Are you dreaming of turning your vacation home into a source of extra income? Or maybe you’ve stayed in enough vacation rentals to think, “I can do this better!” If so, joining the thousands of successful Vrbo hosts could be the perfect opportunity. But before you dive in, there are a few requirements, steps, and strategies that will set you up for success.

As a host, your responsibilities go beyond providing a roof and a bed. Creating memorable traveler experiences, ensuring operational excellence, and staying competitive all play a role in becoming a successful Vrbo host. Here at Breezeway, we know what it takes to host like a Vrbo pro. Our software helps Airbnb and Vrbo hosts manage their short-term rentals (STR) efficiently and deliver an outstanding guest experience—so you can focus on growing your hosting business.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics: what you need to list on Vrbo, steps to set up your first listing, and tips to keep your property booked and well-reviewed. Let’s dive in and get you one step closer to becoming a five-star Vrbo host. 

What are the requirements to list on Vrbo?

Vrbo’s requirements to list a property are relatively straightforward, but meeting these baseline standards will help ensure that your listing meets guest expectations.

1. Property owner or management rights: To list a property on Vrbo, you must own the property or have explicit permission to manage it on behalf of the owner. This includes signing agreements and ensuring you have proper insurance coverage.
2. Accurate property information: Vrbo requires hosts to provide detailed and accurate information about the rental property, including location, size, amenities, and sleeping arrangements. Any inaccuracies or misleading information can lead to negative reviews or removal from the platform.
3. Quality photos: Vrbo has high standards when it comes to photos. Your listing must include high-resolution images that showcase the unique features and qualities of your space. Vrbo encourages hosts to include photos of all main rooms, as well as special amenities like outdoor spaces or scenic views.
4. Guest communication standards: Vrbo expects hosts to respond to inquiries within 24 hours. This responsiveness not only helps with booking requests but also improves your visibility on the platform. Tools like Breezeway’s automated messaging can streamline this process and ensure guests receive timely responses.
5. Safe and clean property: Cleanliness and safety are paramount on Vrbo. This includes providing basic safety measures like smoke detectors, secure locks, and essential cleaning supplies. Breezeway offers tools for streamlined cleaning, inspections, and maintenance scheduling to help hosts meet these standards easily.
6. Clear and fair policies: Vrbo requires hosts to outline their house rules, pet policies, and cancellation policies upfront. Guests appreciate transparency, and well-defined policies prevent misunderstandings down the line.
7. Compliance with local laws and regulations: Hosts must ensure their property is in full compliance with all local laws and regulations, including short-term rental permits, zoning laws, and guest capacity limits. Not adhering to these laws can lead to penalties or even the removal of your listing from Vrbo.
8. Liability insurance coverage: Vrbo recommends hosts have a liability insurance policy to protect against property damage and guest injury claims. This provides peace of mind for both hosts and guests and can be essential for building trust and credibility.
   
   • Pro Tip: Take Breezeway's Safety Course to get 10% off your Proper Insurance premiums.

How to become a Vrbo host

Ready to list? Here’s a step-by-step guide to launching your property on Vrbo.

1. Create a Vrbo account: First, head to Vrbo’s website to set up a host account. You’ll provide basic information, including your email, phone number, and property address.
2. Complete your listing: This is where you’ll add details about the property, including its size, amenities, location, and nearby attractions. The more specific you are, the better. Think about what sets your property apart—proximity to attractions, unique design features, or family-friendly amenities.
3. Add high-quality photos and captions: Photos are crucial, as they’re often the first thing potential guests see. Invest in professional photography if possible. Be sure to add captions to help guests understand each room’s layout and any standout features.
4. Set your pricing and availability: Research comparable properties in your area to determine competitive pricing. Vrbo’s built-in pricing tools can also help you adjust for high or low demand. Additionally, set up your calendar so guests can see your property’s availability.
5. Establish house rules and policies: Vrbo allows you to customize rules for each property, from quiet hours to check-out procedures. Outline these clearly in your listing to manage guest expectations and minimize disputes.
6. Complete the payment and tax information: Vrbo requires hosts to set up payment and tax information before the listing goes live. Familiarize yourself with local tax regulations to ensure compliance.

What is the Vrbo Premier Host Program?

The Vrbo Premier Host program recognizes top-performing hosts who consistently deliver exceptional experiences to guests. Being a Premier Host gives you special recognition on Vrbo, which can lead to increased visibility and booking potential.

