fee paid by guests at checkout. In exchange, Waivo provides coverage for accidental damage up to a set limit per stay.
For guests, a damage waiver is usually preferable to a security deposit. A deposit temporarily freezes funds in their account (sometimes for days after checkout), while a waiver is a flat, predictable fee with no surprise deductions afterward. For hosts, Waivo provides coverage without the friction of holding and releasing deposits manually.
Waivo is currently available for direct bookings through your Futurestay booking site. It does not apply to Airbnb, Vrbo, or other channel bookings, which have their own damage protection policies.
How It Works as an Alternative to Security Deposits
Traditional security deposit flow: guest pays a deposit at booking, host reviews the property after checkout, host releases the deposit (or files a deduction request), funds are returned to the guest. This process takes days, requires manual review, and creates friction for both parties.
Waivo flow: guest pays a small non-refundable waiver fee at checkout. If damage occurs, the host files a claim with Waivo directly. Waivo reimburses the host up to the coverage limit. The guest’s payment method is not charged again after checkout.
The waiver fee amount and coverage limit depend on the Waivo plan you select.
How to Enable Waivo
- Go to Integrations > Waivo in your Futurestay account.
- Click Connect and complete Waivo’s onboarding to create your Waivo account or link an existing one.
- Select the coverage level you want to offer. Waivo offers different tiers with different fee amounts and coverage limits.
- Choose which properties should have Waivo enabled.
Once enabled, Waivo appears automatically as a line item on your direct booking checkout page. Guests see the waiver fee as part of their total, alongside the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and taxes.
Filing a Damage Claim
If a guest causes damage after a stay:
- Document the damage with photos immediately after checkout.
- Log into your Waivo account and submit a claim with the documentation and an itemized cost estimate.
- Waivo reviews the claim and reimburses you up to your coverage limit.
Claims must be filed within the window specified in your Waivo plan (typically within a few days of checkout). Keep documentation from post-checkout inspections for every stay as a habit, not just when you notice damage.
What Waivo Does Not Cover
Waivo covers accidental damage, not intentional destruction, theft, or normal wear and tear. It also does not cover damage from pets unless you have a pet-specific coverage add-on. Review Waivo’s coverage terms when setting up your account so you understand the limits before a claim situation arises.