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Hey Anne -- I'm struggling to get the credit card processing fee to apply to all the other surcharges and not just rent. I've created it as a custom surcharge so I can give it a position, but because all the new style Surcharges/Discounts have no positions set, they are being placed beneath it. It seems I too hastily redid all my surcharges to make use of your new system, because now the credit card processing fee (which should be a percentage of all rent and surcharges) is significantly lower than it should be. Is my only recourse to go back to my old Surcharges so I can give everything a position number??
Alece, Advanced Custom Surcharges allow you to select the Percent of the Subtotal and determine positions.
But yes, you are correct that the new Standard Surcharges don't offer a Percentage of the Subtotal or positions.
This doesn't appear to meet your needs, but check out our How do I configure a credit card processing fee? FAQ.
Hey Anne -- I'm struggling to get the credit card processing fee to apply to all the other surcharges and not just rent. I've created it as a custom surcharge so I can give it a position, but because all the new style Surcharges/Discounts have no positions set, they are being placed beneath it. It seems I too hastily redid all my surcharges to make use of your new system, because now the credit card processing fee (which should be a percentage of all rent and surcharges) is significantly lower than it should be. Is my only recourse to go back to my old Surcharges so I can give everything a position number??
Earlier this month, we announced that SMS messaging through OwnerRez had expanded to include additional +1 countries and territories. After going live, we discovered that this expansion cannot continue as planned.
To clarify: OwnerRez SMS has always been limited to phone numbers registered in the U.S. and Canada. That part has not changed. What we attempted to add was the ability to send SMS to guest numbers outside of the U.S. and Canada.
Before launching, we conducted research and negotiated directly with our telecom carrier for expanded coverage. We were assured that sending to other +1 regions would be included under our contracted rates. Unfortunately, once the expansion was live, we were hit with unexpected surcharges, charges that the carrier had explicitly told us would not apply.
In short, the carrier misrepresented the deal. We are very unhappy about this outcome and are actively evaluating new telecom partners that can provide fair, predictable international SMS pricing.
We know global communication is critical, and affordable messaging outside the U.S. and Canada remains a top priority. Beyond researching new SMS carriers, we’re also deep into the development of WhatsApp messaging. WhatsApp is widely used across the world and offers a reliable, low-cost alternative to SMS.
When WhatsApp launches in OwnerRez, it will work alongside SMS, so you can use both channels seamlessly, depending on what works best for you and your guests.
We know many users were excited about the expanded SMS coverage, and we share your frustration. Thank you for your patience as we work to deliver reliable, cost-effective ways to reach your guests worldwide.
We’re excited to introduce our latest integration with Avalara, giving OwnerRez users a hassle-free solution for managing short-term rental tax compliance. This integration streamlines tax filings, licenses, and payments, so you can focus on growing your business without worrying about government paperwork.
Avalara MyLodgeTax Pro takes the burden of short-term rental tax compliance off your plate - so you can focus on what matters most. Built for property managers, MyLodgeTax Pro manages the entire lodging tax process on your behalf. From obtaining and renewing licenses and permits to preparing and filing tax returns, submitting payments, and staying current with changing tax rules and marketplace agreements, our cloud-based platform and team of lodging tax experts ensure you stay compliant. MyLodgeTax Pro helps reduce risk, improve efficiency, and free up your team to focus on growth - not government paperwork.
Pricing may vary, contact Avalara here to learn more.
Check out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Avalara.
This week’s roundup highlights Expedia Group’s latest platform updates, Airbnb’s continued shift towards hotels, a new vacation rental platform gaining traction, the IRS targeting short-term rental income, and trends shaping Greece’s rental market. Let’s dive in.
This week, Expedia Group unveiled a series of updates set to reshape the experience for both hosts and guests on its platforms. First, Expedia is expanding Vrbo property distribution through its B2B network, reaching 70,000 businesses and over 160,000 travel agents, with partners like Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Revolut among the first to distribute Vrbo listings. On the consumer side, Expedia has enhanced its search experience with a new tab-view filter, allowing users to easily toggle between hotels and vacation rentals. Looking ahead to early 2026, Vrbo will also introduce changes to its Premier Host program, aiming to drive more traffic to exceptional listings. The biggest shift will be moving recognition from the host level to individual listings. New qualifications for this listing-level recognition include a 99% acceptance rate, 0% cancellation rate, and a 4.6+ review rating. This change is aimed at highlighting top-performing properties and giving them increased visibility. Lastly, Expedia is rolling out a range of AI-powered features, including AI Guest Review Summary (Live Now) for quick, summarized guest feedback, AI Property Q&A (Beta) for instant answers, AI-Powered Property Highlights (Testing) to showcase unique features based on guest reviews, and Trust Through Real Photos (Testing) allowing guests to upload photos with their reviews.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says the company is now getting serious about hotels, with plans to launch a dedicated hotel interface inside the Airbnb app. After pausing hotel expansion during the pandemic, Chesky confirmed Airbnb will now focus on boutique and independent hotels, starting with a pilot in a few cities, including New York. The move builds on the company’s 2019 acquisition of HotelTonight and aims to keep guests from leaving the platform when they can’t find a suitable home. Chesky also noted that Airbnb’s recent shift to a single-fee pricing structure positions the company to better compete in these markets, where transparent, up-front pricing is already the standard.
Lake.com, a vacation rental platform specializing in lake houses and waterfront properties, has raised $2.6 million in pre-seed funding led by the Business Development Bank of Canada. The site currently features about 40,000 listings across 7,000 destinations in North America and Europe, with plans to handle over 100,000 bookings in the next 18 to 24 months. Lake.com aims to address frustrations with existing platforms by offering clear pricing without surprise fees, consistent cancellation policies, and AI-driven search tools designed to help guests find the perfect home. CEO David Ciccarelli describes the company as creating a new kind of travel agency built for families and the next generation of travelers. By the way, Lake.com is finalizing the OwnerRez integration now, and you'll be able to list your properties in the coming weeks!
