Security deposit utilization system, security deposit utilization method and program

Abstract

To provide a service for utilizing a security deposit to be paid by a user when moving into a rental property for the duration of their tenancy in the property.SOLUTION: A security deposit utilization system 1 is a system for utilizing a monetary value of a security deposit to be paid by a user living in a rental property. The system is provided with security deposit value information acquiring means 11 for acquiring security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit, user utilization value setting means 12 for setting the user utilization value information which is the monetary value available to the user living in the security deposit value information, and payment information setting means 13 for setting payment information obtained by adding the monetary value of the user utilization value information to rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent paid by the user living in the rental property.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method and program for utilizing the monetary value of a security deposit paid by a user moving into a rental property. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a user who intends to move into a rental property pays a security deposit to a property manager (for example, a lessor or a person who manages the rental property on behalf of the lessor) before moving into the rental property.

[0003] As a system that utilizes such security deposits, Patent Document 1 proposes a real estate rental management system in which, when a user leaves a property and entrusts the move-out procedures to another party by transferring the claim as a substitute payment, the system operator independently calculates and awards points as a total prize up to a limit not exceeding the remaining value of the claim for return of the security deposit entered into the system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-014040 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although the security deposit paid by the user when moving into a rental property is managed by the property manager and is returned to the user when the user moves out of the rental property, and points are awarded, the user cannot use these while occupying the rental property.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a deposit utilization system, a deposit utilization method, and a program that can provide a service that allows a user to use the deposit paid when moving into a rental property while they are still in the property. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A security deposit utilization system that utilizes the monetary value of a security deposit paid by a user who moves into a rental property, a deposit value information acquisition means for acquiring deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the deposit; The security deposit value information With reference to the security deposit value information, the monetary value is , current users , using a terminal operated by the user Set user value information, which is the available monetary value and stores the user ID in the storage means in association with the user ID information that identifies the user. a user utility value setting means for setting the user utility value; Rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent paid by users currently residing in rental properties, The user utility value setting means sets and a payment information setting means for setting payment information that includes the monetary value of the user use value information.

[0008] In the invention (1), a security deposit utilization system that utilizes the monetary value of a security deposit paid by a user moving into a rental property comprises a security deposit value information acquisition means, a user utilization value setting means, and a payment information setting means. The security deposit value information acquisition means acquires security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit. The user utility value setting means sets user utility value information, which is a monetary value that can be used by the user currently residing, from among the security deposit value information. The payment information setting means sets payment information by adding the monetary value of the user utility value information to rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent paid by the user currently residing in the rental property.

[0009] This allows the user to use the user utility value information (e.g., electronic money, points, etc.), which is the monetary value that can be used by the user while occupying the property, within the security deposit value information (e.g., the amount of the security deposit paid by the user), so that the user can use the user utility value information within the range of the security deposit monetary value. The user pays this user utility value information in addition to the rent value information, which indicates the monetary value of the rent. Therefore, it is possible to provide a service that allows a user to use the security deposit paid when moving into a rental property while they are still in the property.

[0010] (2) further comprising a payment information acquisition means for acquiring payment information representing the monetary value paid by a user currently residing in the rental property; The security deposit utilization system according to (1), wherein the user utility value setting means limits the setting of the user utility value information when the deposit information is smaller than the payment information.

[0011] In the invention (2), the deposit utilization system further comprises a deposit information acquisition means. The payment information acquisition means acquires payment information, which is the monetary value paid by a user currently residing in a rental property. The user utility value setting means limits the setting of the user utility value information when the deposit information is smaller than the payment information.

[0012] According to the invention of (2), if payment of the deposit information, which is the sum of the rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent and the user utility value information indicating the monetary value available to the user while the user is residing, is delayed, the setting of the user utility value information, which is the monetary value available to the user while the user is residing, is restricted. In other words, all or part of the services that allow the user to use the security deposit paid when moving into a rental property while the user is residing are suspended.

[0013] This enables managers of rental properties (e.g., landlords or those managing rental properties on behalf of landlords) who provide a service that allows current tenants to use their security deposits to prevent further losses if users fail to pay their deposit information.

