Compare 7 security deposit alternative companies

Depending on where you live, security deposits range from the low end of $300 to a high end of $2000+. This can be a lot of money to come up with, especially if you are just starting out. A security deposit alternative product allows you to pay a monthly fee instead of the deposit, but there are pros and cons to the approach. Here’s what you need to know. 

What is a security deposit alternative service?

Security deposit alternative services include renter financial products such as:

• Surety bonds
• Deposit installment plans
• Rent guarantees
• Credit authorization services.

These alternatives don’t eliminate your responsibilities under the lease, but they can help you secure an apartment, condo, or house with less money upfront. Often called security deposit replacement services, these options serve as a substitute for a traditional security deposit, which is why they are sometimes called security deposit replacement services.

Types of security deposit alternatives

1. Surety bonds 

Companies that provide this service pay damages up to the established deposit amount, should the renter leave damages or default on the lease agreement. Some people refer to it as “insurance” but it is NOT insurance. (Or at least not insurance for you.).

In addition to the non-refundable monthly fees for one or more years, you are still responsible for a damage bill at the end of the lease, should there be any damages. 

Cost: Roughly 20-50% percent of the full deposit.

2. Security deposit installment agreements 

This agreement may allow you to pay the deposit over a few months or over the entire lease term. Some cities and states require that this is an option, so always check with your landlord.

Cost: Full security deposit in multiple payments, sometimes with a convenience fee added.

3. Rent guarantees 

Like a surety bond, the company, a third-party co-signer, guarantees to pay for damages should they occur (and other things, like missed rent). Rent guarantees can be difficult to qualify for and lead to a large expense for residents. 

Cost: Often a flat, up-front fee up to one month’s rent. 

4. Credit authorization services 

Similar to a hotel hold, credit authorization services basically take your bank information at move-in, and if there are any damages at move out, they charge your account up to a pre-established limit.

If you owe more than the limit, you can pay the extra charges in installments.

Cost: A percentage of your rental’s security deposit requirement

How does a security deposit alternative product compare to the traditional process of a security deposit?

Traditional security deposits and security deposit alternatives both satisfy your landlord’s need to have access to funds if you cause damages to the property or default on your lease.

For example, if you put a hole in the wall, the property manager would bill the deposit alternative service, and then the service would bill you (in addition to any monthly fees you’ve paid).

Or, if you skip out on your last month of rent, the service will pay your rent (up to the deposit amount) and then bill you.

Depending on the type of services used, here are a few advantages and disadvantages.

Security deposit alternative pros

• You don’t have to pay an upfront full deposit
• Some renters may qualify for a new apartment more easily

Security deposit alternative cons

• Fees you pay for the service are non-refundable
• You still have to pay for all damages and fees
• Some terms of the original lease may not apply
• Terms and rights may be confusing 

7 security deposit alternative products compared

We looked at seven popular products. Here’s the lowdown.

Security deposit alternative product	Pros	Cons
Roost	• Offers installment plans to pay your deposit over time • No credit check required • Each roommate can pay just their share • Deposits are refundable	• Still have to pay a full deposit at move in (or shortly after) • Not a deposit alternative
Assurant	• Upfront cost less than traditional deposit ($175 per $1,000) • Supports moving to other units in the same community • No monthly payments	• Non-refundable • Roommates also need to sign an agreement • Only available in specific communities
LeaseLock	• $0-deposit move-ins • Monthly fees can be as low as $30 for $2,500 in rent and $400 in damages • Payments included in the rent payment	• Non-refundable • Only available in large apartment communities • Landlord is the client • You get a bill at move-out for damages
Jetty	• Expensive, higher cost than most • One-time or monthly payments • Only landlord approval required	• Non-refundable • Only available in large apartment communities • Landlord is the client • You get a bill at move-out for damages
Obligo	• Puts a hold on your card for any charges at move-out • Monthly payments for service or one-time annual fee  • Allows installment payments for damages	• Non-refundable • Only available in specific communities • May require credit card, bank account and credit check • Auto-payments required
Realpage.com	• Rates as low as $10 per month – limited coverage/rent max • Low monthly rate or surety bond available • Only landlord approval required	• Non-refundable • Only available in communities using the parent company software • Landlord is the client
Rhino	• Only offers a lease guarantee product • One-time fee optional available	• Non-refundable • Credit and finances checked – may be hard to qualify • Limited availability and landlord is the client • You get a bill at move-out for damages
The Guarantors	• Offers both a lease guarantee and security deposit alternative product • Okay credit scores may be accepted	• Non-refundable • Only available in large apartment communities • Credit check required

How much does a security deposit alternative cost?

Security deposit companies most often charge a monthly fee or a one-time annual fee ranging from 17.5% to 20% of one months rent. The fee is calculated using a few factors: the amount of rent, amount of deposit, the creditworthiness of the renter, and the value of the property management client. 

Under the best conditions, assuming rent of $1500 per month, you may be paying as low as:

• $75 per month if the rate is five percent of rent.
• $262.50 at the beginning of the lease as a one-time fee.
• Rates may be as low as $20 per month if you live in a large apartment community.

One other important detail to note: A traditional deposit charges you an upfront deposit amount that covers your entire lease, over multiple years.

Security deposit alternatives often charge monthly fees throughout the first year and each renewal year, which can add up significantly over time. Be sure to read the fine print to understand the total non-refundable costs.

Can a security deposit alternative service help me save money?

Possibly. If you are renting for a short amount of time – it may cost you less than an upfront security deposit.

