Listing your property on VRBO is a great way to earn extra income, but it comes with responsibilities. You need to follow certain rules to meet VRBO’s host requirements. This includes legal guidelines, safety standards, and good communication with guests.
A strong listing with clear photos and honest details helps attract more bookings. You also need to manage pricing, respond to messages, and handle reviews professionally. With the right steps, you can create a great guest experience and grow your rental business.
VRBO Host Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners
Becoming a VRBO host is a great opportunity to earn income by renting out your property to travelers, but success depends on following key guidelines. Just like any business, there are important responsibilities to meet, from legal requirements to guest expectations.
VRBO has specific standards in place to ensure safety, trust, and quality for all users. As a host, understanding and applying these rules helps you stand out and maintain a strong reputation. This guide walks you through the essential steps to help you not only stay compliant but also grow a thriving rental business on the platform.
Property Requirements
To successfully list your home on VRBO, you must meet certain basic requirements that help ensure guest safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction. These standards are designed to maintain a high level of quality for both hosts and travelers using the platform.
Legal Requirements
Ownership or Management Rights – You must legally own the property or have documented permission from the owner or property management company to rent it out.
Local Rules and Regulations – Your rental must follow all local laws, which may include short-term rental licenses or permits. Always check your local and state requirements before creating a listing.
Safety Standards
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Install functional detectors throughout the home and test them regularly to ensure guest safety.
Fire Extinguisher – Place at least one fire extinguisher in a clearly visible and accessible location.
First-Aid Kit – Keep a stocked first-aid kit available for any minor incidents or emergencies.
Emergency Contacts – Provide guests with a printed list of emergency phone numbers and local services they can contact if needed.
Features and Amenities
High-Speed Internet – Ensure a reliable internet connection is available for guests.
Kitchen Essentials – Stock the kitchen with basic cooking tools, utensils, cookware, and small appliances.
Comfortable Bedding – Invest in quality mattresses, soft pillows, and clean, cozy linens for a good night’s sleep.
Climate Control – Offer appropriate heating or air conditioning based on your region’s weather.
Cleanliness – Maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Arrange for professional cleaning after each stay to keep the property fresh and inviting.
Listing Requirements
Creating a strong listing is key to attracting bookings once your property meets VRBO’s hosting standards. A good listing includes clear details, honest information, and visuals that make a lasting impression.
High-Quality Photos
Use natural lighting to highlight your space in a warm, welcoming way
Photograph every key area—bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, outdoor space
Show special features like a hot tub, pool, or scenic view to attract more attention
Avoid wide-angle lenses that may distort the actual size of rooms
Clear Descriptions
Include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms so guests can plan their stay
State your maximum occupancy clearly to set expectations
Highlight unique features like beach access, mountain views, or nearby attractions
Outline your house rules clearly, such as no smoking, no pets, or quiet hours
Correct Prices
Set fair pricing based on your location, season, and local demand
Use VRBO’s dynamic pricing tools to adjust rates in real time
Be transparent about any extra fees, including cleaning charges or security deposits
Keep your pricing competitive while offering good value to guests
VRBO Host Requirements and Responsibilities
Hosting on VRBO goes beyond listing a property—it involves clear communication, defined house rules, and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction. Meeting these expectations ensures a smooth experience for both hosts and travelers.
Communication
Respond quickly to inquiries, booking requests, and guest questions to build trust and avoid cancellations
Send check-in details, such as codes or keys, a few days before the stay to prepare guests
Stay available during the stay in case of issues like broken appliances or heating concerns
Follow up after checkout with a thank you message and a kind reminder to leave a review
House Rules and Policies
Clearly outline your rules in the listing and on-site to help guests understand expectations
Set clear check-in and check-out times to prevent any scheduling confusion
If charging a security deposit, explain the amount and when it will be refunded
Choose a cancellation policy that fits your hosting style, from flexible to strict, and keep it visible to guests
Reviews and Ratings
Focus on delivering excellent service to create a positive and memorable guest experience
Quickly address any concerns during a stay to reduce the chances of a negative review
Politely ask satisfied guests to share their feedback, as strong reviews help improve your visibility and bookings
Financial Considerations
Managing the financial side of hosting is essential for long-term success on VRBO. From processing payments to handling taxes and insurance, understanding your financial responsibilities will help you avoid surprises and run your rental smoothly.
Bills and Taxes
VRBO handles guest payments and transfers the money directly to your bank account, usually within one to two business days after check-in
Stay informed about local lodging tax rules, as you may be required to collect and remit taxes depending on your location
Insurance
VRBO includes basic liability insurance with each booking, but this may not cover everything
It’s a smart idea to explore additional homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to protect against property damage or injury claims
Marketing Your Property
Standing out in the vacation rental market takes more than just listing your property—you need a smart marketing strategy to attract consistent bookings.
Optimize Your Listing
Use searchable keywords in your title and description such as “pet-friendly,” “beachfront,” or “downtown stay” to appear in more results
Highlight unique features that make your property appealing to specific travelers
Seasonal Promotions
Offer discounts during slower travel seasons or create early bird specials for future dates
VRBO makes it easy to schedule and manage promotions directly through their platform
Social Media and Direct Marketing
Share high-quality photos and updates on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to reach a wider audience
Build relationships with past guests by encouraging repeat stays and word-of-mouth referrals through friendly communication and memorable experiences
VRBO Photo Requirements: How to Get the Best Listing Picture
High-quality photos are one of the most important parts of a successful VRBO listing. Great visuals highlight your property’s best features, build trust, and attract more bookings. Following VRBO’s guidelines ensures your listing stands out and looks professional on all devices.
Size and Resolution
Use high-resolution images that are at least 1024 x 683 pixels for clear and detailed viewing
Save photos in common formats like JPEG or PNG for compatibility
Keep each photo under 20 MB to ensure fast loading on all devices
Types of Photos to Include
Capture the exterior of your home, including entryways, gardens, patios, or pools
Include all essential interior spaces, such as bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms, and kitchens
Highlight amenities like a hot tub, gym, or entertainment system to showcase added value
Show off any unique features—like a cozy fireplace, ocean view, or artistic decor—that make your rental stand out
Quality Tips
Use natural light to make rooms appear bright, clean, and inviting; mid-day is often best
Photograph from room corners to show full layouts and spaciousness
Tidy up each space to present a polished, welcoming environment for potential guests
Accuracy Matters
Avoid overly edited or misleading photos—use honest angles and avoid distorting lenses
Make sure your images reflect the current state of your property so guests know exactly what to expect when they arrive
Conclusion
Becoming a successful VRBO host takes more than just listing your property—it requires careful planning, strong communication, and consistent effort. By meeting VRBO’s host requirements, setting clear policies, and offering great guest experiences, you set yourself apart in a competitive market.
Financial awareness and smart marketing also play a big role in long-term success. And when it comes to attracting bookings, high-quality, honest photos are essential. With the right approach, your rental can stand out and deliver lasting value.
