# Renter Basics > How do I set up my profile? The first step in creating a great Neighbor account is to set up your profile ! After requesting a reservation, potent... Source: https://help.neighbor.com/en_us/renter-basics-ryqU8m5c5 Last updated: 2025-08-09T00:12:02.407Z ## How do I set up my profile?  The first step in creating a great Neighbor account is to set up your [profile](https://www.neighbor.com/dashboard/442833/profile)! After requesting a reservation, potential hosts can check out your profile to get to know you. Make sure to add a great profile picture and bio.  Get started now on [how to create a great profile](https://kst.mr/SJeeW7Udnq)! ## Where do I connect my payment method?  Visit your [Payment Methods](https://www.neighbor.com/dashboard/442833/profile/payment) page to add your credit card. Under “Update Renter Payment Method,” fill in your card information and click submit.  If you need to update your payment method, you can see how to do that [here](https://kst.mr/rygnuItQcc). Neighbor is completely [cash and check](https://kst.mr/Bkk5LYQc5) free, but we accept [all major credit cards](https://kst.mr/rkee2LYm5q). ## How do I reserve a rental space?  Booking a space on Neighbor is quick and easy. Just enter your city or address into the search bar on [Neighbor.com](https://www.neighbor.com/), then use filters to compare locations, prices, and features. When you find the right space, click "Reserve space" to start your request. You'll enter [what you're storing](https://neighbor.kustomer.help/articles/-H1XuP0IC_), choose a [start date](https://neighbor.kustomer.help/articles/-BkmcP0UAu), and add your payment info.  We'll place a pre-authorization hold on your card and send the request to the host for approval. Once it's approved, you're good to go, and you'll be able to message your host anytime through your Neighbor account.  Here's more information on [how to reserve a space](https://kst.mr/Bk16b2m59) on Neighbor!  ## How do I know if my request is approved or denied? Hosts have 24 hours to [respond](https://kst.mr/SyiZzhm55) to your request. This ensures that you will get an answer as soon as possible! Once a host answers your pending request, you will be notified on our platform, email, and push notifications if you have the Neighbor app.  If your request was accepted, you can check out your [My Rentals](https://www.neighbor.com/dashboard/442833/rentals) page to see your new reservation!  If your request is denied, don't worry! The pre-authorization hold will drop off your credit card in the next few days. We have plenty of great spaces on Neighbor waiting to be reserved! ## What happens once my reservation is accepted?  Once your host has approved your reservation, it’s time to move in! [Message](https://kst.mr/SycVMhQq5) with your host to agree upon a date and time that works best for both of you.  ## How do my payments work? Once your reservation is approved, your card will be [automatically charged](https://kst.mr/r1H8Mnm5c). This is to ensure you have paid to move in and rent out the first month. After this, your card will be charged at the beginning of each successive monthly rental period on the same date as your reservation’s start date.  A small [Service Fee](https://kst.mr/SJBuGnmq5) is included in each monthly rental payment. Our Service Fee allows us to offer protections for our renters. The amount varies depending on how and where you decide to store your items.  You can see the Service Fee on any listing by looking under “Subtotal.”  ## How does my host get paid? Your host is [paid](https://kst.mr/B1ezqGn75c) through their [connected bank account](https://kst.mr/HkFnGnQc5) at the end of each rental period. This ensures they won’t receive payment unless they provide you with a full month of storage.  ## Are reservations month-to-month? Yes, all Neighbor reservations are month-to-month! If you need to move out, make sure to notify your host, coordinate a move out date, and [cancel your reservation online](https://kst.mr/rJegGQ2m9q). Once you remove your items and cancel online, your automatic payments will stop. As a renter, it’s your primary responsibility to cancel your reservation online.  ## How am I protected? This is where our renter Property Protection Plans come in! We have a variety of plans available, so you can find which one best suits your needs. While submitting a reservation request, you can view the price of each plan and [add it to your monthly rental payments](https://kst.mr/Syn8m2Qq9). Check out our [Property Protection Plan Overview](https://kst.mr/rkfIm3mq9) for more information!  ## Should I share my phone number? For security and protection, we recommend that you do not share your address or personal information with other users and that you always [message users through the Neighbor platform](https://neighbor.kustomer.help/en_us/communicating-and-paying-through-neighbor-S1gvw0UCu). Please also note that [all payments must be made through the Neighbor platform](https://neighbor.kustomer.help/en_us/communicating-and-paying-through-neighbor-S1gvw0UCu).