Vrbo Requirements for Hosts: Everything You Need to Know
If you own a vacation home in a popular travel destination, renting it out on Vrbo can be an excellent way to generate extra income. While creating a hosting account on this leading OTA (Online Travel Agency) platform is free, it’s crucial to understand both the local short-term rental regulations and the specific Vrbo requirements for hosts. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, stay compliant, and maximize your success as a Vrbo host.
Understanding Local Vacation Rental Regulations
As the vacation rental industry continues to grow, many state and local governments have implemented laws and regulations to govern short-term rentals. These rules vary widely depending on your location, so it’s essential to research and comply with them before listing your property on Vrbo. Below are some common policies and regulations you may encounter:
Zoning Restrictions
Many localities have zoning regulations that restrict short-term rentals to specific areas. For example, some cities only allow vacation rentals in designated tourist zones or prohibit them in residential neighborhoods. Always check your local zoning laws to ensure your property is eligible for short-term rentals.
Permits and Licenses
In many cities, short-term rental owners are required to register their property, obtain a permit, and secure a general business license. Some jurisdictions also require a specific short-term rental license. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines or legal action.
License Caps
Some communities have implemented caps on the number of short-term rental licenses issued within their jurisdiction. If your area has reached its limit, you may need to wait until a license becomes available before listing your property.
HOA Restrictions
If your property is part of a homeowners’ association (HOA), check the HOA’s rules and regulations. Some HOAs prohibit short-term rentals entirely, while others may have specific guidelines you must follow.
Tax Collection
Many areas require vacation rental owners to collect transient occupancy taxes (TOT) from guests and remit them to local tax authorities. Make sure you understand your tax obligations and set up a system for collecting and reporting these taxes.
안전 및 보건 규정
Short-term rentals are often subject to building safety, health, and parking regulations. For example, your property may need to meet specific fire safety standards or provide a minimum number of parking spaces for guests.
Liability Insurance
It’s essential to have adequate liability insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents or damages. Some jurisdictions require hosts to carry specific types of insurance coverage.
규정을 준수하려면 정부 웹사이트를 방문하거나 현지 당국에 문의하거나 법률 전문가와 상담하여 현지 규정을 조사하세요. 정보를 숙지하면 벌금을 피하고 성공적인 휴가용 임대 숙소 비즈니스를 운영하는 데 도움이 됩니다.
Vrbo 상장 요건
숙소가 현지 규정을 준수하는지 확인했다면, 다음 단계는 Vrbo에 숙소를 등록하는 것입니다. 이 플랫폼은 이 과정을 도와주는 단계별 가이드를 제공하며, 주요 요건과 유의해야 할 모범 사례는 다음과 같습니다:
Property Eligibility
Vrbo specializes in whole-home rentals, so shared spaces (like a single room in your home) are not eligible. Your property can be your primary residence or a vacation home, as long as it’s available for rent as a whole unit.
Listing Fees
Vrbo offers two fee structures for hosts:
- Annual Subscription: Pay a one-time fee of $499 to list your property for an entire year. This option is ideal for hosts who plan to rent their property year-round.
- Pay-Per-Booking: Pay a commission of 8% (plus applicable taxes) for each booking. This option is better for hosts who only rent their property occasionally.
Listing Content
Your listing must accurately describe your property and comply with Vrbo’s Marketplace Standards. Here’s what you need to include:
- Headline: A minimum of 20 characters that captures the essence of your property.
- Property Description: A detailed description of at least 400 characters that highlights your property’s features, amenities, and unique selling points.
- 사진: At least six high-quality photos that showcase your property and its surroundings.
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Accurate information about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Address and Location: The property’s exact address and latitude/longitude coordinates.
- Registration Number: If required by your jurisdiction, include your property’s registration number.
- Calendar Availability: Keep your booking calendar up to date to avoid double bookings.
- Rates and Fees: Be transparent about your rates and any additional fees.
- 편의시설: List the top-searched amenities your property offers.
- House Rules: Clearly outline your house rules and policies.
Booking Process
All bookings must be processed through the Vrbo marketplace. Do not include any content in your listing that attempts to direct travelers to book outside of Vrbo, such as URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, or property addresses.
Building a Direct Booking Website
While platforms like Vrbo are great for reaching a wide audience, creating a direct booking website can help you build relationships with guests and reduce reliance on OTAs. Services like Hospitable Direct make it easy to create a professional website without any technical skills.
Vrbo 사진 요구 사항
High-quality photos are essential for attracting travelers to your listing. Vrbo recommends uploading at least 25 sharp, well-lit, high-resolution photos that showcase your property and its surroundings. Here are the specific requirements:
기술 사양
- Resolution: Minimum of 1024 x 683 pixels.
- File Size: Maximum of 20 MB per photo.
- Format: JPEG/JPG, PNG, or GIF.
사진 가이드라인
- 저해상도, 흐릿하거나 지나치게 어두운 사진은 피하세요.
- 흑백 이미지를 사용하지 마세요.
- 사진의 방향이 올바른지 확인합니다(가로가 아닌 세로).
- 숙소와 숙소 주변 사진만 포함하세요.
- 워터마크가 있거나 복사된 이미지를 사용하지 마세요.
- 부적절한 콘텐츠를 피하세요.
Pro Tip: Add a Virtual Tour
Consider adding a virtual tour to your listing to give travelers an immersive view of your property. Virtual tours help guests visualize themselves in your space, leading to faster booking decisions.
Vrbo Host Requirements: Ensuring Guest Safety
게스트의 안전과 안녕을 보장하는 것은 호스트의 책임입니다. 다음은 필수적으로 취해야 할 몇 가지 조치입니다:
Emergency Information
Provide guests with contact information for local emergency services, hospitals, and your own contact details in case of issues.
Safety Equipment
Ensure your property is equipped with fire safety equipment, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher.
응급 처치 키트
Place a well-stocked first aid kit in an easily accessible location.
Privacy and Security
Inform guests if your property has security cameras or surveillance systems. Respect their privacy at all times.
어린이 보호
가족 친화적인 숙소인 경우, 어린 게스트의 안전을 보장하기 위해 어린이 보호 조치를 취하세요.
Ventilation
Ensure your property is well-ventilated and has a working thermostat for guest comfort.