The Vrbo Clause That Can Cost You a Commission

Airbnb already gave you homework this fall, and now Vrbo has assigned some too. Sigh. In the space of 5 days, Vrbo rolled out a new commission, new host terms, and a new payment option.  

The 12% commission started October 29 for bookings made from that date, and the updated Host Terms took effect the same day. Vrbo announced Reserve Now, Pay Later on November 2.

Here’s what’s changed:

01
Your Commission

The 12% covers your nightly rate plus the fees you charge guests, like cleaning, pet, and boat fees. Taxes and refundable damage deposits stay out of it. The rate runs from 12% to 15% by region, so look up yours in your Vrbo Dashboard.

02
Your Rate Limits

If you use Rate Automation, Vrbo says it won’t raise your rates to cover the commission. Check your minimum and maximum yourself.

03
Your Direct Bookings

A guest contacts you through Vrbo, and as a result you book that same listing with them directly within 30 days. Yes, a phone call or an email counts. On pay-per-booking listings, Vrbo can charge its commission, and you report the booking. Vrbo says this protection has been in its listing agreements for years, so if it never came up before, you’re unlikely to see a change.

04
Your Other Channels

Your Vrbo listing has to be at least as favorable as what you offer on your own website and other channels, across fees, policies, availability, and booking conditions. If your direct site has the better deal, Vrbo wants that deal on Vrbo too.

05
Your Cancellation Window

Reserve Now, Pay Later lets a guest book with $0 due. Vrbo says eligibility depends on a qualifying cancellation window and that your payouts don’t change.

We put all 5 checks on 1 page for you to gather what you need and check off the list. Take a couple of minutes now to avoid hassle later.

GET THE VRBO HOST CHECKLIST →

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