Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for an online property reservation service provider to reserve properties for lease. A computer implemented property reservation service database stores information on rental properties, a hold amount, a cancellation period and an authorization hold period defined for an authorization hold, wherein the authorization hold period is greater than the cancellation period and runs following the cancellation period. A reservation request is received from the renter computer for a reserved property comprising one of the properties and information on a renter financial account. At least one online electronic transaction is initiated to place an authorization hold of the hold amount on the renter financial account for the reserved property in response to the reservation request, wherein the authorization hold maintains the hold amount as unavailable in the renter financial account.