How does paying in installments work?

You have found the perfect accommodation, but would prefer not to pay for everything at once? Good news: on Roomlala, you can pay for your booking in several installments, at no extra cost. Here is how it works.

Am I eligible for payment in installments?

This option is offered to you automatically when your arrival date is sufficiently far in the future. The timeframe 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 anything for this booking, you will be offered the choice when you pay. For a stay of more than 45 nights, paying in installments applies to the first month of your payment schedule: subsequent months are paid as normal, on the scheduled dates.

How do I choose to pay in installments?

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

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

How is the payment split up?

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), and the balance 4 days before your arrival.

Firm policy: 3 payments

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

Moderate policy: 3 payments

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

Flexible policy: 2 payments

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

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

How much do I have to pay to book?

The first payment includes the booking fee and the 20% rent deposit. The fee corresponds to the Roomlala service charge: for a stay of 45 nights or less, it represents 20% of the total booking amount, with a minimum of €8. If you have no fee to pay (Premium Pass, or service fee 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 €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 "Payment schedule". There you will find the "Your payment schedule" section, with the following for each installment:

• Payment type: "Booking fee", "Rent deposit" or "Balance"
• Amount to be paid
• Status: "Paid" with the payment date, "Before [deadline]" or "Overdue"

A "Pay" button appears next to the next installment to be paid. Installments are paid in order, but nothing prevents you from paying the next one in advance.

What happens if I miss a deadline?

To help you avoid forgetting, Roomlala sends you a reminder by 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 installment 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 accommodation is made available for rent again.

My booking has been cancelled: can I reinstate it?

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

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

This refund is reserved for tenants who make a new booking for the same accommodation. The easiest way is, of course, to pay each installment before its deadline.

Are there any fees for paying in installments?

No. Paying in installments is free: the total amount is the same, whether you pay all at once or in several installments. No surcharge applies.

If you have any questions about your payment schedule, do not hesitate to contact our support team. We are here to help.