Everything you need to know about the holding deposit — what it is, when it is refundable, and how it applies.
Effective Date: April 22, 2026 · Version 2.0
When you are selected based on your application, you may be asked to pay a holding deposit. The holding deposit temporarily reserves the property and removes it from active availability while your lease agreement is being finalized.
Without a holding deposit, the property remains available to other approved applicants. Holding requests are time-sensitive and typically must be completed within 24 to 48 hours.
This fee is fully credited toward your move-in costs — it is not an additional charge.
The holding deposit amount is communicated to you in writing by the Choice Properties team upon approval. The amount varies by property.
The holding deposit is fully credited toward your move-in costs (typically applied to your security deposit) when your lease is executed. This is confirmed in writing in your lease agreement before you sign — it is not an additional charge on top of your move-in total.
The holding deposit refund eligibility depends on the timing of your request relative to payment:
| Timing | Refund Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Within 24 hours of payment | Full refund available upon request |
| 24 to 48 hours after payment | Partial refund may be available — reviewed case by case |
| After 48 hours, or after lease is executed | Generally non-refundable |
All refund decisions are reviewed by Choice Properties staff. The above are guidelines, not guarantees. Circumstances such as landlord withdrawal, material misrepresentation in the listing, or other platform-side errors may make the deposit refundable regardless of timing.
If you pay the holding deposit and then decline to sign the lease without a valid reason, the deposit may be forfeited. Choice Properties will review the circumstances before making a final determination.
Once the lease has been fully executed by all parties, the holding deposit is no longer refundable. From that point, it is governed by the terms of your lease agreement.
All properties listed on the platform are expected to accurately reflect their condition, features, and details. If, before your lease is finalized, the property is found to differ significantly from what was listed — including material misrepresentation of size, condition, amenities, or availability — you may be eligible for a full refund of your holding deposit.
Refund requests on this basis must be submitted to support@choiceproperties.com with a description of the discrepancy. All requests are reviewed promptly and treated fairly.
Upon selection, you will be given a specific timeframe to complete your holding deposit payment — typically 24 to 48 hours. This window is communicated to you in writing. If payment is not received within the stated timeframe, the property may be released and made available to other approved applicants, since units are offered on a first-completion basis. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the Choice Properties team — contact us if you need more time.
Choice Properties staff retain the authority to approve refunds outside of standard timelines at their discretion in cases of documented hardship, error, or extenuating circumstances.
For holding deposit questions: support@choiceproperties.com or 707-706-3137 (text only).