Legal

Deposit & Refund Policy

How refundable deposits work on every Lend Me rental, plus the stricter rules for high-value and luxury items.

Standard rentals

Standard rentals on Lend Me may include an optional refundable damage deposit set by the Lender. The deposit is collected and refunded directly between the Lendee and the Lender — Lend Me does not hold or process deposit funds at this time. When the deposit is FULLY REFUNDED • The item is returned on or before the booking end time. • The item is returned in the same condition it was lent, accounting for ordinary wear and tear. • All accessories, cases, cables, and parts originally provided are returned. When the deposit may be PARTIALLY WITHHELD • Minor cosmetic damage that does not affect function (the Lender should withhold only the reasonable cost of repair or cleaning). • A missing low-value accessory that can be replaced. • A late return of a few hours that did not impact another booking (a reasonable late fee may apply). When the deposit is FORFEITED IN FULL • The item is lost, stolen, or not returned. • The item is damaged beyond ordinary wear and tear and cannot reasonably be repaired. • The item is returned late beyond the booking end time without the Lender's written agreement and that lateness prevents another rental. • The item is sublet, resold, or transferred to anyone else during the rental. Disputes The Lender and Lendee will attempt to resolve any deposit dispute directly and in good faith. Either party may report fraud or policy violations using the Report button on the listing. Lend Me is not a party to the rental and is not an escrow or insurer.

High-value & Luxury rentals

High-value rentals (declared value $500+, or any item in the Luxury category — designer bags, designer shoes, watches, fine jewelry, collectibles, premium electronics) carry a stricter deposit policy in addition to the standard rules above. Minimum refundable deposit • Standard high-value ($100–$499 declared value): at least 25% of declared value. • Premium tier ($500–$1,999 declared value): at least 50% of declared value. • Ultra tier ($2,000+ declared value): 100% of declared value. When the FULL deposit is REFUNDED • Item returned on time, in the original condition, with all accessories, packaging, dust bag, authentication card, receipt copy, or serial-number sticker that were provided at handoff. • No signs of tampering, repair attempts, swapping, or counterfeiting. When the deposit may be PARTIALLY WITHHELD • Light cleaning required (e.g. shoe scuffs, surface marks) that can be professionally cleaned. The Lender should withhold only the actual cost of professional cleaning or minor repair, with a receipt provided on request. When the FULL deposit is FORFEITED • Any damage beyond ordinary wear that affects the item's function, appearance, or resale value. • The item is lost, stolen, or not returned by the booking end time. • Any sign of substitution (a different item, parts swap, or look-alike returned in place of the original). • Any sign of tampering or attempted counterfeiting (e.g. swapped serials, removed authentication tags, fake accessories returned). • The item is sublet, lent, resold, pawned, or transferred to anyone else during the rental. • Late return that prevents another booking, or refusal to return the item. Above the deposit If actual loss to the Lender exceeds the deposit (for example, total loss of an Ultra-tier item), the Lender may pursue the Lendee directly for the difference. The Lendee agreed to the declared value when they accepted the booking. Disputes and reporting The parties resolve disputes directly. Lend Me reviews any report of counterfeiting, substitution, or fraud; confirmed counterfeit activity results in permanent account removal and may be reported to brand-protection authorities.