Renting out your vacation home on Vrbo is a great way to earn extra income, but it’s essential to comply with local short-term rental regulations. These regulations may include zoning restrictions, permits, licenses, tax collection, and safety requirements, which vary by location.
It’s important to research the laws in your area and ensure compliance before listing your property. Vrbo offers a free hosting account and a growing rental marketplace, making it a lucrative opportunity if you treat it like a business.
Providing a memorable guest experience and using tools like Hospitable can help streamline operations and maximize your rental success.
Vrbo Host Requirements
If you own a vacation home in a popular travel spot, renting it on Vrbo can be a great way to earn extra income. Creating a Vrbo hosting account is free, but it’s important to understand the rules and requirements before getting started.
Understand Local Short-Term Rental Rules
Many states and cities have laws about short-term rentals. Regulations vary by location, but here are some common rules:
- Zoning Laws: Some areas allow short-term rentals only in specific zones.
- Permits and Licenses: You may need to register your property, get a permit, and obtain business or rental licenses.
- License Limits: Some communities limit how many rental licenses they issue.
- Prohibited Rentals: Certain areas or HOAs might ban short-term rentals entirely.
- Taxes: Many locations require you to collect and pay transient occupancy taxes.
- Other Rules: Follow safety codes, parking rules, and insurance requirements.
How to Stay Compliant
Research local laws, visit government websites, and contact your local authorities to make sure you’re following all the rules.
Why Renting on Vrbo is Worth It
The vacation rental market is growing, and renting on Vrbo can be profitable if you treat it like a business. Focus on creating a great guest experience, and consider using vacation rental software like Hospitable to save time managing tasks and grow your business efficiently.
With the right preparation, renting your vacation home can be both rewarding and hassle-free!
Vrbo Listing Requirements: What You Need to Know
Listing your property on Vrbo is straightforward and a great way to attract travelers. Whether it’s your primary residence or a vacation home, Vrbo allows you to showcase your space to a wide audience. However, Vrbo specializes in whole-home rentals, so shared spaces like single rooms or shared accommodations aren’t accepted.
Two Types of Vrbo Listing Fees
Vrbo offers two fee options for hosts:
- Annual Subscription Fee: For $499 per year, you can list your property and cover all bookings made during that time. This is ideal if you plan to rent out your property year-round.
- Pay-Per-Booking Fee: This option charges an 8% commission (plus applicable taxes) on each booking, making it suitable for hosts with fewer rental periods.
How to Meet Vrbo’s Host Requirements
Vrbo has specific guidelines to ensure quality and a secure booking experience for guests. These requirements also improve the visibility of your listing:
- Headline: Include a minimum of 20 characters to describe your property.
- Property Description: Provide at least 400 characters to give guests a detailed overview.
- Photos: Upload at least six high-quality photos showcasing the property.
- Property Details: Add accurate information about bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities.
- Address: Include the property’s exact address with latitude and longitude.
- Registration Number: Specify the property registration number if required by local laws.
- Rates and Availability: Keep rates transparent and calendars up-to-date.
- Amenities List: Highlight features like Wi-Fi, parking, or pool access.
- House Rules: Share clear policies to manage guest expectations.
Vrbo’s Booking Policies
All bookings must be processed directly through the Vrbo platform. This means you cannot include contact information like URLs, phone numbers, or email addresses in your listing to direct bookings outside Vrbo’s system.
Expand Your Reach with OTAs and Direct Booking
Platforms like Vrbo, Airbnb, and Booking.com are excellent for reaching a broad audience and building trust with new guests. However, relying solely on these platforms means paying ongoing fees. To maximize your profits, consider creating a direct booking website where guests can book with you directly, avoiding platform fees.
Build Your Direct Booking Website Easily
With tools like Hospitable Direct, you can quickly set up a booking website optimized for mobile and desktop. This helps streamline guest communication and property management without requiring technical expertise
Vrbo Photo Requirements: Simple Guidelines for Success
High-quality photos are key to attracting travelers and boosting bookings on Vrbo. Good pictures connect with potential guests emotionally, making your listing stand out. Vrbo recommends uploading at least 25 sharp, bright, and high-resolution photos in landscape orientation.
Photo Requirements
- Resolution: Minimum of 1024 x 683 pixels.
- File Size: Up to 20 MB per photo.
- Formats: JPEG/JPG, PNG, or GIF.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Low-resolution, blurry, or dark photos.
- Black-and-white images.
- Incorrectly oriented pictures.
- Unrelated or inappropriate images.
- Watermarked or copied photos from another listing.
Vrbo has a feature that flags photos that don’t meet these requirements. If flagged, replace them with better-quality images to ensure your listing shines.
Vrbo Host Requirements: Keep Your Guests Safe
Vrbo recommends taking a few easy steps to ensure your guests’ safety during their stay. Here’s what you can do:
- Share contact information for local emergency services and nearby hospitals, and let guests know how to reach you if needed.
- Equip your vacation home with fire safety essentials like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher.
- Provide a well-stocked first aid kit in an easy-to-find spot.
- Respect guests’ privacy by informing them about any security cameras or surveillance systems on the property.
- Childproof your home for families traveling with kids to prevent accidents.
- Ensure proper ventilation and temperature control with a working thermostat.
1. What are the basic requirements to become a Vrbo host?
To become a Vrbo host, you need a property available for short-term rental, an account on Vrbo, high-quality photos, a detailed description of your property, and a commitment to providing a great guest experience.
2. Do I need to own the property to list it on Vrbo?
No, you don’t necessarily have to own the property. However, you must have legal permission from the property owner to rent it out.
3. Are there specific amenities required to list a property?
Vrbo does not enforce strict requirements for amenities, but basic features like clean bedding, Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, and essential toiletries are recommended to attract bookings.
4. Do I need a business license to host on Vrbo?
Depending on local regulations, you may need a business license, tax ID, or short-term rental permit. Check your local government requirements before listing.
5. What type of photos are required for my listing?
Photos should be high-quality, well-lit, and showcase all important areas of your property. Include images of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living spaces, and any unique features.
6. How does Vrbo handle taxes for hosts?
Vrbo may collect and remit certain taxes on your behalf, depending on local regulations. You are still responsible for understanding and complying with tax obligations in your area.
7. Is there a minimum hosting period or stay duration?
No, Vrbo allows hosts to set their own availability calendar and minimum stay requirements, making it flexible for different hosting preferences.
8. What fees do I need to pay as a Vrbo host?
Vrbo charges either a pay-per-booking fee (8% commission) or an annual subscription fee. Other costs include payment processing fees and possible local taxes.
what is a host fee on vrbo
A host fee on VRBO is the charge property owners pay to list and manage their rentals on the platform. It typically includes a 5% commission on the rental amount and a 3% payment processing fee. These fees cover VRBO's services like marketing, payment handling, and customer support. Alternatively, hosts can opt for an annual subscription fee, which is a flat rate, suitable for those with frequent bookings. This system ensures VRBO can maintain its platform and provide a seamless experience for both hosts and travelers.
