STR News.

This article discusses the discovery of guns at a VRBO property, prompting calls for stricter short-term rental regulations. Hosts should be aware of potential new regulations and ensure compliance with local laws to avoid issues.

An incident involving guns at a VRBO property in Freeport has sparked calls for increased short-term rental regulations. Hosts should be aware of the potential for stricter local ordinances and review existing house rules and security measures to ensure compliance and guest safety.

Mayfield Heights has banned short-term rentals, including Airbnb and Vrbo. This means hosts in that area can no longer operate. Hosts should stay informed about local regulations to avoid unexpected issues.

This article explores strategies Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo are using to capture event traveler bookings. The platforms are likely using dynamic pricing and enhanced marketing features. Understanding these strategies is critical to maximize revenue and stay competitive in the dynamic short-term rental market.

All-in pricing is becoming the standard across major OTAs. This shift means guests see the total price upfront, impacting host pricing strategies and revenue management. Hosts must adapt their pricing tactics and understand how platforms display their rates to stay competitive in the market.

VRBO is focusing on accessible travel, aiming to make rentals more inclusive. Belvilla acquired MadeComfy, expanding its reach in the STR market. Simultaneously, Spain proposes a 21% VAT on short-term rentals, which could impact profitability for hosts. Hosts should stay informed about changing regulations.

Vrbo introduces a new promotions suite designed to help hosts boost their business growth. While the specifics of the suite are not detailed in this short announcement, it suggests a focus on tools or features that could potentially assist hosts in optimizing their listings and attracting more guests. This update indicates a continued investment by Vrbo in supporting their host community.

This article explores how short-term rental platforms, specifically VRBO, reassure hosts during the sign-up process. It highlights the importance of security, safety, and trust in attracting and retaining hosts. PriceLabs' research underscores the significance of clear communication and robust verification processes in building host confidence.

Vrbo is expanding its accessibility features, a move that benefits both hosts and guests with disabilities. These enhancements likely include improved search filters, clearer property descriptions, and features that enhance the booking and stay experience for guests with specific needs. This update underscores Vrbo's commitment to inclusivity within the short-term rental market.

VRBO's new Promotions Suite is designed to provide hosts with more flexibility in attracting guests. The suite offers tools for creating and managing discounts, seasonal promotions, and last-minute deals. This update allows for more dynamic pricing strategies, potentially increasing occupancy and revenue. Hosts should familiarize themselves with these features to maximize their booking potential.

VRBO is rolling out improvements to their platform, focusing on enhancing the travel experience for guests with disabilities. While specific details are scarce from the provided context, the move indicates a focus on inclusivity and potentially addresses accessibility standards. This initiative could improve listing visibility for hosts who meet accessibility criteria and attract a broader guest demographic.

A recent legal decision has upheld a previous ruling concerning rental coverage for a VRBO host. The case, affirmed by a panel, indicates potential legal complexities within the short-term rental market. Hosts should review their insurance policies and understand coverage limitations.

This article from Honolulu Civil Beat reports that Honolulu hasn't issued fines to Airbnb and Vrbo for illegal short-term rentals. Hosts in Honolulu should be aware of the city's enforcement status and stay informed about local regulations.

Honolulu has not yet fined Airbnb or Vrbo for illegal short-term rentals, despite ongoing issues. This lack of enforcement raises concerns for local hosts and impacts the effectiveness of regulations aimed at controlling STRs on the island.

VRBO's soft launch of its built-in "Rate Automation" tool, powered by PriceLabs, introduces dynamic pricing capabilities directly within the platform. This allows hosts to automate price adjustments, responding to market fluctuations. Hosts can now leverage this tool for optimized revenue management, potentially increasing bookings and revenue.

This article discusses a couple's difficulties in obtaining a refund from VRBO due to a weather event named Helene. It highlights the challenges hosts and guests may face when dealing with cancellations related to unforeseen circumstances. The case underscores the importance of understanding platform policies and having appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate financial losses.

Vrbo's Q1 2025 performance showed modest growth, while facing a more significant slowdown in the U.S. market compared to competitors Airbnb and Booking.com, according to a report by PriceLabs. The article suggests this could reflect shifting travel trends and increased competition. Hosts should monitor platform performance and adjust pricing strategies.

This article highlights Airbnb's success against Vrbo. While the specifics of the 'tussle' aren't detailed, it signals Airbnb's continued dominance in the short-term rental market. Hosts should understand this competitive landscape to optimize their platform strategy. This may lead to Airbnb-specific opportunities.

This article discusses an advertising dispute between Airbnb and VRBO, specifically involving a Nick Saban commercial. The ad was benched after a complaint while a billboard advertisement remained active. The article is sourced from the VRBO platform and mentions PriceLabs, likely in the context of pricing and revenue management, highlighting the competitive landscape between the two major STR platforms.

British Columbia has granted Airbnb and Vrbo an extension on their monitoring of illegal short-term rentals, delaying the enforcement of regulations. This extension allows the platforms more time to comply with the province's rules. Hosts should ensure they are aware of the ongoing changes in local regulations to remain compliant and avoid potential penalties. The extension also gives hosts in B.C. more time to adjust to these changes.

This article discusses a complaint filed against Vrbo regarding their Super Bowl ad, originating from a competitor, Airbnb. While the specifics of the complaint aren't detailed, the event highlights ongoing competition and marketing strategies within the short-term rental market. The implications are potentially relevant to other hosts, specifically regarding how marketing tactics align with current regulations and ethical business practices within the OTA world.

Airbnb has won a legal claim against VRBO concerning the use of Nick Saban's commercials. This ruling impacts how competitors can use advertising involving public figures. The implications could affect marketing strategies for both platforms. This victory highlights the importance of intellectual property rights within the short-term rental market.

This article reports that the National Advertising Division (NAD) has recommended Vrbo modify its advertising practices. The NAD's recommendations suggest potential adjustments to how Vrbo presents its services to the public. Hosts using Vrbo should stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance and understand how they affect their listings.

The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will host the College Football Playoff semifinal again, providing a potential revenue boost for hosts in the area. This recurring event highlights the importance of seasonal pricing and optimizing listings for peak demand. Hosts should proactively prepare their properties for increased bookings and adjust pricing accordingly.