Safety Tips
Follow these guidelines to rent safely on Ndolula
Your safety matters
Peer-to-peer rentals involve meeting in person and trusting someone with your belongings. These tips help protect both renters and owners. If something feels off, trust your instincts and report it.
Protect yourself when renting items
Always hand over in person
Never agree to collect items left unattended. Meet the owner face-to-face for pickup and return. This protects both parties and ensures the item's condition is witnessed.
Take photos before and after
Photograph the item from multiple angles when you pick it up and again when you return it. This is your best protection if there is a dispute about condition.
Communicate through the platform
Keep all rental communication within Ndolula messaging. This creates a record that can be referenced if any issues arise. Avoid moving to personal texts or calls.
Return items on time
Respect the agreed return date and time, then mark the item returned in the app so the owner can confirm it and your bond hold is released. If you need more time, contact the owner to arrange an extension before the rental ends.
Report damage immediately
If something goes wrong during the rental — the item breaks, gets damaged, or a part is missing — let the owner know straight away through the platform. Honesty leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Protect yourself and your items
Document item condition before every rental
Take clear, well-lit photos of your item from multiple angles before each handover. Focus on any existing wear, screens, edges, and moving parts. These photos are essential if you need to make a damage claim.
Set an appropriate bond
Set a bond that reflects the value of your item and the cost of potential repairs. A bond that is too low may not cover damage, while a bond that is too high may discourage renters. Consider the item's replacement cost.
Always hand over in person
Never leave items unattended for pickup. Always hand items over in person so both parties can confirm condition at the point of exchange. Ndolula cannot verify condition for unattended exchanges.
Add care instructions to your listing
Include clear care and usage instructions on your listing (e.g., 'Keep dry', 'Clean before returning', 'Do not disassemble'). These set expectations and help renters look after your items.
Confirm returns within 24 hours
When a renter marks your item returned, inspect it and confirm in the app. You have 24 hours: after that the return is accepted automatically, the bond is released, and you can no longer raise a claim.
Report non-returns immediately
If a renter has not returned your item, email support@okonomi.com.au straight away. The in-app claim only becomes available once a renter marks the item returned, so an overdue item needs a person rather than the app.
Warning signs to watch out for
- !Requests to pay outside the Ndolula platform
- !Rental rates that seem too good to be true
- !Pressure to skip the in-person handover
- !Owners who refuse to provide additional photos or details
- !Requests for personal information beyond what is needed
- !Users who want to communicate outside the platform
- !Listings with stock photos instead of real item photos
If you encounter suspicious activity, please report it or contact us at support@okonomi.com.au