How does paying in instalments work?

You have found the perfect place, but would rather not pay for everything in one go? Good news: on Roomlala, you can pay for your booking in instalments, at no extra cost. Here is how it works.

Am I eligible for payment in instalments?

This option is offered to you automatically when your arrival date is sufficiently far in the future. The time frame depends on the cancellation policy chosen by the host:

• Firm policy: your arrival must be at least 33 days away.
• Moderate or flexible policy: your arrival must be at least 7 days away.

If this condition is met and you have not yet paid for this booking, the choice will be offered to you at the time of payment. For a stay of more than 45 nights, payment in instalments applies to the first month of your schedule: subsequent months are paid as normal, on the scheduled dates.

How do I choose to pay in instalments?

From your Inbox, open the conversation with the host, then click on "Proceed to payment". The "Payment method" section offers you two options:

• Pay in instalments: you pay the booking fee and an initial 20% deposit of the rent now, then the rest according to a schedule.
• Pay in one go: you pay the full amount immediately.

Payment in instalments is selected by default. Check the schedule displayed just below, then click on the "Pay [amount] to book" button. This first payment confirms your booking.

How is the payment split?

The principle is simple: you pay an initial deposit when booking, a second deposit before the listing's cancellation deadline (for firm and moderate policies), then the balance 4 days before your arrival.

Firm policy: 3 payments

• At the time of booking: the booking fee and a 20% deposit of the rent, paid in a single payment.
• At the latest 32 days before your arrival: a second 40% deposit of the rent.
• At the latest 4 days before your arrival: the balance, i.e., the remaining 40% of the rent, any cleaning or additional tenant fees, and the tourist tax if it applies.

Moderate policy: 3 payments

• At the time of booking: the booking fee and a 20% deposit of the rent, paid in a single payment.
• At the latest 16 days before your arrival: a second 40% deposit of the rent.
• At the latest 4 days before your arrival: the balance, i.e., the remaining 40% of the rent, any cleaning or additional tenant fees, and the tourist tax if it applies.

Flexible policy: 2 payments

• At the time of booking: the booking fee and a 20% deposit of the rent, paid in a single payment.
• At the latest 4 days before your arrival: the balance, i.e., the remaining 80% of the rent, any cleaning or additional tenant fees, and the tourist tax if it applies.

If your arrival is soon, the second deposit may be grouped with the first payment: you then pay the fee and 60% of the rent upon booking, then the balance 4 days before your arrival. The schedule displayed before paying always shows you the exact amounts and dates.

How much do I need to pay to book?

The first payment includes the booking fee and the 20% rent deposit. The fee corresponds to the Roomlala service charges: for a stay of 45 nights or less, it represents 20% of the booking amount, with a minimum of €8. If you have no fee to pay (Premium Pass, or service fees covered by the host), your first payment is limited to the 20% deposit.

An example with rent of €600 and a firm policy:

• At the time of booking: €240, i.e., €120 in fees and a €120 deposit (20%)
• 32 days before arrival: €240 deposit (40%)
• 4 days before arrival: €240 balance (40%)

That is €720 in total, exactly the same amount as if you had paid everything in one go.

Where can I view my payment schedule?

Once your booking is confirmed, open the conversation with the host in your Inbox, then click on "Schedule". You will find the "Your payment schedule" section there, with, for each instalment:

• The payment type: "Booking fee", "Rent deposit" or "Balance"
• The amount to be paid
• The status: "Paid" with the payment date, "Before the [deadline]" or "Late"

A "Pay" button appears next to the next instalment to be paid. The instalments are paid in order, but there is nothing to stop you from paying the next one in advance.

What happens if I miss a deadline?

To help you avoid any oversights, Roomlala sends you a reminder via email, SMS, and notification 7 days and 3 days before each deadline, as well as a final reminder on the day itself.

Please note: if an instalment is still not paid by its deadline, your booking is automatically cancelled the following day. This cancellation is treated as a cancellation on your part: the listing's cancellation conditions apply to the sums already paid, and the property is made available for rent again.

My booking has been cancelled: can I reinstate it?

A booking cancelled due to an unpaid instalment cannot be reactivated. Don't panic: you can still secure your accommodation in three steps.

• Discuss it with the host from your Inbox: it is up to them to decide whether or not to accept a new booking.
• Make a new booking for this property and pay for it.
• Once this new booking is confirmed, contact our support team: we will refund the instalments already paid on the cancelled booking.

This refund is reserved for tenants who make a new booking for the same property. The simplest solution remains, of course, to pay each instalment before its deadline.

Are there any fees for paying in instalments?

No. Payment in instalments is free: the total amount is the same whether you pay in one go or in several instalments. No surcharge applies.

If you have the slightest question about your schedule, do not hesitate to contact our support team. We are here to help you.