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What do I do if I damage my rental book?

Updated on February 2, 2026
Updated on 02/2/2026

If you've accidentally damaged a rental book from BooksRun, follow these simple steps to resolve the issue efficiently.

What You Can Do With Rental:

  • Pencil markings (must be erased before return)

  • Removable highlighting stickers

  • Use access code if included

What You Should Avoid:

  • Permanent highlighting

  • Pen or permanent ink

  • Tearing or damaging pages

Rented books must be returned in the same condition as received to avoid damage fees.

1. Identify the Type of Damage

BooksRun considers the following as damage to rental items:

  • Highlighting or excessive markings

  • Water damage

  • Torn or missing pages

  • Broken or damaged binding

  • Food or coffee stains

  • Other noticeable alterations

Note: Normal wear and tear is acceptable, but significant damage may incur charges. BooksRun calculates damage fees based on a percentage of the book's current value, assessing the severity of condition changes compared to its received state.

2. Gather Required Information

To expedite support, prepare the following before reaching out:

Required Item:

Description:

Order Number

You can find this in your BooksRun account or in the confirmation letter sent from [email protected].

Photos of Damage

Take clear images showing the issue (e.g., torn pages, stains).

Description of Incident

Briefly explain how the damage occurred (if known).

3. Contact BooksRun Support

Send an email to [email protected]. Include:

  • Your order number

  • Photos or videos of the damage

  • A brief description of the issue

4. Prevent Future Damage

While accidents can't always be avoided, here are some tips to prevent future book damage:

  • Keep books away from food and drinks.

  • Use sticky notes instead of writing or highlighting.

  • Store books in dry, safe places.

  • Transport books in bags or cases.

  • Document the book's condition with photos right before returning it as added proof of its state.

  • Double-check packaging to avoid additional issues caused during transit.

Related Questions:

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