[0014] (3) The rental property management system further includes a return security deposit value information setting means for setting return security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit to be returned to the user when the user moves out of the rental property; When the deposit information is smaller than the payment information, the return security deposit value information setting means subtracts the difference between the payment information and the deposit information from the security deposit value information to set the return security deposit value information. and storing the information in the storage means; When a notice of departure is received from the terminal operated by the user, the amount indicated by the returned security deposit value information is determined. (2) The security deposit utilization system described above.

[0015] In the third aspect of the present invention, the deposit utilization system further comprises a return deposit value information setting means. The return security deposit value information setting means sets return security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit to be returned to the user when the user moves out of the rental property. If the deposit information is smaller than the payment information, the return security deposit value information setting means sets return security deposit value information by subtracting the difference between the payment information and the deposit information from the security deposit value information.

[0016] According to the invention (3), if payment of the deposit information, which is the sum of rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent and user use value information, which is the monetary value available to the user currently residing, is delayed, the monetary value of the delayed amount is deducted from the monetary value of the security deposit to be returned to the user when the user moves out of the rental property.

[0017] This allows property managers (e.g., landlords or those managing rental properties on behalf of landlords) who provide a service that allows current tenants to use their security deposits to recover losses incurred due to delays in payment of deposit information from users.

[0018] (4) A method implemented by a security deposit utilization system that utilizes the monetary value of a security deposit paid by a user moving into a rental property, comprising: obtaining security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit; The security deposit value information With reference to the security deposit value information, the monetary value is , current users , using a terminal operated by the user Set user value information, which is the available monetary value and stores the user ID in the storage means in association with the user ID information that identifies the user. and Rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent paid by users currently residing in rental properties, Set and setting payment information that includes the monetary value of the user use value information.

[0019] (5) A security deposit utilization system that utilizes the monetary value of the security deposit paid by users who move into rental properties. a deposit value information acquisition means for acquiring deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the deposit; The security deposit value information With reference to the security deposit value information, the monetary value is , current users , using a terminal operated by the user Set user value information, which is the available monetary value and stores the user ID in the storage means in association with the user ID information that identifies the user. a user utility value setting means for setting the user utility value; Rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent paid by users currently residing in rental properties, The user utility value setting means sets a payment information setting means for setting payment information that includes the monetary value of the user utility value information; A program that functions as a

[0020] According to the inventions (4) and (5), the same effects as those of the invention (1) are achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a service that allows a user to use the security deposit paid when moving into a rental property while they are still in the property. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a security deposit utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a security deposit utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting payment information by the security deposit use system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of deposit management by a security deposit utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting of return security deposit value information by the security deposit use system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a deposit use processing flow executed by the deposit use system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a deposit management process flow executed by the security deposit use system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a return deposit value information setting process flow executed by the deposit use system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same elements are designated by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0024] (Basic configuration of the security deposit system) Generally, users who move into rental properties pay a security deposit to the property manager (such as the landlord of the property or a real estate company that manages the property on behalf of the landlord). Conventionally, such security deposits were not available for the user to receive or use until the time of moving out, and were considered dead money.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a security deposit utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The security deposit utilization system 1 utilizes the monetary value of the security deposit paid by a user who moves into a rental property. The security deposit utilization system 1 includes a security deposit utilization device 10 operated by a manager of the rental property, and a terminal 20 operated by a user who has moved into the rental property and connected to the security deposit utilization device 10 via a network.

[0026] The security deposit using device 10 acquires security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit paid by the user. For example, if the security deposit is 200,000 yen, the security deposit value information indicates 200,000 yen.

[0027] The security deposit utilization device 10 sets user utilization value information, which is monetary value that can be used by users who are residing in a rental property. The user utilization value information is, for example, electronic money or points that are charged to each user and can be used by the user using the terminal 20.

[0028] The security deposit utilization device 10 sets the user utility value information to a value equal to or less than the monetary value of the security deposit value information. For example, if the monetary value of the security deposit is 200,000 yen, the user utility value information is set to a monetary value equal to or less than 200,000 yen.

[0029] Furthermore, the security deposit utilization device 10 sets payment information by adding the monetary value of the user utility value information to rent value information that indicates the monetary value of the rent paid by the user currently residing in the rental property. For example, if the rent is 100,000 yen and the user utility value information is 50,000 yen, the payment information is set to a monetary value of 150,000 yen.