The IRS announced this week that it will focus on vacation home rentals in 2025, urging homeowners who rent through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to report their rental income properly. In the announcement, they stressed the importance of distinguishing between personal and rental use, with the increased enforcement targeting properties rented beyond certain limits. With this being a key focus in 2025, it's crucial to double-check state and national tax laws to ensure everything is reported correctly.
Travel and Tour World released an article focusing on Greece’s short-term rental market, featuring key data from AirDNA. The report highlights a rise in rental prices across popular Greek destinations, despite a slight dip in occupancy rates. Experts suggest that higher rental prices may be contributing to the decline in occupancy, while still reflecting strong demand for vacation rentals in the region. The article emphasizes the importance of property owners staying on top of their pricing among shifting market trends as Greece continues to attract new travelers.
As the Expedia Group rolls out major updates and Airbnb moves into the hotel space, the vacation rental landscape is shifting in exciting new ways. Stay tuned for more on these developments and how the industry continues to evolve in the weeks ahead!
We’re excited to announce our new integration with InterCoastal Net Designs, giving OwnerRez users access to powerful digital marketing and website solutions to help drive direct bookings.
At ICND, they are hyper-focused on providing the best digital marketing and website solutions for the vacation rental industry. They are trusted industry veterans with over 25 years of experience in business; their proven conversion-focused approach is founded on the book direct philosophy. Test drive their newest platform, AXIS. As the preferred booking engine platform for vacation rental websites around the world, AXIS delivers cutting-edge website management tools, a powerful CRM, and integrates with OwnerRez.
Their digital marketing team is committed to providing direct strategies and techniques that maintain and improve your online presence, which drives qualified traffic to your website. Combining their industry expertise and superior customer support, they provide the ideal agency experience to gain exposure and maximize online reservations.
Reach out to InterCoastal Net Designs for a custom quote tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Get started with InterCoastal Net Designs by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with InterCoastal Net Designs.
This week’s roundup covers Gen Z travel trends, legal updates affecting short-term rentals in Montana and New Orleans, New York City’s ongoing affordability issue, and Airbnb’s AI development plans. Let’s dive in.
Airbnb reports Gen Z is driving a surge in fall 2025 travel, with searches up 26% compared to last year. Paris ranks as the top trending destination, with Osaka, Dubai, Miami, Porto, Cartagena, London, Munich, Mexico City, and Santiago also seeing strong demand from this demographic. The article shares a recent Focaldata survey, showing that affordability plays a role in the fall travel decisions of more than 80% of Gen Z travellers. In the U.S., Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, and Minnesota lead the reviews for fall foliage experiences. Gen Z is also showing a preference for quieter beach getaways this season, with Naha, Ipojuca, Ericeira, San Andrés, and Praia Grande emerging as popular choices. This report highlights the value of showcasing affordability in your listing to attract Gen Z travelers this fall.
The Montana Supreme Court ruled this week that subdivision covenants can restrict vacation rentals, siding with neighbors in a Flathead County subdivision near Whitefish. The case involved property owners who argued that the subdivision’s covenants, which prohibit any business, trade, or commercial activity, prevented short-term rental use. R&R Mountain Escapes, the rental operator, argued that they could operate the property because they had received a conditional use permit from Flathead County. The court upheld the covenants, stating that private subdivision rules can limit vacation rentals even when local government permits exist. Legal observers say the ruling could influence how communities across Montana choose to manage short-term rentals within subdivisions.
Two years after the historic ban on short-term rentals in New York City, the New York Post reports that "Local Law 18" failed to lower rents and increase housing availability. The article shares that the law had little to no effect on affordability or availability, but it coincided with a consistent boost in hotel occupancy, as travelers were forced to shift toward traditional lodging options. In a statement to The Post, Airbnb's director of public policy strategy for North America states, "Airbnb made up only a small share of units, and rents have actually risen faster in neighborhoods that once had the highest number of Airbnbs. The law has only made the affordability crisis worse." The New York City short-term rental ban continues to serve as an interesting test case for how cities approach long-term affordability and regulate short-term rentals.
Skift shares key takeaways from Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky’s talk at the 2025 Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference. Chesky said Airbnb will introduce AI search next year to help guests find rentals more efficiently. He also highlighted that AI will make adding listings easier for hosts, with property photos automatically updating to reflect the seasons. “I think everything is now back on the table,” Chesky said, emphasizing that with AI, Airbnb can more easily expand into new markets and businesses.
A federal judge has dismissed ten of the eleven claims made by Airbnb in their lawsuit challenging New Orleans’ short-term rental regulations. The court ruled that property owners do not have a fundamental right to rent their homes on a short-term basis and upheld the city’s authority to require platforms to verify that listings comply with local laws before collecting fees. Council President JP Morrell hailed the decision as a significant victory for residents, emphasizing the city’s commitment to preserving neighborhood integrity and holding short-term rental platforms accountable.
As we get ready for the fall rental season, expect more news on traveler trends, regulations, and technology shaping the vacation rental industry. Check back next week for more updates!
We’re excited to roll out our new integration with Authenticate, offering OwnerRez users a seamless way to handle guest screening.
Authenticate gives property managers unmatched peace of mind through meticulous guest screening, blocking bad actors from entering your property, and helping you combat chargebacks. Quickly screen guests against national and international databases and automatically verify their identities in under 30 seconds. Achieve the highest level of security without breaking the bank.
No setup fee. No minimum monthly commitments. No long-term contracts. Pay as you go. View additional pricing info here.
Free:
*Only available if the user is verified using Government ID Verification, Knowledge Based Authentication, or SSN Verification.
**Varies court to court. Refer to the tentative court fee list.
Get started with Authenticate by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Authenticate.
I use houfy.com for my direct site. 3 different levels, very minimal charges, Free, $3/mo/listing, $5/mo/listing. No mind you they do not promote like Airbnb, VRBO, or Bookings. I do my own and seems to work for me.
My site is https://www.houfy.com/l/our-rentals
https://www.houfy.com/r/pauls
How do you do this Paul? Looks awesome
do you have this integrated on your website? If so can you share your site?
