The Neighbor Backer is one of the most important concepts in VAKA. It works simply: if there is damage and your deposit isn't enough, a neighbor who trusts you answers for the difference, up to the amount they agreed to. All digital, all traceable.

When does it apply?

When the item's value exceeds the threshold for your trust level, VAKA asks you for a larger guarantee. You have two paths:

• Without a Backer: the security deposit rises to 50% of the item's value.
• With an active Neighbor Backer: the deposit drops to the 15% floor.

If the item is within your level's threshold, you don't need a Neighbor Backer — the normal deposit is enough.

How it's activated

1. When you book an item above the threshold, checkout offers you the Neighbor Backer option.
2. You choose a neighbor who meets the requirements: verified identity, rating ≥ 4.7 and at least 15 completed rentals.
3. VAKA sends them a formal consent with the maximum amount they would answer for.
4. The Neighbor Backer accepts. They are NOT charged anything at that moment: only if a claim is resolved against you and your deposit isn't enough are they charged the difference — up to the amount they consented to, never more.

How to protect your Neighbor Backer

• Only ask someone who trusts you. Family, your best friend, not a random person.
• Take care of the item and document everything. The handover and return photos are your best defense — and theirs.
• Their commitment ends with the rental. If the rental closes without a claim, the backing is released. And if they change their mind, they can withdraw an active backing.

Being someone's Neighbor Backer

Backing a neighbor is a vote of confidence with real consequences: if the claim goes ahead and the deposit isn't enough, you pay the difference up to the amount you consented to. Only accept it for people you truly know. You can have up to 3 active backings at a time.

Need a Neighbor Backer for your next rental? Learn more about the program.