As of 2026, Vrbo travelers typically pay a service fee of 4% to 9% of the rental amount (capped at $499), plus taxes and fees set by the host.
Do you have to pay the service fee on VRBO?
Yes, travelers must pay the service fee on most Vrbo bookings.
That said, the service fee isn’t some sneaky hidden charge—it shows up clearly at checkout. It runs between 4% and 9% of your rental cost (before taxes and refundable fees), and it covers things like secure payments and customer support. For a $2,000 rental, expect to pay around $80–$180. Just remember, this fee is non-refundable unless the host cancels the trip.
What is a travelers service fee?
A traveler’s service fee on Vrbo is a 4% to 9% charge on the rental amount (capped at $499), excluding taxes and refundable fees.
Here’s how it works: the higher your total booking cost, the lower the percentage tends to be. For a $1,500 stay, you might see a 6% fee, which comes out to $90. Vrbo uses this money to keep the platform running smoothly—think payment security and customer service. Guests always see this charge before they hit “confirm booking.”
How do you not pay the service fee on VRBO?
You can avoid the service fee by booking directly through Vrbo’s regional listing sites or contacting owners to list their property on those platforms.
Vrbo runs regional sites like vrbo.ca (Canada) and vrbo.co.uk (UK). Book through those, and the service fee disappears. Another trick? Email or call the owner and ask them to list the property on one of those regional sites. No service fee, no fuss.
Why does Vrbo charge for additional guests?
Vrbo charges for additional guests to allow hosts to adjust pricing based on occupancy and justify higher cleaning or wear-and-tear costs.
Think about it this way: a 2-bedroom condo isn’t built for 10 people. Hosts often tack on $20 extra per night for each guest beyond the standard occupancy. It keeps the place comfortable and covers extra cleaning or maintenance. The fee is set by the host and clearly shown before you book—no surprises later.
Is VRBO more expensive than Airbnb?
Vrbo is often cheaper than Airbnb for comparable properties because its service fee is typically lower.
A 2025 Consumer Reports analysis found Vrbo’s total costs (service fee + owner fees) averaged 10–15% less than Airbnb’s for the same rental. That said, prices swing wildly depending on location and property type. Always compare both platforms before you pull the trigger on a booking.
Who pays the cleaning fee on VRBO?
Travelers pay the cleaning fee set by the host, in addition to the service fee.
The cleaning fee shows up under “Owner fees” during checkout. For a 3-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the host. Remember, the service fee (4%–9%) is calculated on the rental cost plus all owner-added fees, including cleaning. You’ll see the grand total before you commit, so no sticker shock later.
What does VRBO charge hosts?
Vrbo hosts pay either a $499 annual subscription fee or a 5% commission per booking plus a 3% payment processing fee.
Under the pay-per-booking model, a $2,000 rental costs the host $100 (5%) + $60 (3%), totaling $160 in fees. The annual subscription works better for hosts with high occupancy. Both options include 24/7 support and marketing tools. Hosts just pick the model that fits their rental volume best.
Can you add a cleaning fee to VRBO?
Yes, hosts can add a cleaning fee (or other owner fees) to their Vrbo listing.
Common owner fees include cleaning ($50–$300), pet fees ($25–$150), and administrative fees ($10–$50). These get listed separately during checkout. Travelers see the full cost upfront, including all fees. Hosts set these based on property size and services provided—no guessing games for guests.
Are there fake listings on VRBO?
Vrbo listings are generally safe, but fake or misleading listings can appear if you ignore Vrbo’s verification steps.
Scammers sometimes use stolen photos or vague descriptions to trick travelers. To stay safe, check for verified owner profiles, read recent reviews, and only book through Vrbo’s official site. Vrbo’s Help Center has tools to verify listings. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Are VRBO rentals Safe?
Vrbo rentals are safe when you follow booking best practices, such as using the platform’s payment system and verifying reviews.
Vrbo offers a $1M Property Damage Protection for eligible bookings. Still, guests should avoid paying outside Vrbo’s system. The platform’s review system and customer service help reduce risks. Always message the host through Vrbo and check the cancellation policy before handing over any money.
Is HomeAway the same as VRBO?
HomeAway and Vrbo are under the same parent company (Expedia Group) and operate similar platforms, but Vrbo is the rebranded name.
HomeAway bought VRBO back in 2006, and Expedia Group acquired HomeAway in 2015. Then in 2019, Vrbo rebranded to simplify things. Both platforms now operate under the Vrbo brand, though some regional sites might still use “HomeAway.” Listings and fees stay consistent no matter which name you see.
Do Vrbo owners make money?
As of 2026, Vrbo reports that owners who rent out a second home earn an average of $33,000 annually in rental revenue.
A Vrbo survey found top earners make over $100,000/year, while part-time hosts average $5,000–$15,000. Your profit depends on location, occupancy rates, and pricing strategy. Hosts in hotspots like Orlando, Miami, or ski towns tend to earn more. Use Vrbo’s owner tools to estimate your potential income.
Can you book VRBO through a travel agent?
Yes, Vrbo pays travel agents a 5% commission on bookings made through their agency.
Agents need to be registered with Vrbo’s partner program to earn commissions. The 5% fee comes out of the host’s payout, not added to your bill. Companies like Classic Vacations handle these bookings, but guests still pay the standard service fee. Check Vrbo’s agent resources for the full scoop.
What is a host fee?
A host fee on Vrbo is a commission charged to the host, typically 5% of the booking subtotal (nightly rate + cleaning fee + additional guest fees).
For a $1,500 stay with a $200 cleaning fee, the subtotal jumps to $1,700. At 5%, the host fee would be $85. In some countries (like Italy) or for properties with strict cancellation policies, the fee might climb to 10%. Hosts can choose between this pay-per-booking model or an annual subscription—whichever fits their business better.