I've added all my properties but doesn't do comparison within my own website
I would gladly pay the $6/mo per property for this, but the $50 minimum per website is a non-starter. I have two STR properties that are in different states. As a result, each has its own direct booking website to optimize for organic traffic via localized content.
This should be natively support in OwnerRez, they already do a rate analyzer. Vote below!
https://www.ownerrez.com/forums/requests/rate-comparison-widget-for-direct-booking-sites
*Do not support this cash grab offering. $50 minimum spend a month.
I don't use this service because I already have that function with my direct booking site.
Hi Karen!
It looks like Vrbo started the upfront pricing earlier this year. When a guest goes to a Vrbo listing and inserts their dates of stay, it should show them the total amount up front (minus taxes). Once a guest starts their booking, the next page should show them a breakdown of the charges and display the taxes.
Please reach out to help@ownerrez.com if you have any questions!
Hi Donna,
The difference is that the price comparison tool lives on your own website and shows up on property page at the time the user is requesting a price quote.
Cheers,
Josh
I read $6/property but $50/month minimum.
$6 per month just to see that direct price is lower than airbnb/vrbo? am i missing something here (value)?
I have not used this service yet. I do use another that appears to be similar: HiChee.
In fact, I was an early subscriber to the system.
I would be interested in learning the similarities/differences between the two.
What is the customer-facing URL?
Hi Treasure,
Here are a few websites that uses our tools, big and small:
https://properties.bigfishrentals.com/
https://coastalrealtyvacations.com/
Cheers,
Josh
Would be interested to know if anyone uses this and their experience.
Hi Tom,
You’re absolutely right, it’s never acceptable for a service to be offline. Our systems faced an unusual spike in traffic that briefly affected availability for some users. The event was designed to overwhelm our platform, but our team acted quickly to stabilize performance. Importantly, no data was ever at risk, and we’re confident this won’t impact you again.
We apologize for the inconvenience and truly appreciate your patience as we continue to ensure Crewdogs remains secure and reliable for the military community. We’d love to partner and help you host the military community on Crewdogs.
I got to the link about the Crewdogs and Ownerez integration and get this:
I go to the Crewdogs main website page and get this:
So let me ask, when is it in today's digital world that it is okay for a service to be offline for "a few hours" for maintenance? Answer: Never.
We are happy to announce our partnership with AutoRank, which offers OwnerRez users a seamless way to improve their Airbnb search ranking.
AutoRank Concierge is a premium service that combines the power of advanced AI with expert human insight. The Concierge managers work closely with you, using the AutoRank solution to design high-performing listings tailored to your property and owners. AutoRank Concierge delivers not only weekly content updates but also seasonal picture optimization. So you get more views and bookings.
AutoRank is the only automated Listing Optimization solution for STRs that analyzes guest search trends and Airbnb’s ranking algorithm to optimize your listing, ranking and views on Airbnb.
After a one-time onboarding process, your dedicated Concierge Manager updates your listings every week. Real-time guest search data, local trends, and proven optimization strategies inform each update. Their process includes:
AutoRank Concierge delivers quantifiable results that directly impact your visibility and bookings. Property managers see up to:
For clients who want to go beyond visibility, AutoRank offers professional revenue management as an extended service.
Their in-house revenue management experts implement innovative, data-driven pricing strategies tailored to your portfolio, ensuring your listings are always aligned with guest demand, market shifts, and seasonal trends.
This team doesn't just adjust prices, they engineer demand. By combining advanced OTA optimization with strategic rate management, they help you maximize booking probability by pairing high rankings with optimal pricing. This premium service is designed to work seamlessly alongside AutoRank Concierge so your visibility improvements translate directly into higher earnings. Contact their sales team to learn more and request a personalized quote for adding revenue management to your Concierge plan.
AutoRank Concierge offers flexible, premium pricing designed for hands-on support:
Get started with AutoRank by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with AutoRank.
Good question, I need to know that also.
From Vrbo’s updated policies and push for last-minute bookings to Honolulu’s bold regulatory push, this week’s headlines highlight how platforms and policymakers continue to shape the vacation rental industry. Let’s dive in.
Forbes sat down with Larry Plawsky, general manager of Vrbo, to get insights into the ever-changing vacation rental market. Plawsky said the company has moved past simply adding supply and is now focused on building trust and delivering consistent quality for guests. “Travelers want consistency, reliability, and an uncomplicated stay,” he said, pointing to Vrbo’s policies such as the Book With Confidence Guarantee and Verified Reviews. He also noted a rise in last-minute bookings across the industry. In response, Vrbo is making it easier to secure last minute stays, with updated discounts playing a key role in that strategy.
Skift reported on a recent press release from Vrbo outlining a new policy to protect guests who are stranded and unable to access their booked home. Starting October 1st, U.S. hosts who cannot be reached to resolve these situations will face a 100% financial penalty. Vrbo may also temporarily suspend the property and cancel any future bookings. The policy is part of Vrbo’s ongoing effort to improve the guest experience and build trust between guests and the platform.
Hawaii News Now reported that the city of Honolulu is stepping up its crackdown on illegal vacation rentals by involving mortgage lenders in enforcement efforts. City officials are notifying lenders when property owners continue to operate rentals in violation of local laws, noting that mortgage agreements require borrowers to follow all regulations. Letters have been sent to both local and mainland mortgage companies, urging action against borrowers who ignore fines or continue operating illegally. The city says this approach is designed to protect neighborhoods while encouraging property owners to adhere to the law.
The New York Post reported on the strong performance of short-term rentals in the U.S., drawing on data from AirDNA. Despite economic uncertainties, July saw a record 26.4 million nights booked, a 3.6 percent increase from the previous year. The article notes that larger properties, particularly those with six or more bedrooms, experienced the most growth. Overall, the revenue per available rental (RevPAR) rose 5.7 percent year-over-year, reflecting a healthy market. While international tourism declined, domestic travelers filled the gap, with coastal destinations like Maui, Hilton Head Island, and Charleston leading the way. The report suggests that despite the uncertain economy, this trend points to strong potential returns for investors, especially if interest rates ease and supply growth stabilizes.