[0030] For example, the user will deposit the money set as payment information into the manager's bank account or pay the manager by credit card, etc., by the due date determined by the manager. The user may pay the rent value information portion and the user use value information portion of the payment information at the same time (for example, on the rent payment due date, etc.), or may pay them at different times.

[0031] According to this security deposit utilization system 1, security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit (for example, the amount of the security deposit paid by the user) is set as user utility value information (for example, electronic money, points, etc.) which is the monetary value that the user can use while occupying the property, so that the user can use the user utility value information within the monetary value of the security deposit. The user pays this user utility value information in addition to rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent. Therefore, it is possible to provide a service that allows a user to use the security deposit paid when moving into a rental property while they are still in the property.

[0032] (Basic configuration of the security deposit system) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the security deposit utilization system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The security deposit utilization system 1 comprises a security deposit utilization device 10 operated by a manager of a rental property, and a terminal 20 operated by a user who is a tenant of the rental property and connected to the security deposit utilization device 10 via a network.

[0033] The security deposit utilization device 10 comprises security deposit value information acquisition means 11, user utility value setting means 12, payment information setting means 13, deposit information acquisition means 14, deposit management means 15, returned security deposit value information setting means 16, and storage means 17. The security deposit utilization device 10 may also comprise a deposit / withdrawal acceptance means for accepting deposits from users who are tenants and transferring money to the users, and may receive information indicating the deposited monetary value when a deposit from a user is accepted by this deposit / withdrawal acceptance means. Furthermore, if the security deposit utilization device 10 does not comprise a deposit / withdrawal acceptance means, another deposit / withdrawal device connected via a network for accepting deposits from users and transferring money to the users may receive information indicating the deposited monetary value when a deposit from a user is accepted.

[0034] The security deposit value information acquisition means 11 acquires security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit set for each rental property. In detail, for example, when a user deposits a security deposit set for the rental property when moving into the rental property, the security deposit value information acquisition means 11 acquires security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of this security deposit and stores it in association with user identification information that identifies the user in the storage means 17. The security deposit value information acquisition means 11 may acquire the security deposit value information from the deposit / withdrawal acceptance means or another deposit / withdrawal device, or may acquire it based on the operation of an administrator.

[0035] The user utility value setting means 12 sets user utility value information, which is a monetary value that can be used by the currently occupant user, from the security deposit value information acquired by the security deposit value information acquisition means 11. In detail, the user utility value setting means 12 references the user's security deposit value information stored in the storage means 17, sets user utility value information, which is a monetary value equal to or less than the security deposit value information, and stores it in the storage means 17 in association with the user identification information of the user.

[0036] The user utility value setting means 12 may set the user utility value information to a predetermined value (e.g., equivalent to 50,000 yen) if the monetary value is equal to or less than the security deposit value information, or may set the user utility value information to a value obtained by multiplying the security deposit value information by a predetermined multiplier (e.g., 0.5). The user utility value setting means 12 may also set a predetermined multiplier for each user.

[0037] The user utility value information is, for example, electronic money or points that are charged to each user and can be used by the user using the terminal 20. The user opens an electronic money transaction account, for example, with a publicly known service that provides electronic money transactions. Then, the user uses the terminal 20 to send information about the transaction account (such as the account number of the transaction account) and usage request information requesting the use of the user utility value information to the security deposit utilization device 10.

[0038] When the security deposit using device 10 is equipped with a deposit / withdrawal accepting means, the user utility value setting means 12, upon receiving request information from the terminal 20, uses the deposit / withdrawal accepting means to transfer monetary value (e.g., electronic money) based on the user utility value information associated with the user identification information of the user of the terminal 20 to the transaction account by referring to information regarding the transaction account. Also, when the security deposit using device 10 is not equipped with a deposit / withdrawal accepting means, the user utility value setting means 12, upon receiving request information from the terminal 20, transmits information regarding the transaction account, information indicating the monetary value of the user utility value information, and remittance request information indicating a remittance request to a deposit / withdrawal device separate from the security deposit using device 10, and transfers money from the separate deposit / withdrawal device to the transaction account.

[0039] The user utility value setting means 12 may perform the remittance process of such user utility value information (e.g., electronic money, etc.) each time request information is acquired, or may perform the process at predetermined intervals (e.g., monthly, etc.) once request information is acquired until stop request information requesting the suspension of the user utility value information is acquired from the terminal 20.

