VRBO Host Requirements Guide: Become a Host

How Does Vrbo Work?

Vrbo has a user-friendly interface for both travellers and property owners (hosts). When owners list on Vrbo, they have full control over their rental; they can price them as they’d like– weekly or per night, add availability and inhabitance rules and choose guests.

After the listing is live, users can scroll through the listings, contact the hosts directly and book through the platform. The host can choose whether to accept the booking or not, accordingly completing the payment on Vrbo itself.

The property owner gets a booking request on Vrbo when a user sends a booking request. After reviewing the guest profile, hosts can either accept or reject the request. Depending on the Vrbo listing, it can be ‘instant booking’, which has immediate payments or ‘request to book’, where a hold is put on the guest’s payment until the request is approved.

Being on the Vrbo list also takes your rental to its affiliated platforms like Expedia, Trivago, etc, automatically expanding your scope. Payments on Vrbo are secure for both users and hosts, with minimised risks. You can further manage your Vrbo listing with the help of our seamless property management software aPerfectStay.

Why to become a host on Vrbo?

Being on multiple OTA channels raises the chances of bookings and profit. If you particularly have a vacation rental and want to target a specific audience, then you should list on Vrbo to increase your visibility. Vrbo allows property owners to attract ideal guests who would be more interested in your rental and are more likely to return time and again.

• Hosts can reach a wide range of travellers across the globe through a Vrbo list
• Ensures higher visibility for the rental as listing on Vrbo automatically displays your property on affiliate sites like KAYAK, Expedia, etc..
• Hosts get full control over their rental listing: set or change rates as required, set availability as you like, and decide minimum stay duration
• Payments are secure, and hosts are protected against fraudulent activities
• Owners get to screen guests and review whether to rent the property or not
• Vrbo offers a flexible platform fee structure– pay per confirmed booking or take an annual subscription

Vrbo Listing Requirements

By now, you must be wondering what Vrbo listing requirements are and if you can be a host. It should be noted that Vrbo expects you to comply with the local property and rental rules and regulations. The main requirements to list on Vrbo are:

• Listing portrays your property accurately with no false or misleading information
• Information in the listing should be original and not copied from somewhere else or some another listing
• You can not describe other rental properties, it should only describe the advertised rental property
• Only one listing for one property per account is allowed (you can create multiple listings for the same property)

For all listing requirements, you can read all the guidelines for listing a property on Vrbo in our free downloadable guide.

Vrbo listing requirements: In compliance with local regulations

Vrbo expects all hosts to comply with local laws and regulations. Before you list your property:

• Check local short-term rental rules — These may include business licenses, tax registrations, or zoning limitations.
• Understand the bylaws of your homeowners or condominium organization, if applicable.
• Register your property as needed by your city or state.
• Collect and remit occupancy taxes as required in your locality.

Vrbo host requirements for photo

Photos play an important part in obtaining appointments. That is why Vrbo has set guidelines for listing images. Follow these Vrbo picture guidelines to make your listing stand out:

• A minimum of six high-resolution photographs (at least 1920 x 1080 pixels).
• Include the following areas: living room, bedroom(s), bathroom, kitchen, and outside space.
• Images must be crisp, well-lit, and depict a clean environment.
• Avoid collages, text overlays, logos, and watermarks.
• Highlight special features or amenities, such as hot tubs, patios, or views.

Vrbo host requirements for safety

When it comes to vrbo host requirements, safety comes first. To fulfill Vrbo host criteria, you must ensure the following:

• Set up operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Provide a fire extinguisher and properly designate the emergency exits.
• Include a first-aid kit and publish emergency contact information.
• Ensure that the property is secure and accessible.
• Conduct regular maintenance to avoid hazards (e.g., loose tiles, electrical issues).
• Create a house manual or safety guide to help guests navigate the property

Step-by-Step Guide on how to List on VRBO

Having your property listed on Vrbo will surely give you more exposure and help you reach the right audience in the end increasing the revenue. To get you started we have laid down steps on how to list on Vrbo below:

1. Go to Vrbo.com and click on the ‘List your property’ toggle in the top right corner.
2. A new page will open with a dialogue box. Fill in the details about the bedrooms and bathrooms in your rental, then click Next.
3. On the next page, verify your rental’s location and ensure it is accurate.
4. You will be prompted to either create an account or log in to your existing account (if any).
5. After setting up your account, log in and proceed with creating your listing.
6. To begin with your listing, you will be asked to add details about your property (interiors, amenities, bedrooms, and so on).
7. After this, you must create a headline and description for your property.
8. Next, upload realistic and accurate photos of your property. Vrbo asks for a minimum of 6 photos. We advise you to add at least 12-15 pictures.
9. Next, you will be asked for your contact and payment details.
10. Lastly, you need to set a rate, booking availability, minimum stay, and any additional costs. Take it live by publishing the listing.

Note: The listing will only go live after Vrbo has verified your account and details.

You can download our detailed step-by-step guide to listing on Vrbo below.

Manage your Vrbo listing with aPerfectStay

It can be a hassle to manage OTA listing on different platforms; our property management system, aPerfectStay solves this issue for you. aPerfectStay allows you to seamlessly monitor and manage your property listings across different OTA platforms, including Vrbo. You can set availability and rates and optimise your listing simply with our system in one place.

In conclusion, by creating a Vrbo listing for your vacation rental property, you can reach global travellers, target your ideal audience and maximise revenue. By following the above step-by-step guide to listing on Vrbo, you can optimise your listing and maximise profit.