PropertyGuru released an interesting article on how Phuket’s vacation rental market is evolving in 2025. Despite a drastic slowdown across Thailand, arrivals to the island rose by eight percent in the first half of the year, driven by travelers from India and Russia, while Chinese arrivals fell sharply. “The market today is not about simply offering a villa—it’s about offering peace of mind. Guests want privacy, security, and the confidence that their stay will meet personal expectations,” said Femke Beekers of Elite Havens, noting that the industry needs to align product offerings with an evolving customer base. At the same time, new villas and condominiums are increasing competition and putting pressure on rates in the region. In response, property managers are focusing on homes that combine luxury with practicality, including wellness features, child‑friendly layouts, and flexible spaces for extended stays.
National Mortgage Professional reported that second-home buying is slowing down across the U.S., with vacation markets feeling the biggest impact. Using Redfin data, the article noted that sales in seasonal demand areas fell 3 percent year-over-year in July, compared with just a 1 percent drop in non-seasonal communities. “Many Americans who might have bought a vacation home a few years ago are now holding off, partly because of high costs and economic uncertainty,” said Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist. The continued shift in buyer behavior signals that affordability is reshaping how buyers approach second-home investments at the moment.
With evolving guest preferences and ongoing regulatory moves shaping the vacation rental industry, check back next week for more updates!
Anne, can you clarify how positions will work with the new Surcharges/Discounts then?
Alece, I don't believe there was any change to how positions work in this release. Discounts/Surcharges continue to work as before by letting you arrange the line items in the charges grid.
The ability to add positions to Supplemental and Advanced Discounts/Surcharges only was because it adds an additional layer of complication to the Discounts/Surcharges, and may not be supported by listing channels (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.).
Anne, can you clarify how positions will work with the new Surcharges/Discounts then?
As September officially closes out summer, we didn't cool down the progress at OwnerRez. This product update covers some hot new features, including Ask Rezzy chat (on ownerrez.com), Rezzy Shared FAQs & Directives, the addition of Profile Photo, new Review Received trigger and four field codes, a Booking.com and Avalara roadmap update, and so much more. All designed to make your short-term rental business run as smoothly as possible.
Vacation rental reviews build trust, increase bookings, and boost revenue. With our September 24th release, OwnerRez has added four new Review field codes that now let you dynamically insert review text into message templates to either thank your guests for leaving a 5-star review or even send to your cleaning team to provide feedback.
Check out these new Review field codes.
| Field Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| {REVSTARS} | Review Stars | The number of stars left by the guest on the most recent review (from 1-5, or N/A if unavailable) |
| {REVTITLE} | Review Title | The review title, if any, written by the guest on the most recent review |
| {REVBODY} | Review Body | The public review body written by the guest on the most recent review |
| {REVPRIV} | Review Private Feedback | The private feedback, if any, left by the guest on the most recent review |
But that's not all...
Of course, OwnerRez couldn't release new Review Field Codes without adding a new Booking Review Received trigger type to fully leverage them in our September 24th release. When you select an Immediate Trigger Type, you can now choose Booking Review Received.
Want to send a thank you to a guest who left you a 5-star review? You can do that by including the {REVSTARS} Review Stars field code in your message template and pairing it with a Trigger that includes the Condition > Review Status > One of > Reviewed - 5 Stars.
Want to share feedback, positive or negative, with your cleaning crew? Include any pertinent Review field codes in message templates explicitly sent to them, pair the message template with a Trigger that includes the Condition > Review Status > One of >, and select Reviewed—1 to 5 Stars.
Check out our latest support articles with tips for using these new review triggers and field codes.
Adding a profile photo builds trust and credibility by putting a face to your name. It makes you more memorable, approachable, genuine, and personal in digital interactions, enhancing engagement beyond anonymous usernames.
Previously, users could upload a photo, but it was only available in the OwnerRez forums as part of your forum profile. OwnerRez has added the ability to upload Profile Photos under in-app Profile section in our September 24th release.
Upload your own image by navigating to your Profile area.
Upload your image or allow your device to take your photo by clicking on the camera icon.
Take a photo in the Profile Photo pop-up, click Upload, or drag photos to the area.
Adjust your image, use the Resize Image tool as desired, and then click Save Photo.
Your profile photo will now be displayed at the top of the Profile menu and your profile on the OwnerRez Forums.
It may seem like a small and unimportant addition, but there are future plans to use the Profile photo in other places. Stay tuned!
With our September 17th release, OwnerRez added a Support Code feature that allows secure OwnerRez account verification for users contacting support from unrecognized emails. This prevents unauthorized access while enabling legitimate OwnerRez account owners to receive Helpdesk assistance via a time-limited authentication method.
If you contact the OwnerRez helpdesk from an unrecognized email address, you can generate a one-time code valid for one week to verify your account access. To generate an account Support Code, navigate to your Profile > Safeguards > Support Code, and click Generate.
On the Generate Support Code pop-up, click Generate Code.
Click the copy icon to copy your Support Code on the Support Code Generated pop-up and share your Support Code with the OwnerRez Helpdesk team.
Your generated Support Code is valid for one week. The OwnerRez Helpdesk team can verify your Support Code to confirm your account access.
Please note, we will never solicit you for this code. We will only request this code if you've contacted OwnerRez Support for assistance and we are unable to verify your identity through our usual methods. This is all about safeguarding and protecting your account.
In case you missed it, OwnerRez added a Booking.com Content Sync channel integration entry to our September 24th Changelog. What is the Booking.com (BDC) Content Sync? The Booking.com Listing Sync channel integration expansion passes listing content, photos, amenities, property rules, standard surcharges, and taxes configured in OwnerRez to BDC. While it hasn't completely eliminated the necessity for the BDC Extranet, the Booking.com integration expansion is a big step forward. We'll have more to share about this in our October Product Update!
Announced in our September 24th Changelog, Avalara MyLodgeTax helps you manage your lodging tax compliance more easily: license, calculate, file, and remit for every property all in one platform. It minimizes manual work and offers accurate, real-time tax calculations for bookings across various jurisdictions and tax types.
OwnerRez's Avalara MyLodgeTax integration will be available for all OwnerRez users. Stay tuned for more details about Avalara.