[0040] Furthermore, the user utility value setting means 12 restricts the setting of the user utility value information when the deposit information acquired by the deposit information acquisition means 14, which will be described later, is smaller than the set payment information. In detail, when the deposit management means 15, which will be described later, determines that the monetary value deposited by the user is less than the monetary value of the user utility value information (e.g., electronic money) for which the remittance process was executed, the user utility value setting means 12 restricts the user utility value information set for the user (for example, by setting the value of the user utility value information associated with the user identification information of the user to 0, changing the value of the user utility value information to a lower value, or associating a flag with the user identification information of the user to indicate that user utility value information cannot be set).

[0041] The payment information setting means 13 sets payment information by adding the monetary value of the user utility value information to rent value information indicating the monetary value of a preset rent, which is the monetary value paid by a user residing in a rental property. In detail, the payment information setting means 13 sets the value obtained by adding the monetary value of the user utility value information set by the user utility value setting means 12 to the monetary value of the rent value information as payment information and stores the result in the storage means 17.

[0042] The rent value information is set in advance by the manager for each rental property and is stored, for example, in storage means 17. Payment information setting means 13 reads the rent value information from storage means 17 and sets payment information based on the read rent value information.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting payment information in the security deposit use system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3, the security deposit value information acquisition means 11 acquires security deposit value information equivalent to 200,000 yen. The user utility value setting means 12 then sets user utility value information (equivalent to 50,000 yen) that is a monetary value less than the security deposit value information (equivalent to 200,000 yen).

[0044] Then, the payment information setting means 13 reads the rent value information (equivalent to 100,000 yen) of the rental property from the storage means 17, and sets payment information (equivalent to 150,000 yen) by adding the user utility value information (equivalent to 50,000 yen) set by the user utility value setting means 12 to this read rent value information.

[0045] Returning to Figure 2, the deposit information acquisition means 14 acquires deposit information, which is the monetary value paid by users who are occupying the rental property. In particular, if the security deposit use device 10 is equipped with a deposit / withdrawal acceptance means, the deposit information acquisition means 14 acquires the monetary value of the amount deposited by the user accepted by the deposit / withdrawal acceptance means as deposit information and stores it in the storage means 17. Furthermore, if the security deposit use device 10 is not equipped with a deposit / withdrawal acceptance means, the deposit information acquisition means 14 receives information indicating the monetary value of the amount deposited by the user from a deposit / withdrawal device separate from the security deposit use device 10, acquires this information as deposit information, and stores it in the storage means 17.

[0046] The deposit management means 15 compares the payment information set by the payment information setting means 13 with the deposit information based on the deposit from the user acquired by the deposit information acquisition means 14, and determines whether the monetary value of the deposit information is smaller than the monetary value of the payment information. If the deposit management means 15 determines that the monetary value of the deposit information is not smaller than the monetary value of the payment information (the monetary value of the payment information and the monetary value of the deposit information are the same), it associates the user identification information of the user with deposit confirmation information indicating that the deposit has been made properly and stores this in the storage means 17.

[0047] On the other hand, if the deposit management means 15 determines that the monetary value of the deposit information is smaller than the monetary value of the payment information, it associates the user identification information of the user with unconfirmed deposit information indicating that the deposit has not been made properly, and stores this in the storage means 17. The user utility value setting means 12 restricts the setting of user utility value information for the user associated with unconfirmed deposit information by the deposit management means 15.

[0048] Furthermore, the deposit management means 15 allocates deposit information based on deposits from users to rent deposit information indicating deposit information for rent amount and user utility value deposit information indicating deposit information for user utility value information amount, and stores each in the storage means 17. In this case, the deposit management means 15 allocates preferentially to the rent deposit information, and stores the amount obtained by subtracting the monetary value of the rent deposit information (rent value information) from the monetary value of the deposit information in the storage means 17 as user utility value deposit information.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of deposit management by the security deposit utilization system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4, the rent value information is 100,000 yen, the user use value information is 50,000 yen, and the payment information setting means 13 sets the sum of these, 150,000 yen, as payment information. Also, the deposit information acquired by the deposit information acquisition means 14 is 120,000 yen.