Benefits of being a Premier Host:

• Enhanced visibility: Premier Hosts have a distinctive badge that sets their listings apart and increases trust with potential guests.
• Improved search ranking: Vrbo rewards Premier Hosts with better placement in search results, helping them attract more guests.
• Dedicated support: Premier Hosts have access to dedicated customer support, which can be valuable for handling complex issues or urgent situations.

How to qualify:

To become a Premier Host, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria, including high Vrbo review scores, high booking acceptance rate, consistent response times, and low cancellation rates. Essentially, the Premier Host badge is a testament to your reliability and dedication to delivering excellent guest experiences. Breezeway’s property operations tools can help you stay on top of guest communication, maintenance, and cleaning, making it easier to maintain the standards required for Premier Host status.

How much does an average Vrbo host make?

Vrbo doesn’t set a fixed income for hosts since earnings depend on factors like property location, seasonality, nightly rate, and occupancy rate. On average, Vrbo hosts can make anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 annually per property. However, premium properties in popular destinations often generate even more. Here are a few ways to optimize your earnings as a Vrbo host:

• Set competitive prices: Keep an eye on similar listings and use Vrbo’s pricing tools to optimize your nightly rates based on demand.
• Offer flexible cancellations: Many guests prefer properties with flexible cancellation policies, as it reduces the risk in case of unforeseen changes. Offering flexibility may improve your booking rate.
• Seasonal adjustments: Adjust your rates seasonally, raising them during peak travel times to capture higher demand and revenue.

What should be in my Vrbo listing?

A well-crafted listing can be the difference between a few bookings and a fully booked calendar. Here’s what to include:

1. Engaging title: Your title should highlight the best aspects of your property. For example, instead of “2-Bedroom House with Pool,” try “Cozy 2-Bedroom Home with Private Pool Near Beaches!”
2. Detailed property description: Go beyond the basics. Describe the experience of staying in your property—mention the ambiance, the amenities, nearby attractions, and any unique features like a hot tub, fire pit, or game room.
3. Accurate amenities list: List all amenities available to guests, from Wi-Fi and laundry facilities to luxury perks like a hot tub, smart TV, or free parking.
4. Clear house rules and policies: Be upfront about your rules, whether they involve pets, smoking, parties, quiet hours, and check-in and check-out times. Transparency builds trust with potential guests.
5. Highlight nearby attractions: Guests often book properties based on proximity to attractions. Highlight any points of interest that make your property an appealing home base for exploring the area.

Tips to improve your Vrbo listing

Once your listing is live, you can optimize its performance with a few strategies:

1. Keep your calendar updated: Regularly updating your calendar improves visibility and reduces the risk of double bookings. Syncing your calendar or PMS with tools like Breezeway can make this task easier.
2. Invest in professional photos: High-quality photos can significantly boost your booking rate. Properties with professional images tend to outperform those with phone photos alone.
3. Encourage positive guest reviews: Great reviews are crucial to a listing’s success. Consider using Breezeway’s guest communication features to thank guests, ask for feedback, and encourage reviews.
4. Utilize dynamic pricing: Vrbo’s pricing tools allow you to adjust your nightly rate based on demand. Experimenting with different rates can maximize both bookings and profitability.
5. Regular inspections and maintenance: Well-maintained properties lead to fewer complaints and better reviews. Using Breezeway’s tools, you can streamline routine inspections and address any issues before they impact a guest’s stay.

Common Vrbo host requirement FAQs

What kind of properties can be listed on Vrbo?

• Vrbo welcomes a wide range of property types, from single-family homes to unique accommodations like treehouses, cabins, and apartments.

Can I list my property on both Vrbo and Airbnb?

• Absolutely! Many hosts list on multiple platforms, including both Airbnb and Vrbo to maximize exposure and booking potential. Breezeway integrates with 40+ PMS softwares allowing you to manage operations across different platforms seamlessly.

How can Breezeway help me as a Vrbo host?

• Breezeway offers a suite of tools for property operations, from guest communication and cleaning checklists to inspection scheduling and a guest support team. Our goal is to simplify your operations so you can focus on delivering a top-notch guest experience.

Set up your Vrbo listing for success

Starting your journey as a Vrbo host is an exciting step toward building a profitable vacation rental business. Meeting Vrbo’s requirements and creating an optimized, eye-catching listing will set you on the right path. With a commitment to great guest experiences and a platform like Breezeway to streamline your operations, you’ll be well-prepared for success.

Are you ready to create your Vrbo listing? Dive in, set up your account, and start welcoming guests to a fantastic, well-run vacation rental!