Following up on our August 6th Rezzy AI Search Result Summaries, OwnerRez has enhanced our Rezzy summarized search results. When searching on ownerrez.com, Rezzy will still summarize the results, but you now have the opportunity to continue the chat with Rezzy to receive additional information by clicking on Continue chat with Rezzy.
You can also start a new chat by clicking on +Start a New Chat or view your Rezzy AI chat history by clicking the chat history icon.
The Rezzy AI Chat History pop-up displays your past Rezzy AI chats.
You can chat directly with Rezzy anytime by going to ownerrez.com, clicking on the Help menu, and selecting Ask Rezzy.
Repeating the answers to the same questions over and over can take a lot of time and be frustrating. When Rezzy AI debuted, you could create personalized Property-level FAQs so Rezzy could reference and respond consistently and accurately to your guests' most frequently asked questions for each property. That proved to be a lot of duplicate FAQ entries across properties for many users.
OwnerRez has added the ability to create Shared FAQs under Rezzy's settings, which are shared across properties! We've also added Directives, which allow you to lay out common scenarios and how you would want Rezzy to handle those things should it encounter them. Let's review these exciting additions!
First, we've added an FAQs tab to the in-app Rezzy AI area, where you can add account-level FAQs that apply to all properties. On the right side, you can add a new account-level or shared question by clicking on the + Add Shared Question, edit an existing FAQ by clicking on the pencil icon, or unpublish or delete an existing FAQ. Each existing FAQ has labels to easily identify the assigned properties and booking stages.
When you click on the + Add Shared Question button, the Add FAQ pop-up allows you to select the booking stages (Pre-booking, Pre-arrival, Mid-stay, Post-departure, or Canceled) and apply this FAQ to specific properties.
You can promote or demote account and property-specific FAQs for Rezzy to prioritize in order of importance by dragging the FAQ up to promote or down to demote using the left double kebab icon.
The in-app Properties > specific Property > General Info > FAQs shows both shared or account-specific and property-specific FAQs.
Property-level FAQs are still managed under each property.
Second, in the same Rezzy settings area, you can now add Directives. Directives are meant for managing AI directives that guide automated responses for specific scenarios. Think of them as standard operating procedures, that aren't meant to be guest-facing but how situations are handled should they arise when dealing with a guest.
Once you're on the Directives tab, on the right side, you can add on by clicking the + Add Scenario button.
You can give your directive by describing the scenario and then laying out the directives to follow. Like FAQs, you can select which Booking Stage(s) it applies to and, lastly, which Properties.
Learn more about Rezzy and all that is in Beta at this time here.
Some of the most frequent questions hosts receive from potential guests concern upcoming availability. While Rezzy AI responded well, she didn't always adequately account for blocks or scheduled gaps for cleaning or maintenance. With our September 3rd release, Rezzy AI now correctly accounts for availability for blocks or scheduled gaps in guest responses.
Wondering how your short-term vacation rental can benefit from AI? Consider requesting access to OwnerRez's Rezzy AI.
Location is crucial for vacation rental success as guests prioritize proximity to attractions, beaches, restaurants, and transportation. Displaying prime locations prominently in hosted websites attracts more guests and commands higher rates. OwnerRez has improved property locations on hosted websites (only) by now displaying map pins instead of unclear location bubbles or blobs when multiple properties appear on the map as part of our September 24th update.
Here's an example of the previous hosted website map when hosts have multiple properties in close proximity.
With this release, users can adjust their property location by navigating to Properties > their specific Property > Listing Content > Location > click on the pencil edit icon > Location Map, where you can configure the following.
This map display option is only available on OwnerRez hosted websites. Property locations displayed on listing channels (e.g., Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, etc.) remain the same.
By default, the Ribbon Calendar display shows all your bookings, but you can filter them using the Filter button options (if you have more than 1 property in your account). Before you could filter properties by keyword search. So, if you wanted to see any property in your account that had "Bay" in it, you could search to see those. However, filtering by specific properties hasn't been available until now. With the September 24th release, OwnerRez added the ability to filter by property on the Ribbon Calendar view.
You can now filter properties when you click on the filter icon on the Ribbon calendar.
That will open the filter pop-up where you can select the properties you want to return.
Spot Rates offer precise nightly pricing control, overriding complicated seasonal rates. They allow quick adjustments for demand, events, or market shifts while making rate management easier for vacation rental properties. With our September 3rd release, OwnerRez introduced an improved process for clearing spot rates, minimum nights, maximum nights, and changeover rules to simplify the process. Instead of repeating the Clear Rates process for each property, you can now easily clear spot rates and settings for all selected properties simultaneously.
To check out this enhanced capability, navigate to the Rate Calendar > Spot Rates tab and click the X Clear Rates button.
On the Clear Rates pop-up window, you can select which properties to clear rates and settings, the dates, and the rules you want to clear.
Tracking booking statuses before and after stays and expense categories helps manage finances and generate accurate reports for your property management business. As part of our September 10th release, OwnerRez added Booking Statuses (pre/post stay) and Expense Category columns to the PM Statement Export files for improved business financials for expenses collected across multiple properties.
Using the Nights in Period booking column for Owner Statement Views and Custom Formulas helps property managers generate precise owner statements. With the September 10th release, OwnerRez restored the Nights in Period cloumn option for Owner Statement Views and Custom Formulas.
Property Management companies earn percentage-based commissions from rental income for managing vacation properties, and tracking these commissions is vital. As part of our September 3rd release, OwnerRez added a commissions column to the PM Statement to separate management fee revenue from reimbursed expenses, providing a clearer performance indicator.
Are you managing properties for others? Check out the OwnerRez Property Management premium feature!
OwnerRez's September 10th release introduced two new options in the Batch Update for QuickBooks Sync tool. The first is a Property Filter, allowing users to refine their Batch Update for QuickBooks Sync based on specific properties. The second is the ability to include or exclude individual bookings created before the designated QuickBooks start date, providing greater flexibility and control.
The Property Filter is similar to other in-app property filters.
