Vrbo Host Requirements: Exploring Hosting Success in 2025
Thinking about renting out your vacation home on Vrbo? It’s a great way to earn extra money while sharing your space with travelers. Vrbo, a top platform for vacation rentals, connects property owners with guests looking for cozy, whole-home stays. But before you start, you need to know the Vrbo host requirements to make sure your listing shines and your guests have a great time. From legal rules to safety tips, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started as a Vrbo host in 2025. Whether you’re new to hosting or looking to improve, these steps will help you set up a listing that attracts bookings and keeps guests coming back.
Getting Started with Vrbo Hosting
Becoming a Vrbo host is exciting, but there are a few basics you need to cover first. Vrbo is all about renting out entire homes, so you can list your house, condo, or cabin, but not shared spaces like a single room. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old to create an account, which is simple to set up on their website or app. Start by signing up with your name, email, and a password, then add your property details. You’ll also need to check local laws—some cities require permits or have rules about short-term rentals. Vrbo wants hosts to follow these regulations to avoid any trouble, so do your homework before listing to ensure you’re ready to welcome guests.
Age and Account Setup
To host on Vrbo, you must be 18 or older—it’s a basic rule in their terms. Setting up an account is easy: go to Vrbo’s website, click “List Your Property,” and enter your name, email, and a password. You might need to verify your identity with a government ID, depending on your area. This step ensures you’re eligible to host and helps Vrbo keep the platform safe for everyone. Once your account is ready, you can start building your listing, but make sure you’re legally allowed to rent out your space first.
Check Local Laws
Before listing, research your local rules for short-term rentals. Some cities, like Los Angeles or Austin, require permits or limit rentals to certain zones. You might need a business license or to register your property, and some areas cap the number of rental days per year. Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) can also have restrictions, like banning rentals under 31 days in places like California. Checking these laws upfront keeps you out of trouble and ensures your hosting journey starts smoothly.
Property Requirements for Vrbo
Vrbo has specific rules about the type of property you can list. They focus on whole homes, meaning you can’t rent out shared spaces or private rooms—it’s not like Airbnb in that way. Your property needs to be a full unit, like a house, apartment, or cabin, where guests have the entire space to themselves. You must own the property or have permission from the owner to list it, and Vrbo might ask for proof, like a deed or agreement. The listing should be accurate, describing your space honestly, with details about its size, location, and amenities, so guests know exactly what they’re booking.
Whole-Home Rentals Only
Vrbo is strict about listing entire homes only. This means your property must be a complete, private space—like a full house, condo, or cabin—where guests don’t share with others. Shared spaces, such as a spare room in your home or a shared bathroom, aren’t allowed. This rule sets Vrbo apart, catering to travelers who want privacy and more space, like families or groups. Make sure your property fits this requirement before creating your listing, or Vrbo might not approve it.
Ownership or Permission
You need to own the property or have clear permission from the owner to list it on Vrbo. This could be a written agreement if you’re managing the property for someone else. Vrbo might ask for proof, like a deed or contract, to confirm you’re authorized. This step protects everyone involved and ensures the property is legally available for rent. If you’re renting out a place you don’t own, get that permission in writing to avoid issues later.
Creating a Great Vrbo Listing
Your listing is your chance to show off your property and attract guests. Vrbo requires accurate and original content—no copying from other listings. You’ll need to include a detailed description of your space, covering things like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities like Wi-Fi or a pool. High-quality photos are a must—Vrbo asks for at least six clear, bright images showing the inside and outside of your property. You also need to set your rates, availability, and house rules, like whether pets are allowed, to help guests understand what to expect.
Detailed and Honest Description
When writing your listing, be clear and truthful. Describe your property’s size, layout, and features—like if it has a kitchen, parking, or a great view. Mention nearby attractions or how far you are from the beach or city center. Vrbo doesn’t allow misleading info, so don’t exaggerate. If your place has quirks, like no air conditioning, say so upfront. A good description sets the right expectations, which leads to happy guests and better reviews, helping you stand out on the platform.
High-Quality Photos
Photos make a big difference in getting bookings. Vrbo requires at least six high-resolution pictures that show your property’s best features—think bright shots of the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and outdoor areas. Avoid blurry or dark images, and don’t use photos from other listings, as Vrbo flags unoriginal content. Adding a virtual tour can also help guests picture themselves in your space, making them more likely to book. Good visuals are key to catching travelers’ attention.
Safety and Cleanliness Standards
Vrbo takes guest safety and cleanliness seriously, and as a host, you need to meet these standards. Your property must be clean and well-maintained, with essentials like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and a fire extinguisher. Make sure doors and windows lock properly, and provide a first aid kit for emergencies. You should also share contact info for local emergency services and be reachable if guests have issues. Keeping your space safe and spotless not only meets Vrbo’s requirements but also ensures guests feel comfortable and leave great reviews.
Essential Safety Measures
To keep guests safe, equip your property with basics like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher—check that they’re working before each stay. Secure locks on doors and windows are a must, and well-lit outdoor areas can add extra safety. Vrbo also suggests having a clear emergency exit plan and sharing it with guests, either in a welcome guide or in person. These simple steps show you care about your guests’ well-being and help meet Vrbo’s safety expectations.
Keeping It Clean
A clean property is non-negotiable for Vrbo hosts. Before guests arrive, make sure every room is spotless—clean bedding, bathrooms, and kitchen areas are a must. Stock basic cleaning supplies, like soap and paper towels, so guests can tidy up during their stay. If you charge a cleaning fee, set a fair amount based on the effort required, but don’t overdo it, as high fees can turn guests away. A sparkling space makes guests feel welcome and boosts your chances of getting positive feedback.
Fees and Policies You Need to Know
Hosting on Vrbo comes with some costs and rules to understand. You can choose between two fee options: a $499 annual subscription for unlimited bookings or a pay-per-booking fee of 8% plus tax per reservation. You’ll also need to set your cancellation policy—Vrbo offers options from strict (no refunds) to flexible (full refund if canceled 14 days before check-in). Be clear about house rules, like pet or smoking policies, to avoid misunderstandings. Vrbo requires all bookings to go through their platform, so don’t try to take payments offline, as it breaks their rules.
Vrbo Hosting Fees
Vrbo gives you two ways to pay for hosting. The annual subscription costs $499 and covers all bookings for the year, which is great if you rent out your place often. Or you can choose the pay-per-booking option, where Vrbo charges 8% plus tax for each reservation—this works better if you only host occasionally. Both fees include a 3% payment processing cost and a 5% commission. Knowing these costs helps you set your rates to cover expenses while staying competitive.
Setting Clear Policies
Your house rules and policies set expectations for guests. Decide if you allow pets, smoking, or events like parties, and state these clearly in your listing. You can also set a minimum age for the primary renter, like 25, to attract the right crowd. Vrbo lets you choose a cancellation policy, from strict to flexible, so pick one that suits you. Be transparent about any deposits for damages or extra fees, like for cleaning, so guests aren’t surprised when they book.
Becoming a Premier Host on Vrbo
Vrbo’s Premier Host program rewards hosts who go above and beyond, offering perks like better search visibility and a special badge on your listing. To qualify, you need at least 3 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 or higher, a 95% booking acceptance rate, and a cancellation rate of 1% or less. You also need 5 bookings or 60 booked nights in a year. These standards ensure you’re providing top-notch experiences, and becoming a Premier Host can help you stand out, attract more guests, and boost your earnings.