Ultimately you are adding another expense to your monthly budget and will have nothing at the end of the lease to use for your next apartment.  In addition, you will likely end up paying more in the end. That said, if you don’t have enough for a deposit, then it may be your only choice. 

For example, if your landlord charges the security deposit alternative service for $500 of damages, the service will pay your landlord $500. You will be responsible for paying the service back either all at once or in monthly installments, depending on your agreement.

If you have a dispute with your property, you have to settle the dispute with the property manager directly rather than with the security deposit service.

Everything you need to know about security deposits: Ultimate guide to security deposits for renters.

What to look for in a security deposit alternative product

Security deposit alternatives are currently offered in fewer than 15% of apartments nationwide. If your property does offer an alternative service in addition to a traditional refundable deposit, you’ll likely just have one option (vs all the options listed in the table above). 

When reviewing terms, read the details carefully and make sure the company is responsive to your questions. 

Before you sign, make sure you 100 percent understand:

• What happens if you end your lease early

• How damages may be paid after you move out

• What to do if you need to dispute charges

• Your monthly or yearly payment obligations 

• Any payment obligations for repaying payouts

• What happens if your lease agreement changes

• What the requirements are if you have roommates

If you do not understand these important topics, ask the service provider for clarification before you sign.

And keep in mind that your new landlord may not understand the agreement as well as the actual provider. It is much better to get the information you need from the original source.

How does a security deposit alternative work? 

Security deposit alternatives work by ensuring to your landlord that you’ll meet your deposit obligations. Like a co-signer, they are taking a risk for you. If you cause damage or miss rent, they guarantee to the landlord that they’ll get their money.

If you cause damage, they pay your landlord the requested damage balance for you. And then, you are obligated to the service to pay them back.

They can use legal means to obtain the money if needed. 

How do I apply for security deposit alternative services? 

In many large apartment communities, the property manager will offer these services to you.

Some services, such as Jetty, primarily work with the property manager to provide their applicants these services. 

What security deposit alternatives cover

They cover the same expenses a traditional deposit does, such as damages, back rent, legal fees, and unpaid utilities. Most limit payments to the original deposit amount.

For example, if your landlord charges the company $1750 in damages, but the initial deposit was $1500, they will only pay out $1500. Or, some offer different coverage amounts such as $2000, $3000, or even $5000.

In this scenario, the landlord would get $1750 if you have a $2000 coverage plan.

Either way, you are always obligated to pay the damages and fees charged to you by the security deposit alternative company. If you are approved, you’ll usually be notified within 24 hours.

How damages are covered

The security deposit alternative company pays the move-out costs for you directly to the property management company.

However, they do not dispute charges for you. If you need to dispute charges, you’ll have to take that up with the landlord or the local courts.

If you win your dispute, you are still not off the hook with the security deposit service. You have to recoup funds from the landlord directly. 

Is using a third party security deposit alternative product worth it?

It depends. If you cannot afford to pay the full deposit all at once, it can help you qualify to get the keys to your new home.

Additionally, if you can afford the traditional non-refundable deposit amount, but it would deplete your savings, it may also be worth it. It may not be worth it if you can easily pay the deposit. Another consideration is that payments are not refundable like a traditional deposit.

The downside is that these services are non-refundable. So any money you pay them you will not get back. If you can pay some deposit upfront, even in installments over time, a traditional refundable security deposit may be a better choice.

 
Security deposit alternatives FAQs

1. What happens if my landlord charges me for damages? 

Using a security deposit service, depending on the service, the landlord sends charges to the service, and then the service pays for the damages.

If the service has already paid your landlord, but there are additional fees, you may be obligated to pay the extra. If your landlord sends you a bill for damages, review your contract. 

2. How do I find a security deposit alternative?

The property management company will often offer you the option to use a security deposit replacement service when you apply for a new apartment.

In most cases, the landlord is the client, not you. If they do not provide this option, contact a service that operates in your area to obtain the information needed to help persuade the landlord to accept this type of security deposit alternative.

3. Do I have to have good credit to use a security deposit alternative service?

Many services will extend an offer to you if your landlord has already approved your credit and financial history. Some will review your credit. Your credit and financial history help them judge whether you are the type to skip out on bills or not.

4. What happens if I break the lease? 

If you end your lease early, you are still obligated to pay any damages charged to the security deposit company. Obligations may include rent due, damages to the unit, unpaid utilities, and legal fees.

5. Do security deposit alternatives affect my credit?

No. Most services only run a “soft” credit check, and you are not actually taking out a loan with them. If you end up owing the service money, and they pursue a garnishment against your wages, it will not show up on your credit. But it may create a situation that makes it hard to make payments towards debt that does appear on your credit.

6. How much rent or damage is covered?

The security deposit company does not pay more than what is agreed upon in the original contract. This may be the total amount of the standard security deposit. Or, it may be up to the limit of the “coverage,” which is usually $2000 to $5000. If the landlord requests more than the limits, you will be obligated to pay it along with what they paid out.

7. Do my roommates need to have their own security deposit alternative?

In most situations, you only need one security deposit alternative agreement. However, it is often only in one roommate’s name.

The landlord doesn’t care who caused the damage or moved out early; the lease still has to be satisfied. At the move-out time, the service may be charged, and the one holding the contract will have to pay back the amount paid to the landlord. This could become a potentially sticky situation with roommates.

Alternative security deposit services can help you get into a new apartment if you cannot or don’t want to pay the total deposit upfront. While services are not available everywhere, property management companies are increasingly working with these types of companies to help them decrease vacancies with minimal risk.