When the Bookings to Update are displayed, you now have the option to exclude (default) or include bookings by unchecking the booking from the Exclude column.
Are you searching for a new accounting tool? Take a look at OwnerRez's Accounting integrations.
Managing booking windows optimizes revenue by controlling reservation timing—extending windows captures early planners and last-minute bookers, while restricting them prevents low-value bookings and maintains pricing flexibility. With our September 17th release, users can now allow or disallow departures after the window (as long as arrival is within the booking window) or disallow departures that exceed the window by navigating to Properties > the specific Property > Rules > Booking Window > Max Availability > Allow or disallow departures after booking windows.
Triggering a full sync for your channel integration (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) immediately updates all property changes (rates, availability, rules, discounts) to listing channels after you modify your listing, ensuring a prompt synchronization. With our September 3rd release, OwnerRez has optimized channel integration sync statuses by adding a Collecting Changes sync status, and also allows you to stop the sync process if desired.
When you trigger a full channel integration sync, the sync will show the Collecting Changes status and more information about the property details being synced.
And if you want to halt the sync process, you can always click on the channel integrations Actions dropdown list and select Sync Now (Stop Collecting Changes).
Thinking about upping your marketing game? Check out all of OwnerRez's channel integrations.
The biggest design update was to the Property Rooms area, which has a brand new tile-based layout and pop-up style editing for the bedrooms, bathrooms, and other rooms.
Read our Create Rooms & Connect Photos to Rooms support article to learn more.
As OwnerRez continues preparing for design updates in other areas, we updated the design framework for the Bookings, Inquiries, Quotes, Portal, Property Sharing, and Widget settings areas during September.
Inquiries:
Quotes:
Portal:
Property Sharing:
Add Uniform Time Stamps in Inquiry/Quote/Booking Activity Areas. While time stamps were included in the Booking activity area, they were not included in the Inquiry and Quote activity areas. For consistency, time stamps have been added to both the Inquiry and Quote activity areas.
Identify Written but Unpublished Vrbo Reviews. OwnerRez now supports Vrbo's "GuestReviewSubmitted" webhook, which notifies the system when a guest has submitted a review on Vrbo before it is published, preventing review requests from being sent to guests who have already left a review on Vrbo.
Allow for Vrbo Amenities Details 50 Character Maximum. Since Vrbo limits amenity details to 50 characters, OwnerRez has added support for a 50-character limit to be enforced in amenity details.
Changed the Cursor to "Pointer" when Hovering Over Selectable Calendar Dates. While the cursor was the default arrow for selectable calendar dates, OwnerRez changed it to a more appropriate "pointer" when hovering over selectable dates in the calendar for a better user experience.
Improve Inquiry Spam Protection. Inquiries sent through widgets now include the client's IP address when checking against OwnerRez's spam detectors, helping to reduce unwanted inquiries.
Enhanced Vrbo Length of Stay Discounts. OwnerRez determined that the criteria for our Length of Stay (LOS) discounts were too restrictive, so we enhanced them to ensure they are correctly applied for Vrbo properties.
Add Explanatory Notification When Snoozing a Property. OwnerRez now shows detailed information when snoozing a property, including billing implications and how it differs from disabling.
Add Print Button to PMv2 Owner Statement Summary Report. OwnerRez added a print button to the PMv2 Owner Statement Summary report to maintain consistency with other PMv2 reports.
Ensure Property Review Time Zone Consistency. Property Reviews were using an inconsistent mix of UTC and local time zones. OwnerRez has updated guest reviews, Airbnb imported reviews, and Vrbo synced reviews to use the property's time zone consistently.
Improve Airbnb Review Notifications to Clarify Review Status. OwnerRez has improved Airbnb review notifications. When a guest submits a review before the host, the notification now clearly shows that stars are "Hidden until the host writes a review" instead of showing "N/A." Once the Airbnb review is published, a complete OwnerRez notification with the proper star rating and status is sent.
Truncate Email Subject Lines to 256 Characters. We observed that long email subject lines could lead to errors when sent through automated triggers. To ensure emails are correctly delivered, we now truncate subject lines to a maximum of 256 characters (with an ellipsis at the end to indicate they were originally longer).
Clarify Discounts and Surcharges Amount Type Help Text. The discounts and surcharges Amount Type help text incorrectly included references to irrelevant options. We clarified the discounts and surcharges Amount Type help text, making the information more accurate and less confusing for users.
Correct Channel Bridge Airbnb Export Date Format Error. Due to a change by Airbnb, the Channel Bridge failed to parse Airbnb's new date format, resulting in "Invalid Date" entries appearing in booking exports. OR fixed this bug so that the Channel Bridge handles Airbnb's new date format correctly.
Correct Misleading Google Vacation Rentals Listing Quality Analyzer Warning. Although Global Landing Pages are a valid option for Google Vacation Rentals landing pages, the Listing Quality Analyzer (LQA) incorrectly showed warnings about them. We resolved this issue to ensure the LQA no longer displays warnings for Google Vacation Rentals with Global Landing Pages configured as their landing page.
Fix Listing Quality Analyzer Airbnb Listing Description Warnings. Even though it only applies to the listing name, the Listing Quality Analyzer (LQA) incorrectly warned users about Airbnb's repeating characters rule for listing description fields. We fixed this bug so that the LQA delivers accurate warnings about Airbnb's repeating characters rule for the listing name only.
Fix Minor Surcharge Editing Design Issues. A code regression caused minor design issues, including incorrect styling and borders, in the in-app surcharges area. OR resolved these issues to ensure the correct design of the in-app surcharges area.
Fix Outdated Guest Booking Count from Preventing Guest Deletion. Under certain circumstances, a guest's booking count would get out of date when multiple bookings are deleted in quick succession, and this cached booking count would prevent the guest from being deleted even when no bookings exist for the guest. We corrected this glitch, so the booking count is updated correctly when attempting to delete guests.
Fix Spot Rate Editing for Spanish (Mexico) Culture. Users with Spanish (Mexico) culture settings could not modify spot rates due to date parsing problems. OR fixed this bug so the system correctly handles dates across different cultures.
