This forum is dedicated to connecting hosts with other hosts. Sign up to get the latest updates and news just for AirBnb hosts! Note that we are not affiliated with Airbnb - we are just passionate hosts!
I finally decided to add VRBO (yes they allow suites as long as they have a separate entrance) and searched this forum but the latest info is at least 2 years old.
So here’s what I’m looking for.
What are the differences in the two?
Things like guest requirements, insurance, cancellations, customer service help, guest verification, do you need an agreement with VRBO? etc. .
It looks like you can’t sync the two calendars and I might have to get a channel - what would you recommend?
(For the time being, I’m keeping IB off of VRBO so I can manually update calendar but eventually that’s going to get old in my busy season but I’ve got 5 months before that happened. .)
Anything else? I feel like I mastered Airbnb and want to minimize any surprises.
OK, it’s odd but the message on the said something about syncing all calendars except Airbnb and I assumed that mean you couldn’t do it. I’ll investigate further. Thanks.
You don’t need an agreement but you can upload a rental agreement,
VRBO allows parties and events,
You can require that guests pay $X (usually $79) for $3,000 of insurance (other premium amounts are possible). That’s what we do and VRBO’s insurance carrier has generally been fair, but the insurance provides only for damages to the rental unit. So when the guest let the tub overflow into our property downstairs the insurance did not apply,
We repeatedly get these scammers on VRBO that first ask whether the property is available for a certain time period. We say ‘yes.’ A few days later they come back and explain that their employer is paying for the trip and will send a check and who/how to send it. This is a scam. We haven’t had that on Airbnb.
VRBO just instituted a new rule on cameras, which include:
Location and coverage of devices must be disclosed on the property description page losed on the property details page and in a reasonably discoverable location such as a “guest instructions” binder, a notice on the wall of a high-traffic common space, or a placard next to the entry point itself. The disclosure must specify that the pool/hot tub is within the coverage area of the device.
The penalty for not meeting these disclosures is potentially severe:
“If a host violates this surveillance policy, and a guest leaves a property because of this violation, the host may be required to refund the entirety of the stay. Violations could also result in removal from our platform.”
I am sure that there are other differences, but these are top-of mind. In general, my impression is that VRBO does not get as involved as Airbnb does with guest or host complaints. I’ll be interested to learn from others here what differences they’re aware of.
Well, guess what? We (or the public in my name) are in the process of being scammed right now on VRBO.
There is a new listing under my name at an address where I lived years ago. The listing is in process of being onboarded. I contacted VRBO to say that this is a scam, that I do not own that property and am not a host of it. They asked me to contact them in a few hours because they say that their system is down for maintenance. Meanwhile I gave them the VRBO listing number as a fake listing.
I find it amazing that someone has been able to do this. I have two-factor authentication on the VRBO account. So I don’t know how they got so far, but I’m guessing that they can’t complete the listing unless it’s that they just didn’t get to it yet, or the fact that the VRBO system is down for maintenance has interrupted the process. I guess it’s wise to go to the VRBO ‘dashboard’ from time to time to make sure the listings are yours.
I agree. I’ve responded to these inquiries out of courtesy, thinking initially that maybe the person is a novice to the system. I wonder, though, why bother with this initial step.
I don’t get why they’d bother with that initial step, either. When I’ve read accounts of this scam before, the hosts didn’t say they got that first, they just got the “My employer is paying…” message.
One host said she got an inquiry asking if dates were available, and when she answered that they were obviously not, they were booked, the inquirer told her that they really needed to book those dates, so she should cancel the other booking and accept hers.
Not a scammer, just someone incredibly entitled. This person didn’t even accept the host telling her she couldn’t and wouldn’t do that, she kept harrassing her.
Reminded me of a woman who came into my upholstery shop, saying she needed 10 single bed size cushions made for built-in concrete benches in her new house, a week before Xmas, and wanted them by Xmas. When I told her that was impossible, there was no way I could do that in a week, and even if I could, I had other orders to complete by Xmas, her response was, “But we’re hosting a wedding, we need them”.
In addition to uploading your contract, you should definitely get a signed rental agreement from all travelers. Getting Photo ID is also a good idea. Try HelloSign.
VRBO allows parties and events, but they have nothing comparable to “aircover”. You are on your own with damages. I think they allow a credit card hold.
Damage coverage is offered to the guest upon checkout. Note that it covers the guest and not the owner. It is only applicable for negligent damage and has other limitations. If a guest denies damage, then it does not pay out.
In 13 years, I have had about 3 or 4 fake inquiries only. The scammers do target new listings.
Chargebacks can be a reality. VRBO will only defend you one time against a chargeback. That is why a contract is important if you end up in court to collect.
VRBO does not make sure guest payments are submitted; that is your job.
VRBO is much more “hands-off” than is AirBnb in oversight.
VRBO has survellience disclosure rules.
VRBO almost never removes a review…even if it is “not relevant”.
The rating system on VRBO is worthless. Don’t even bother.
VRBO does not allow same day bookings.
The taxes may be handled differently, depending upon your location.
Vrbo only allows to specify a minimum stay, but not maximum.
This can also be a problem with local law concerning difference of tenants (LTR.) to guests (STR) ( eg how you can remove them if they break house rules or dont leave after their check out time )
I suggest maximum stay length be in the House Rules. That way the CS agent can see bookings longer than that are a violation of house rules and you should be able to get the reservation cancelled without penalty.
Airbnb does not allow the “vetting “ of guests… whatever that means these days. Using a channel mgr… OwnerRez for example… the guest information is given on a request to book ( as well as instant book) and an owner can “vet” the guest. An Airbnb inquiry is always blind with all guest information totally blocked. VRBO wins on this one big time, and VRBO wins with owner cancellations too.
Well, what I consider vetting guests on Airbnb is not using IB, so I have a chance to communicate with them prior to accepting, making sure they understand what they are booking, and that we are both on the same page and it will be a good fit, reading any reviews they have (and sometimes the ones they’ve left for prior hosts) and asking them some questions if they haven’t communicated well or they are newbies.
That approach hasn’t failed me yet.
sounds fine. And I think the same approach and method can be taken whether on vrbo or airbnb. This question was airbnb vs vrbo and I dont think there is any difference in this regard. So whatever most anyone considers “vetting” is the same for both sites.
What VRBO insurance are you referring to? And VRBO does not allow same day bookings at all… there might be a 24 hour restriction on any reservations . VRBO has limited liability coverage included. That’s all. The guest can buy travel coverage and/or damage protection during booking provided by a 3rd party companies…… the damage protection is for the guest and not the owner. Accidental Damage Protection provides travelers with coverage for accidental damage to a rental property during their stay. Our damage protection insurance is offered through Generali Global Assistance must be purchased at least 24 hours before check-in. Policy options. $59 for $1500 coverage.
We are on the VRBO platform. There is an option where the Host can require one of three insurance packages that protect the Host from damage by the guest. We generally require the guests to buy the $79 package that covers up to $3,000 of damages, which is payable to the Host. We have received monies on these packages several times.
Asa an aside, I recently heard from an Allstate agent in MA that its policy which covers Airbnb Hosts covers only Airbnb hosts, not any damages or liability that accrues from a VRBO rental.
