Myths & Facts
Myths about vacation rentals are spreading quickly. Use the resources below to help correct the record and educate your friends and neighbors 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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 sanitizers 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 1 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 fraternity groups and bachelorette parties. They create nuisance problems for neighbors due to noise, parking, 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 neighbors do. Vrbo owners also want to rent to responsible guests to mitigate property damage and avoid complaints.
MYTH
Vacation rental owners are out of state 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 neighbors 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 and states 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.
