Renter checklist
Renter Safety Checklist
What to check before, during, and after renting in the Philippines.
A practical before/during/after checklist to help you avoid scams, hidden charges, advance and security-deposit confusion, and damage disputes. Built for Filipino renters and visitors: print it, save it as PDF, or work through it on your phone.
1. Before choosing a rental business
- I checked if the business page/profile looks real.
- I checked if the page has real posts, real photos, and real contact details.
- I checked reviews/comments for complaints about deposits, scams, or damage disputes.
- I compared the price with other similar rentals.
- I treated very cheap offers as a possible red flag.
- I confirmed the business location or pickup point.
- I saved screenshots of the business page and contact details.
- I avoided businesses that refuse to give clear details before payment.
- I read what the listing actually says was checked (self-reported, evidence uploaded, or reviewed by ConfirmPH), and I know 'not verified by ConfirmPH' does not mean illegal.
2. Before paying an advance or a security deposit
- I confirmed the exact rental item/vehicle/unit.
- I confirmed the rental date and time.
- I confirmed the return date and time.
- I confirmed the total price.
- I confirmed whether this is self-drive or with a driver, and any driver-service charge.
- I confirmed the advance/downpayment amount, and whether it is applied to the rental price and refundable if I cancel.
- I confirmed the refundable security deposit amount, the written conditions under which it can be applied, and when the rest is refunded.
- I confirmed cancellation rules.
- I confirmed late return fees.
- I confirmed what is included and not included.
- I asked for written booking confirmation.
- I saved the payment name, number, amount, date, and reference number.
- I was cautious about paying everything up front, especially with a business I could not check.
- I did not let pressure tactics force me to pay quickly.
3. Booking confirmation
- My booking confirmation includes my name.
- It includes the business name.
- It includes the item/vehicle/unit rented.
- It includes pickup/start date and time.
- It includes return/end date and time.
- It includes total price.
- It includes the advance/downpayment paid, the security deposit, and the remaining rental balance, listed separately.
- It includes the service mode and, for self-drive, who is authorized to drive.
- It includes pickup/meeting location.
- It includes cancellation or change rules, and which version of the terms I accepted.
- It includes contact person or emergency contact.
- I saved screenshots or a copy of the confirmation.
- I understand that 'yes sir confirmed' without details is weak proof.
4. Pickup / start of rental
- I inspected the rental before accepting it.
- I took photos of all sides.
- I took a video walkaround if vehicle/equipment.
- I recorded scratches, dents, cracks, missing parts, or stains.
- I checked that the item/vehicle/equipment works.
- I checked included accessories.
- For vehicle rentals, I photographed the fuel level.
- For vehicle rentals, I photographed the odometer.
- For vehicle rentals, I checked tires, lights and brakes, and the business could show me that the vehicle's registration and insurance are current for this rental.
- I checked whether ConfirmPH shows anything blocking release for this vehicle, such as a safety hold or a legal-readiness issue.
- For motorbike rentals, I checked helmet condition.
- I made sure existing damage was acknowledged in writing before leaving.
- I did not accept the rental without documenting the starting condition.
5. During the rental
- I kept all communication in writing when possible.
- I informed the business immediately if there was a problem.
- I sent photos/videos if damage, breakdown, accident, or failure happened.
- I did not hide problems from the business.
- I asked permission before repairs unless it was an emergency safety issue.
- I kept receipts for emergency expenses.
- I confirmed any rental extension in writing, and I accepted the updated booking or agreement version where one was issued: a Messenger message alone may not be enough.
- I confirmed any extra charges in writing.
- I saved important messages and screenshots.
6. Return, settlement and closure
- I returned the rental on time or confirmed extension in writing.
- I took photos/videos at return.
- I showed the return condition clearly.
- For vehicle rentals, I photographed the fuel level again.
- For vehicle rentals, I photographed the odometer again.
- I asked staff/owner to inspect while I was present.
- I asked for written return confirmation.
- I confirmed whether the security deposit will be returned in full, and by when.
- I saved proof of the security deposit being refunded, or of anything applied to it and the reason.
- I understand that returning the vehicle is not the same as the rental being closed: any charge, claim or dispute is settled after that.
- I did not leave without some proof that the rental was returned.
7. If damage is raised
- I stayed calm and kept communication written.
- I asked them to show the exact damage.
- I compared the damage with my pickup photos/videos.
- I asked when the damage was first noticed.
- I asked for evidence and cost breakdown.
- I understand that observed damage does not by itself establish who is responsible or how much is owed.
- I understand that acknowledging damage exists is different from agreeing to a claimed charge.
- I checked that any amount claimed follows my agreement, and I know an insurance deductible is not automatically my debt.
- I did not pay immediately under pressure.
- I saved all chats, photos, receipts, and confirmation details.
- If serious, I considered barangay/police/legal/insurance help depending on the situation.
- If the booking was handled through ConfirmPH, I kept the booking record available for reference.
8. Final proof to save
- Business name and contact details.
- Booking confirmation.
- Payment proof for the rental price and any advance/downpayment.
- Proof of the security deposit paid.
- Pickup photos/videos.
- Return photos/videos.
- Fuel/odometer proof if vehicle.
- Damage notes.
- Extension approvals.
- Receipts.
- Return confirmation.
- Proof of the security deposit refunded, or of what was applied to it and why.