[0050] In such a case, the deposit management means 15 first stores 100,000 yen of the rent value information out of the 120,000 yen of the deposit information as rent deposit information in the storage means 17. Then, the deposit management means 15 stores 20,000 yen, which is the amount obtained by subtracting the 100,000 yen of the rent deposit information from the 120,000 yen of the deposit information, as user utility value deposit information in the storage means 17.

[0051] Here, if the manager of the security deposit utilization system 1 is a person who has been entrusted with management by the owner of the rental property, the rent belongs to the owner. According to the security deposit utilization system 1, in services that use security deposits, it is possible to prioritize the application of deposits from users to rent, making it possible to prevent losses for the owner, who is the client of the manager, in the event of an insufficient deposit.

[0052] Returning to Figure 2, the returned security deposit value information setting means 16 sets returned security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit to be returned to a user when the user who has been residing in a rental property moves out. In detail, when the returned security deposit value information setting means 16 receives a move-out notice from a terminal 20 operated by the user indicating that the user wishes to move out of a rental property, the returned security deposit value information setting means 16 refers to the storage means 17 and sets returned security deposit value information based on the security deposit value information acquired by the security deposit value information acquisition means 11 and associated with the user's user identification information, and stores the set information in the storage means 17. Note that the returned security deposit value information setting means 16 may also set the returned security deposit value information based on operations by an administrator.

[0053] If the security deposit utilization device 10 is equipped with a deposit / withdrawal acceptance means, when it receives a move-out notice from a terminal 20 operated by a user, it remits the amount indicated in the returned security deposit value information associated with the user's user identification information to an account designated by the user via the deposit / withdrawal acceptance means. Alternatively, if the security deposit utilization device 10 is not equipped with a deposit / withdrawal acceptance means, when it receives a move-out notice from a terminal 20 operated by a user, it transmits the returned security deposit value information associated with the user's user identification information to a deposit / withdrawal device separate from the security deposit utilization device 10, and remits the amount indicated in the returned security deposit value information from the separate deposit / withdrawal device to an account designated by the user.

[0054] Furthermore, if the deposit information is smaller than the payment information, the return security deposit value information setting means 16 subtracts the difference between the payment information and the deposit information from the security deposit value information to set the return security deposit value information. More specifically, when the return security deposit value information setting means 16 receives a move-out notice from terminal 20 operated by the user indicating that the user wishes to move out of the rental property, it refers to storage means 17 to determine whether or not unconfirmed payment information is associated with the user identification information of that user.

[0055] If unconfirmed payment information is associated with the user identification information of the user, the returned security deposit value information setting means 16 calculates the difference information by subtracting the deposit information acquired by the deposit information acquisition means 14 from the payment information set by the payment information setting means 13. The returned security deposit value information setting means 16 then subtracts the calculated difference information from the security deposit value information acquired by the security deposit value information acquisition means 11 to calculate the returned security deposit value information and stores it in the storage means 17.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting of the returned security deposit value information by the security deposit use system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the security deposit value information is 200,000 yen, the payment information is 150,000 yen, and the deposit information is 120,000 yen.

[0057] In such a case, the return security deposit value information setting means 16 first subtracts the deposit information of 120,000 yen from the payment information of 150,000 yen to calculate the difference information (30,000 yen) and stores this in the storage means 17. The return security deposit value information setting means 16 then subtracts the difference information of 30,000 yen from the deposit value information of 200,000 yen, resulting in 170,000 yen, which is stored in the storage means 17 as the return security deposit value information.

[0058] The functional configuration of the present system described above is merely an example. A single functional block (database and functional processing unit) may be divided, or multiple functional blocks may be combined into a single functional block. Each functional processing unit is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) built into a device or terminal that reads a computer program (e.g., a core software or an application that causes the CPU to execute the various processes described above) stored in a storage device (storage unit) such as a read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or hard disk, and then executes the computer program. That is, each functional processing unit is implemented by the computer program reading and writing necessary data, such as tables, from a database (DB) stored in the storage device or a storage area in memory, and, in some cases, controlling related hardware (e.g., an input / output device, a display device, a communication interface device). Furthermore, the database (DB) in the embodiments of the present invention may be a commercial database, but it also refers to a simple collection of tables and files, and the internal structure of the database itself is not important.

[0059] (Processing flow) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a deposit use processing flow executed by the deposit use system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] In step S1, the security deposit value information acquisition means 11 acquires security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit set for each rental property.

