HOSTING Essentials
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GREAT HOSTING IN TWO EASY STEPS
Follow all applicable laws.
Hosting is a wonderful way to earn supplemental income and cover many of life’s expenses, but make sure you can do so within your local and state laws. Visit your local, county, and state government websites and search “short-term rentals” to see all applicable rules and requirements. Also ensure your property is always up to date on proper safety features, such as smoke alarms and pool safety essentials.
Host great guests!
We love that guests stay in short-term rentals for the comforts of home and a unique local experience. While they’re in your property, it’s important to remember they’re amongst locals, too, and hosts and guests both have a responsibility to preserve neighbors’ peaceful enjoyment of their homes.
Many jurisdictions have noise ordinances, parking rules, and other policies to keep communities enjoyable for all. Implement good neighbor practices in your property and communicate them to guests. Download our free workbook to create a five-star experience for both guests and neighbors.
Hosting tips for big destination events
Music festivals, the Super Bowl, Comic-Con – whatever big event your destination is hosting, get ready with these hosting essentials! Whether you’re hosting short-term rentals for the first time or you’ve been doing so for a while, now’s the time to make sure you’re prepared. Browse through these specialized resources to help you be a premier ambassador for a great experience for your guests, your communities, and yourself.
ULTIMATE EVENT HOSTING GUIDE
From festivals to the Super Bowl, hosting around big events brings special considerations.
HOW TO VET YOUR GUESTS
Catch potentially problematic reservations before they get booked on your calendar.
MAKING SURE YOU CAN HOST
Check your local, county, and state laws for rules around short-term rental hosting.
+ MORE PROACTIVE PRACTICES
FROM RENT RESPONSIBLY
GUEST POLICIES AND COMMUNICATIONS TEMPLATES
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SUSTAINABILITY: PROPERTY CARE, MARKETING, & MORE
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How to Prevent PARTIES & Neighbor Complaints
Looking for a privacy-safe noise monitoring solution? Hosts who list on Vrbo can save 50% on NoiseAware devices! Use code VRBO50 at checkout.
FROM VRBO
Trust and Safety for Owners and Guests
FROM VRBO
STAY NEIGHBORLY: NOTIFY VRBO OF A DISRUPTIVE PROPERTY
Hospitality & Marketing
SETTING THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS WITH HOSPITABLE HOUSE RULES & GREAT COMMUNICATIONS
Crafting house rules effectively is an art, a perfect balance of clear but cheerful – clearful! Plus, when guests send questions or requests that indicate they might inadvertently – or intentionally – cause issues, responding in a friendly but firm way heads off problems while maintaining a positive relationship.
HOSTING FOR THE LONG-TERM WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND
85% of travelers want to stay in sustainable accommodations, and 3 in 5 are willing to pay more for them. Can your property win these travelers while protecting the planet? (Yes, it can!)
EXTENDING HOSPITALITY THROUGH INCLUSIVITY & SAFETY
LGBTQ+ travel is a $218 billion travel niche, and 60% of these travelers rate safety as a top priority. Black travelers spent nearly $109 billion on travel in the U.S. in 2019, but 42% feel unwelcome in their destination. 89% of women routinely take extreme safety precautions when they travel. Safety and inclusivity are non-negotiables for travelers – and big wins for hosts.
MAKING VACATION RENTALS ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
61 million American adults have a disability. Travelers with disabilities have the desire to travel more, and do travel more than any underrepresented group. Still, there is a significant lack of accessible STR nationwide. Upgrading your property to be more accessible is easier than you think! There are dozens of simple, stylish ways to welcome more travelers without major renovations.
MORE RESOURCES FROM RENT RESPONSIBLY
FIND YOUR LOCAL ALLIANCE
Connect with short-term rental hosts in your area. Find your local resources and support.
RESOURCE LIBRARY
Checklists, guides, worksheets and more to elevate and protect your hosting.
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