MYTHS & FACTS

Myths about vacation rentals are spreading quickly. Use the resources below to help correct the record and educate your friends and neighbours on the facts of vacation rentals.

Myth

Vacation rentals aren’t as clean as hotels.

FACT

Vrbo has issued enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines that combine information from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the World Health Organization, and Cristal International Standards. Our partners now have clear guidelines for disinfecting high-touch surfaces, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays, and stocking antibacterial handwashes, cleaners and hand sanitisers for guests. Vrbo has also added the enhanced safety steps partners are taking to individual property descriptions, so travelers book places that meet their unique needs.

Myth

Vacation rentals create unaffordable housing problems.

FACT

Vacation rentals typically make up less than one percent of a city’s housing stock. Wages and real estate market conditions have much larger impacts on housing affordability.

Myth

Vacation rentals threaten the character of a community and decrease property values.

FACT

Vacation rentals spread tourism dollars to communities and local businesses outside of traditional hotel districts. Vacation rentals can actually raise property values because many owners make improvements and upgrades to their homes so they’re more attractive to renters.

Myth

Vacation rentals are party houses used only by university students and stag parties. They create nuisance problems for neighbours due to noise and trash.

FACT

The average Vrbo traveler is a 50-year-old woman traveling with a family of four. They want quiet just as much as the home’s neighbours do. Vrbo owners also want to rent to responsible guests to mitigate property damage and avoid complaints.

Myth

Vacation rental owners are out of town investors or corporate enterprises who aren’t residents of the community.

FACT

Many rental owners are “mom-and-pop” style operations (unlike corporate hotel brands). The vast majority of owners are not getting rich off their rental property. They are locals, who depend on the extra income to make ends meet, and who care just as much about their communities as their neighbours do.

Myth

Vacation rental owners don’t pay taxes—an unfair advantage over hotels.

FACT

Vacation rentals are subject to lodging and occupancy taxes, which provide millions in tax revenue to cities, states, provinces, and countries each year.

Myth

Vacation rentals aren’t as safe as hotels.

FACT

The reality is, crime can happen anywhere, and that includes hotels. Most vacation rental owners take proactive steps to keep their guests safe, like installing key code door locks. Vrbo also offers transparent reviews, verifies travelers’ identities, and allows guests and owners to communicate prior to arrival.