[0061] In step S2, the user utility value setting means 12 sets user utility value information, which is the monetary value that can be used by the current occupant, from the security deposit value information acquired in step S1 by the security deposit value information acquisition means 11. The security deposit use system 1 transfers the monetary value (e.g., electronic money) based on the user utility value information thus set to the user's transaction account.

[0062] In step S3, the payment information setting means 13 acquires rent value information indicating the monetary value of a rent that is set in advance and is to be paid by a user currently residing in a rental property.

[0063] In step S4, the payment information setting means 13 sets payment information by adding the monetary value of the rent value information acquired in step S3 to the monetary value of the user utility value information set by the user utility value setting means 12 in step S2.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of a deposit management process executed by the security deposit use system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] In step S10, the deposit information acquisition means 14 acquires deposit information, which is the monetary value paid by the user currently residing in the rental property.

[0066] In step S11, the deposit management means 15 acquires the payment information set by the payment information setting means 13.

[0067] In step S12, the deposit management means 15 compares the payment information acquired in step S11 with the deposit information acquired by the deposit information acquisition means 14 in step S10, and determines whether the monetary value of the deposit information is smaller than the monetary value of the payment information. If the deposit management means 15 determines that the monetary value of the deposit information is smaller than the monetary value of the payment information, it proceeds to step S13, and if it determines that the monetary value of the deposit information is not smaller than the monetary value of the payment information (the monetary value of the payment information and the monetary value of the deposit information are the same), it proceeds to step S14.

[0068] In step S13, the deposit management means 15 stores in the storage means 17 the user identification information of the user in association with deposit unconfirmed information indicating that the deposit has not been made properly.

[0069] In step S14, the deposit management means 15 stores in the storage means 17 the user identification information of the user in association with deposit confirmation information indicating that the deposit has been made properly.

[0070] In step S15, the user utility value setting means 12 restricts the setting of user utility value information for the user associated with the unconfirmed deposit information by the deposit management means 15 in step S13.

[0071] In step S16, the deposit management means 15 stores the rent value information portion of the deposit information acquired by the deposit information acquisition means 14 in step S10 in the storage means 17 as rent deposit information.

[0072] In step S17, the deposit management means 15 stores the amount obtained by subtracting the rent deposit information from the deposit information acquired by the deposit information acquisition means 14 in step S10 in the storage means 17 as user utility value deposit information.

[0073] 8 is a diagram showing the flow of the return security deposit value information setting process executed by the security deposit using system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The security deposit using device 10 executes the return security deposit value information setting process, for example, when it receives a move-out notice from the terminal 20 operated by the user indicating that the user wishes to move out of a rental property.

[0074] In step S20, the return deposit value information setting means 16 refers to the storage means 17 and reads the deposit value information acquired by the deposit value information acquisition means 11 and associated with the user identification information of the user.

[0075] In step S21, the return security deposit value information setting means 16 sets return security deposit value information based on the security deposit value information read in step S20, and stores it in the storage means 17.

[0076] In step S22, the returned security deposit value information setting means 16 determines whether or not unconfirmed payment information is associated with the user identification information of the user who sent the move-out notice, by referring to the storage means 17. If the returned security deposit value information setting means 16 determines that unconfirmed payment information is associated, it proceeds to step S23, and if it determines that unconfirmed payment information is not associated (if it determines that confirmed payment information is associated), it terminates this process.

[0077] In step S23, the return deposit value information setting means 16 subtracts the deposit information acquired by the deposit information acquisition means 14 from the payment information set by the payment information setting means 13 to calculate the difference information.

[0078] In step S24, the return deposit value information setting means 16 calculates the return deposit value information by subtracting the difference information calculated in step S23 from the return deposit value information set in step S21, and stores the return deposit value information in the storage means 17.

[0079] If the security deposit utilization system 1 determines NO in step S22 (if the appropriate deposit has been made), it transfers the amount indicated by the returned security deposit value information set in step S21 to the account specified by the user. On the other hand, if the security deposit utilization system 1 determines YES in step S22 (if the appropriate deposit has not been made), it transfers the amount indicated by the returned security deposit value information subtracted in step S24 to the account specified by the user.