Fix Team Access Grid Errors when Filtering for Accepted. Users inadvertently encountered Team Access grid errors when filtering for the Accepted status. We corrected this glitch so that filtering for the Accepted status filters properly on the Team Access grid.
Remove "Fixed Rate Per Stay" from Standard Rate Adjustment Surcharge for Airbnb Compatibility. While not supported by Airbnb, the Standard Rate Adjustment surcharge inadvertently allowed users to select "Fixed Rate Per Stay" for the Amount Type. OR removed the Standard Rate Adjustment surcharge Amount Type "Fixed Rate Per Stay" option for Airbnb compatibility.
Restore Disabled Season Conditions for Existing "Percentage of Rent" Discounts. Existing discounts that included "Percentage of Rent" discounts and seasonal conditions encountered errors. We corrected this glitch so that existing discounts that include "Percentage of Rent" discounts and seasonal conditions no longer encounter errors.
Restore "Per Booking/Per Guest" Setting to "Other" Surcharge Types. The Amount Type > Fixed Amount > Amount > "Per Booking/Per Guest" setting was inadvertently removed from Other Surcharge types. OR fixed this bug to restore the Per Booking/Per Guest" settings to Other Surcharge types.
Restore Reports Printing Options. Due to a code regression, printed reports contained incorrect headers and printing options. We resolved this issue to ensure that Reports are printed correctly.
Restore the Scrollbar in the Settings Menu. The scrollbar was missing in the in-app Settings Menu and several pages, including Seasons, Rates, Taxes, Pricing Preferences, and Widgets. OR restored the scrollbar on these affected in-app pages to ensure proper scrolling functionality throughout the settings area.
Revise Google Vacation Rentals Discount Handling in Direct Rate Tester. While Google Vacation Rentals (GVR) allows multiple discounts, the Direct Rate Tester didn't correctly handle multiple discounts, resulting in possible price accuracy errors. We resolved this issue so that the Direct Rate Tester correctly handles multiple GVR discount combinations to match GVR's actual behavior.
Adjust Mobile Search Input Alignment on OwnerRez.com. Because it was incorrect, we adjusted the alignment of the mobile search input field outline on OwnerRez.com.
Allow Door Lock Access for Property Booking Changes with Overlapping Shared Locks. Previously, when bookings were moved to different properties, the system would revoke access to all locks from the old property, including shared ones, due to functional race conditions. OwnerRez fixed this bug to ensure guests retain access to those shared locks.
Allow Field Definition Deletions on Deleted Bookings. We resolved an issue where field definitions couldn't be deleted if they were linked to fields on deleted bookings. Now, when a booking, guest, owner, or property is removed, all related custom fields are automatically deleted, and users can delete field definitions without encountering errors.
Always Send Booking Notification Messages for Owner Block Quotes. OwnerRez corrected a glitch in which booking notification triggers didn't fire consistently when quotes were created from owner blocks, ensuring proper booking notifications are sent.
Clarify Warning When Connecting Airbnb RTB Properties on Instant Book Channels. We updated the warning message related to connecting a property that uses Request to Book on Airbnb to an Instant Book channel to offer more precise guidance, making it easier to understand the conflict and the required action.
Correct Cancellation Policy with Partial Refunds and Grace Period Error. OwnerRez fixed an issue where the system incorrectly rejected setting cancellation policies that included partial refunds and a free cancellation grace period. Now, users can create policies with any combination of refund levels and grace periods.
Correct Missing Gridlines on Rezzy AI Page. We corrected some missing gridline layout issues on the Rezzy AI settings page.
Fix Errors Caused by Empty Vrbo Reviews. Empty reviews could cause errors when processing Vrbo guest review submissions. OwnerRez fixed this bug by adding a validation check for empty reviews.
Fix Errors for Read-only Users. We resolved an issue where users in read-only mode encountered errors during certain read operations, ensuring a smoother experience for users with limited permissions.
Fix Listing Quality Analyzer Error Formatting. OwnerRez fixed the formatting of error messages in the Listing Quality Analyzer (LQA) so long messages properly wrap instead of pushing the table off-screen. LQA error messages are now displayed with appropriate line breaks while maintaining readability.
Fix Lock Icon Position on Lock Integration Overview Page. Lock icons were not always properly aligned on the lock integration overview page, so we fixed the alignment of lock icons and text to be displayed on the same line.
Improve Error Message When Saving Vrbo and HomeToGo House Rules that Exceed Length Limits. Because users received unhelpful error messages when attempting to save Vrbo or HomeToGo house rules that exceeded the length limits, OwnerRez improved the error message for clarity.
Improve Visibility of Failed Deposits Dropdown Indicator. Due to the previous lack of visibility, we improved the visibility of failed deposit details with a clearer dropdown indicator.
Preserve Attachments when Choosing Channel Template in Unified Inbox. OwnerRez corrected a glitch where selecting a channel template within the Unified Inbox failed to include file attachments. Channel templates with attachments will now correctly include those files when inserted into replies in the Unified Inbox.
Resolve Incomplete Vrbo Listing Imports. Because the Vrbo listing import tool didn't always import complete property details, we improved our data retrieval process to provide more comprehensive property information by accurately fetching beds, baths, and location details previously missing for some properties.
Resolve Intermittent Stripe 2FA Sign-in Issues. OwnerRez resolved an issue where payments requiring 3D Secure authentication would fail if the property had an active cancellation grace period. The payment system now provides the necessary authentication information to complete these payments.
Correct Airbnb Lead Time Calculation Logic. Some Airbnb lead time hierarchy rules were not properly calculated. We fixed this bug to properly follow the Airbnb hierarchy: property channel rule first, then linked account value, and finally the property default to ensure accurate availability rules are sent to Airbnb.
Correct Infants and Children Property Suitability Issue. Property suitability rules that allowed infants incorrectly did not permit children. OwnerRez resolved this issue to ensure that property suitability rules for infants and children are correctly applied.
Correct Line Item Pivot Report Commission Calculations. Line Item Pivot Report commission calculations were incorrectly calculated, resulting in incorrect commissionable totals. We fixed this bug so that the Line Item Pivot reports, owner statements, and custom field calculations are reported accurately.
