Vrbo, part of Expedia Group, is a marketplace for renting out entire vacation homes, cabins, condos and beach houses, mostly to families and groups. Listing is free and hosts pay a commission on each booking. From 29 October 2026, Vrbo moved all hosts to a single 12% commission, replacing the old 5% commission plus 3% payment processing. Guests still pay their own service fee.
At a glance
| What it is | Vacation home rental marketplace |
| Owner | Expedia Group |
| Host commission | 12% from 29 October 2026 |
| Before October 2026 | 5% commission plus 3% processing, about 8% |
| Guest fee | Separate service fee paid by the guest |
| Property type | Whole homes, not shared rooms |
How it works
You list your property with photos, amenities, rules, a calendar and nightly rates. Guests book or send inquiries, pay through Vrbo, and you receive your payout after the fees are taken. You handle check-in, cleaning and guest questions, or use a property manager.
What it costs
Until 29 October 2026, pay-per-booking hosts paid a 5% commission plus a 3% payment processing fee, about 8% in total, and hosts connected through property management software paid 5%. From that date, all hosts pay a single 12% commission, which includes payment processing, and some regions can be 12% to 15%. The rate follows the booking date, not the stay date. Legacy annual subscriptions move to the 12% commission once their term ends.
Vrbo or Airbnb?
Vrbo’s host commission is lower than Airbnb’s 15.5% host-only fee, but Vrbo guests also pay a service fee, so the total price they see is higher. Many hosts list on both and sync calendars to avoid double bookings.
What earns well
Family-friendly homes near beaches, lakes, mountains and theme parks, with several bedrooms and outdoor space, are Vrbo’s strength. Week-long summer and holiday stays are common.
Rules and running costs
Check local short-term rental rules, permits and taxes before listing. Cleaning, maintenance, insurance and utilities all reduce your profit.
Common mistakes
Hosts often forget to raise prices after a fee change, skip calendar syncing or write vague house rules. Clear rules and a reliable cleaner prevent most bad reviews.
Getting started
List a home you can manage or have managed, compare nearby rates, set minimum stays for peak weeks and sync your calendar if you also use other sites.
Is it worth it?
For a family-sized vacation home, yes, especially as a second channel next to Airbnb. Recalculate your nightly rates with the 12% commission before peak season.
Reviews and ratings
Vrbo guests often book a week at a time, so a single bad review weighs heavily. A spotless home, clear instructions and quick replies during the stay make the biggest difference.
Calendar syncing
If you list on several sites, connect your calendars or use a channel manager so a booking on one site blocks the same dates everywhere else.
Owen’s take
Vrbo is a strong second channel for whole homes, especially family places. The new 12% fee narrows the gap with Airbnb, so recheck your prices.
Who it suits
It suits owners of whole vacation homes who want family and group bookings. It suits less well anyone renting a spare room in their own home.
Similar options
- Airbnb lists rooms and whole homes.
- Outdoorsy rents out RVs and campervans.
- Peerspace rents spaces by the hour.
- Swimply rents out pools and backyards.
More options are in Rentals & Sharing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to list
- Families and groups book longer stays
- One commission that covers processing
Cons
- Commission rose to 12% in October 2026
- Guests also pay a service fee
- Whole homes only
FAQ
How much does Vrbo charge hosts?
A single 12% commission from 29 October 2026.
What did Vrbo charge before?
About 8%: a 5% commission plus 3% payment processing.
Do Vrbo guests pay a fee?
Yes, a separate service fee at checkout.
Can I list a shared room on Vrbo?
No, Vrbo is for whole properties.
Which rate applies to a booking?
The rate in force on the booking date, not the stay date.
