Usually, when I return them, they get back the next day. However, having posted one on Friday, I am yet to receive email confirmation to say that its back.
most rental companies have a link in place where you click to notify them of loss or at least a policy on their 'help' section. the usual policy is that if it doesnt arrive back within say 10 working days they will log it as lost. if you keep losing them then they will terminate your account.