Ensure that Deleted SMS Number Defaults to Another Configured Number. When users with multiple SMS numbers configured deleted one of the SMS numbers, the deleted number was removed from their default theme. OwnerRez corrected this glitch by automatically setting the alternate preconfigured SMS number as the default instead of clearing it, ensuring themes and settings work properly without manual intervention.
Fix Double Arrows in Properties Dropdown. Two arrows were incorrectly displayed in the properties dropdown menu. We fixed this formatting issue so that only one arrow is displayed correctly.
Fix Error in Preexisting Quotes that Prevent Bookings. Guests who attempted to pay for a booking with a preexisting, but incomplete, quote encountered unhelpful errors preventing them from completing the booking. OwnerRez corrected this glitch so that guests will see a proper error message instead.
Fix Property Room Name Display Issues. When multiple bathrooms were created, but unnamed, the bathroom name incorrectly defaulted to "Bathroom 1" for each additional bathroom on the property rooms page. We resolved this issue so that each bathroom is displayed with a unique number when no name is provided.
Fix Setup Wizard Navigation Arrows Overflow on Smaller Screens. The navigation arrows in the new account setup wizard sometimes overflowed and blocked other items on small screens. OwnerRez corrected this glitch to ensure that the navigation arrows are displayed correctly on smaller screens.
Improve Unified Inbox Attachment Styling. Some Unified Inbox attachment styling was inconsistent with other in-app areas, so we improved the styling for Unified Inbox attachments for better visual clarity and separation.
Prevent Channel Messages from Attaching File from Previous Message Template. Sometimes, sending an ad-hoc channel message caused the system to incorrectly attach a file from the previous message template. OwnerRez fixed this bug to ensure that ad-hoc channel messages are sent correctly.
Prevent Second Payment Errors by Adding Maximum Limit of 1000 Days. Some properties with second payment calculation maximum days set to excessively high values experienced second payment errors. Therefore, we have added a maximum limit of 1000 days for second payment days across the system to prevent date calculation errors.
Allow Booking Update Process on Departed Airbnb Bookings. Occasionally, booking charges for departed Airbnb bookings failed to update properly during the booking remerging process. OwnerRez resolved this issue so that the Airbnb booking update remerge process correctly reflects updated financials, even for bookings that have already departed, while still maintaining any manually added charges.
Ensure PMv2 Statement List Displays Booking Property Management Breakdown. PMv2 statement details were inadvertently missing from the Booking > PM > Earnings Breakdown > Profit section. We fixed this bug to ensure the list of PM statements containing expenses related to the booking is displayed correctly.
Ensure Property Room and Bathroom Updates are Saved Correctly. Due to a code regression, some property room and bathroom information were not properly updated after changes were made. OwnerRez corrected this glitch to ensure that property room and bathroom information are updated correctly.
Ensure Tag Automations Account for Scheduled Security Deposit Failed Statuses. Tag automations weren't properly evaluating the "Failed" security deposit condition. We fixed this bug to accurately check regular and scheduled security deposits to identify failures, avoiding false triggers when pending scheduled deposits are present.
Fix Credit Card Processing Report Time Zone Handling. Due to time zone handling, credit card payments made near the end of the day did not consistently appear on Credit Card Processing reports when filtered by date. OwnerRez resolved this issue so that reports now correctly display data based on the user's time zone.
Fix Google Vacation Rentals Channel Integration Length of Stay Error. Some users reported Google Vacation Rentals (GVR) channel integration length of stay errors. We corrected this glitch, so the GVR channel integration length of stay settings no longer cause errors.
Fix Hosted Website Theme and Layout Tabs Not Working in Firefox. Hosted website theme and layout tabs did not function correctly in the Firefox browser. OwnerRez fixed this bug to ensure that the hosted website theme and layout tabs function correctly in the Firefox browser.
Fix Owner Statements Percentage Calculations. Some percentage values in owner statements were inconsistently rounded, resulting in incorrect calculations. We resolved this issue, so all percentage calculations consistently use values between 0 and 1, and are properly formatted as percentages when displayed.
Fix Scheduled Review Cancellation Failure. Occasionally, users encountered errors when trying to cancel a scheduled review because of read-only mode restrictions. OwnerRez corrected this glitch so that users can now successfully cancel both scheduled and automatic reviews.
Fix Search Results Text Display. Rezzy AI-generated search results overflowed the margins, obscuring filters. We fixed this bug to ensure search results are displayed within the designated margins.
Fix Seasonal Rate Export in Tabular Format. Seasonal rates exported in tabular format displayed incorrect headers and values. OwnerRez resolved this issue so that seasonal rates exported in tabular format show the appropriate data in the correct format.
Hide Owner Portal View Statement Legend. The owner statement legend was accidentally displayed to owners on the Owner Portal despite the popover indicating "hidden from owner." We fixed this glitch so that it now correctly hides the owner statement legend when viewed by portal users.
Prevent Marking Older Airbnb Messages as Read. Even when unread, Airbnb messages older than 14 days were inadvertently marked as read. OwnerRez resolved this issue so that any unread Airbnb messages are marked as unread, no matter how old.
Fix Quote Errors when Discount code is Applied. This edge case happened when a discount code was used on a quote, causing an error. We fixed this bug to ensure that discount codes applied to quotes no longer cause errors.
Revise Checkout Error Message when Guest Phone Number is Missing. Some guests received unhelpful error messages when they did not enter their phone number (or it was invalid) during the reservation checkout. OwnerRez has now added a more descriptive guest error message explaining the problem when that occurs.
Update Review Summary Text. The Review summary text was grammatically incorrect, so OwnerRez revised the Review summary text from "The guest chose to not provide text" to the correct "The guest chose not to provide text."
Awesome! Thanks for these fixes and improvements!
I noticed in the new method of creating Surcharges and Discounts that the position value is no longer an option. Are we moving away from that entirely?
Thanks, Alece! Not at all. Positions are still available on Supplemental and Advanced Discounts and Surcharges.
