How much is the short-term rental deposit?

Deposit amounts vary a lot depending on the platform and contract.

Samsam M2 has a fixed deposit of ₩330,000.
plott LIFE managed listings have ₩0 deposit. (Private hosts may require a deposit.)
Standard studio monthly rents usually need ₩5,000,000–₩10,000,000 as a deposit.
Using a short-term rental platform can cut deposit burden to less than one-tenth of regular monthly rent.

Why are short-term rental deposits lower than regular monthly rent deposits?

Regular monthly rent deposits serve as security for unpaid rent or restoration costs.
The longer the contract, the higher the risk of nonpayment, so deposits are larger.
Short-term rentals have shorter contracts, and platforms like Samsam M2 and plott LIFE hold deposits in escrow.
Because the platform handles payments and holds the deposit, owners can operate with lower deposits.

Short-term rental deposit comparison by platform

Source: Samsam M2 · plott LIFE official websites (as of 2025)

Zero-deposit short-term rentals—are they real?

Yes. plott LIFE is a short-term rental platform that lets you move in without a deposit.

All utilities and fees—maintenance, electricity, gas, water, internet—are included in the monthly rent, so your only upfront cost is the rent.
This is especially helpful for business trips, job moves, or gaps between moves when locking up a deposit is a hardship.

When will I get my short-term rental deposit back?

Platforms like Samsam M2 manage deposits in escrow.
After move‑out and a condition check, the deposit is returned.
Return times vary by platform, so check before you sign.
If you contract directly with a private owner, be sure the return timing and conditions are clearly written in the contract.

Who benefits most from low short-term deposits

① Business travelers / assignees

If your long-term deposit is already tied up, paying another deposit for short-term housing is a burden.
Zero-deposit or ₩330,000 platforms are a realistic option.

② Between moves

When the timing of getting your old deposit and paying a new one overlaps,lower short-term deposits make cash flow easier.

③ Temporary stay for job change or transfer

When you want to try a new area before signing a long-term lease, minimizing upfront cost is important.

FAQ — Common questions about short-term rental deposits

Q. How much is the short-term rental deposit?

A. It depends on the platform. Samsam M2 has a fixed deposit of ₩330,000.
plott LIFE managed listings have ₩0 deposit. (Private hosts may require a deposit.)
Compared to standard studio monthly deposits (₩5,000,000–₩10,000,000), the burden is much lower.

Q. Are there short-term rentals with no deposit?

A. Yes. plott LIFE managed listings let you move in with no deposit.
Utilities and bills are included in the rent, so your only upfront cost is the rent.

Q. Why is the Samsam M2 deposit ₩330,000?

A. Samsam M2 holds the deposit in escrow on the platform.
It’s returned after the property condition check following move-out.
Unlike regular monthly deposits, the owner does not hold it directly.

Source: Samsam M2 official website (as of 2025)

Q. What if I don’t get my deposit back?

A. If you booked through a platform like Samsam M2 or plott LIFE, you can ask the platform to mediate.
If it’s a private direct contract, return terms must be in the contract to pursue legal action.
For any deposit-required booking, using a platform contract is safer.

Q. Is zero deposit safe?

A. Zero-deposit models work because the platform verifies owners and ensures contract safety.
plott LIFE offers a safe contract structure even without a deposit.

Short-term rental deposits range from ₩0 to ₩330,000 depending on the platform.

If you want to lower upfront costs, compare options on short-term rental platforms like Samsam M2 and plott LIFE first.

plott LIFE — zero-deposit short-term rentals with managed listings

₩0 deposit · weekly contracts · all-inclusive rent · fully furnished studios

When looking for zero-deposit short-term rentals, start with plott LIFE.