[0080] According to this security deposit utilization system 1, security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit (for example, the amount of the security deposit paid by the user) is set as user utility value information (for example, electronic money, points, etc.) which is the monetary value that the user can use while occupying the property, so that the user can use the user utility value information within the monetary value of the security deposit. The user pays this user utility value information in addition to rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent. Therefore, it is possible to provide a service that allows a user to use the security deposit paid when moving into a rental property while they are still in the property.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the security deposit utilization system 1, if payment of the deposit information, which is the sum of rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent and user utility value information, which is the monetary value available to the user while occupying the property, is delayed, the setting of the user utility value information, which is the monetary value available to the user while occupying the property, is restricted. In other words, all or part of the services that allow the user to use the security deposit paid when moving into the rental property while occupying the property are suspended.

[0082] This enables managers of rental properties (e.g., landlords or those managing rental properties on behalf of landlords) who provide a service that allows current tenants to use their security deposits to prevent further losses if users fail to pay their deposit information.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the security deposit utilization system 1, if payment of the deposit information, which is the sum of rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent and user use value information, which is the monetary value available to the user currently residing, is delayed, the delayed monetary value is deducted from the monetary value of the security deposit to be returned to the user when the user moves out of the rental property.

[0084] This allows property managers (e.g., landlords or those managing rental properties on behalf of landlords) who provide a service that allows current tenants to use their security deposits to recover losses incurred due to delays in payment of deposit information from users.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. In the above embodiments, the present invention has been described as a security deposit utilization system as an invention of a product, but it can also be considered as an invention of a method executed by the security deposit utilization system or a program that causes the security deposit utilization system to function as various components of the security deposit utilization system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Deposit Utilization System 10 Deposit utilization device 11. Means of obtaining information on security deposit value 12 User value setting method 13 Payment information setting method 14. Means of obtaining deposit information 15. Deposit Management Methods 16. Means for setting information on the value of the security deposit to be returned 17 Memory means 20 terminals

Claims

1. A security deposit utilization system that utilizes the monetary value of a security deposit paid by a user who moves into a rental property, a deposit value information acquisition means for acquiring deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the deposit; a user utility value setting means for referencing the security deposit value information to set user utility value information, which is a monetary value equal to or less than the security deposit value information and which can be used by a user currently residing at the property using a terminal operated by the user, and storing the user utility value information in a storage means in association with user identification information that identifies the user; A security deposit utilization system comprising: a payment information setting means for setting payment information that adds the monetary value of the user utility value information set by the user utility value setting means to rent value information that indicates the monetary value of the rent paid by a user occupying a rental property.

2. The rental property management system further includes a payment information acquisition means for acquiring payment information, which is a monetary value paid by a user currently residing in the rental property, 2. The security deposit utilization system according to claim 1, wherein said user utility value setting means limits the setting of said user utility value information when said deposit information is smaller than said payment information.

3. The rental property further includes a return security deposit value information setting means for setting return security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit to be returned to the user when the user moves out of the rental property, When the deposit information is smaller than the payment information, the return security deposit value information setting means subtracts the difference between the payment information and the deposit information from the deposit value information to set the return security deposit value information, and stores the information in the storage means; 3. The system for using a security deposit according to claim 2, wherein the amount indicated by the returned security deposit value information is determined when a notice of vacating is received from the terminal operated by the user.

4. A method executed by a security deposit utilization system that utilizes the monetary value of a security deposit paid by a user moving into a rental property, comprising: obtaining security deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the security deposit; a step of referring to the security deposit value information, setting user use value information which is a monetary value equal to or less than the security deposit value information and which can be used by a user currently residing at the property using a terminal operated by the user, and storing the information in a storage means in association with user identification information which identifies the user; A method for using a security deposit, comprising: setting payment information by adding the monetary value of the set user usage value information to rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent paid by a user occupying a rental property.

5. A deposit utilization system that utilizes the monetary value of the deposit paid by users who move into rental properties. a deposit value information acquisition means for acquiring deposit value information indicating the monetary value of the deposit; a user utility value setting means for referencing the security deposit value information, setting user utility value information which is a monetary value equal to or less than the security deposit value information and which can be used by a user currently residing at the property using a terminal operated by the user, and storing the user utility value information in a storage means in association with user identification information which identifies the user; a payment information setting means for setting payment information obtained by adding the monetary value of the user utility value information set by the user utility value setting means to rent value information indicating the monetary value of the rent paid by a user currently residing in a rental property; A program that functions as a

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