Frequently asked questions

Tavaa is an app for lending and renting out items. Two modes: lend to friends for free and keep track of who has what with a QR code, or rent out to strangers for money — with a deposit, identity check and automatic payout via Stripe.

Not to lend to friends — you can use the app anonymously or sign in optionally. You only need an account and a one-time Stripe verification if you want to rent out for money and receive payouts.

For new rentals, renters pay 5% on top of the rental price. Owners pay 10%, deducted from their payout. Lending to friends stays free. Existing bookings retain their agreed fees.

There are apps for iOS and Android plus a web version. Your inventory and rentals stay in sync across all your devices.

You simply take a photo. Photo recognition suggests the title and description automatically — from a power drill to your kids' toys. You don't type anything, just confirm.

Pick the person and the item (from your inventory or via a photo). Optionally stick the QR code on it. Whoever borrows it confirms the pickup with a scan — no sign-up needed. You always see who has what and get a return reminder. It's free.

No. The person borrowing from you needs neither the app nor an account. Pickup and return run through a sign-up-free page opened via QR code or link.

The QR code links the physical item to its entry in the app. It's scanned at handover and return — so it's always clear who currently has the item, without anyone having to type anything.

Yes, free forever — including unlimited inventory, QR tracking, photo recognition and return reminders. Tavaa earns nothing in friends mode.

You always see in the app who has which item and for how long, and you get automatic return reminders you can forward to them. There's no financial protection in the free friends mode like there is when renting out — here it's about trust.

For new rentals, renters pay 5% on top of the rental price. Owners pay 10%, deducted from their payout. Lending to friends stays free. Existing bookings retain their agreed fees.

For new rentals, renters pay 5% on top of the rental price. Owners pay 10%, deducted from their payout. Lending to friends stays free. Existing bookings retain their agreed fees.

For daily rentals up to seven days, the deposit is held on your card. For longer daily rentals and monthly rentals, it is charged at handover and submitted for refund after the item is returned without a dispute. Your bank may take several days to process it.

You can rent for individual days or several months. Daily rentals can last up to 30 days depending on the listing. When monthly rentals are enabled, choose up to the listing’s maximum duration, capped at twelve months. The minimum duration, end date and price are shown before booking.

Payments run through Stripe using a supported credit or debit card. For monthly instalments and the deposit, save your payment method in the secure payment screen.

You can cancel before handover; any rent already paid is submitted for refund. An active monthly rental can be cancelled at the end of the current rental month and ends no later than the booked end date. Confirm the physical return separately with the owner.

Rentals are supported by the agreed deposit, optional identity verification and condition photos at handover and return. In a dispute, the owner can claim an amount up to the deposit and a support case is opened.

For valuable items the owner can require the renter to verify once with an ID document and selfie. Stripe Identity handles it — secure and one-time. Neither the owner nor Tavaa sees your ID data; it lives only with Stripe.

Two condition photos are taken at handover and at return. They document the item's condition and protect both sides: the renter from unjustified damage claims and the owner from actual damage.

If the condition isn't right at return, the owner can keep the deposit in full or in part and open a support case. The condition photos from handover and return serve as evidence.

No. Tavaa is not an insurance. Protection is based on the deposit, the optional identity check and the photo documentation. For high-value items we recommend setting an appropriate deposit.

In the EU only: all application instances and databases run in the Frankfurt am Main region (GCP europe-west3). No processing takes place outside the EU.

No. Payment, bank and ID data are processed exclusively by Stripe, a certified payment provider. Tavaa itself does not store this sensitive data.

Possibly. Renting out occasionally as a private person is not a business in Germany — the income counts as other income (§ 22 No. 3 EStG). If your profit, i.e. income minus costs such as repairs or fees, stays below €256 a year, it is tax-free. Above that, you declare it in your tax return. Your dashboard always shows your earnings for the calendar year. This is not tax advice — if in doubt, ask a tax advisor or your tax office.

The PStTG implements the EU directive DAC7 and requires platforms to report certain activities of their providers to the Federal Central Tax Office. Renting out everyday items such as tools, cameras or tents is not one of them. Renting out means of transport such as bikes, boats or trailers is reportable — with no minimum threshold. The often-quoted limit of 30 transactions or €2,000 applies only to the sale of goods, not to rentals. If you rent out means of transport, we may be required to report your details (e.g. name, address, tax ID and earnings).

Yes. You can delete your account in the app at any time. This removes your user account and the associated data; statutory retention obligations (e.g. for completed payments) remain unaffected.

No. Returns and pickups in friends mode run through a sign-up-free page you open by scanning the QR code. No login required.

Anonymously you can start right away and lend to friends. If you sign in (email or Google), your inventory and rentals are backed up across devices. Renting out for money requires an account plus Stripe verification.

Email us any time at support@tavaa.de. For disputes about a rental, the stored condition photos help us decide quickly and fairly.