Vacation Rental Guides

Maximizing Revenue with Optional Surcharges

Optional surcharges are a powerful strategy that vacation rental owners and managers can use to increase revenue while maintaining competitive nightly rates. In this guide, we will share the value of optional surcharges, how they fit into a larger pricing strategy, and how to easily put them to work for your vacation rental business inside of OwnerRez.

The Power of Dynamic Pricing Strategies in Vacation Rentals

Discover how dynamic pricing strategies transform vacation rental revenue, adjusting for demand and market trends. Isn't it time your rental earned more?

Maximizing Revenue with Discounts

Discounts are one of the most powerful tools available to vacation rental owners and managers, but they are often misunderstood and underutilized. In this guide, we’ll walk through why discounts matter, how they fit into a larger pricing strategy, and how to deploy different types of discounts to maximize revenue.

Why Airbnb Isn't Enough

What to Look for in a Property Management System (PMS)?

Choosing a property management system is one of the most important decisions a vacation rental owner or property manager will make. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most important features to look for and questions to ask when choosing a vacation rental property management software (PMS).

Third-Party or “Middle” Channel Managers in the Vacation Rental Industry

This guide explains what third-party channel managers are, how they work, and the pros and cons to consider when deciding whether they are the right fit for your business.

How to Write a Rental Agreement

A well-written short-term rental agreement is one of the most powerful tools a vacation rental operator can add to their business. It not only protects the property itself but also builds trust with the guest by clearly laying out expectations and rules right from the beginning. In this guide, we will discuss why rental agreements are essential, break down the most important clauses to include in a short-term rental agreement, and show how OwnerRez makes adding rental agreements a seamless process.

Why Use a Property Management System (PMS)?

In this guide, you’ll see the many benefits that come with using a property management system (PMS) and how OwnerRez can help take your business to the next level through eight core features.

Why Self Manage?

Self-management is not about doing everything yourself. It is about choosing how you want your business to run, deciding what you want to stay involved in, and letting the right tools and the right people handle the rest. With OwnerRez at the center of your operations, you can run your self-managed vacation rental business at an elite level while shaping it to fit your life. 

How to Grow Your Vacation Rental Business

In this guide, you’ll see how three unique vacation rental businesses grew with OwnerRez at the core of their operations. They generously share what worked, what didn’t, and the systems that helped them manage more properties, while still providing an excellent guest experience.

Maximizing Revenue with Creative Property Listings: A Strategy for Today’s Market

Learn how to maximize revenue by creating alternate vacation rental listings from the properties you already manage. See real examples, step-by-step setup, and how OwnerRez streamlines the process.

What Does Vrbo Elite Mean?

Learn what Vrbo Elite status means for vacation rental hosts and managers, why it matters for your business, and how OwnerRez continues to deliver a powerful connection with Vrbo.

How to Adjust Your Pricing for Airbnb’s New Fee Structure

Effective October 27th, 2025, all hosts using property management or channel management software have been automatically transitioned to what Airbnb calls the “Single Fee” structure. In this guide, we'll explain what changed, how it will affect your business, and how OwnerRez can help you quickly adjust your pricing to account for this policy change. 

What Does Airbnb Preferred+ Mean?

Learn what Airbnb Preferred Plus status means for vacation rental hosts and managers, why it matters for your business, and how OwnerRez continues to deliver an elite connection with Airbnb.

Your guide to optimizing your vacation rental for Vrbo

Optimize your Vrbo listing with our comprehensive guide. Learn to enhance visibility, set competitive rates, and build lasting guest relationships.

Cash vs Accrual Based Accounting for Your Short-Term Rental Business

Choosing your accounting method might not sound as exciting as optimizing your photos or adjusting your nightly rates, but it can have just as big an impact on your business. The way you recognize income and expenses determines how accurate your books are, how smoothly tax season goes, and how clearly you can see whether your rental business is truly profitable.

How to Handle Rental Agreements and Extra Fees Outside of Airbnb

Charging extra fees like security deposits and requiring rental agreements for Airbnb bookings might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information and tools, it can be a simple and effective process.

A Complete Guide to Navigating PCI Compliance for Your Short-Term Vacation Rental Business

Learn what PCI compliance means for short-term vacation rentals, why it matters, and how to protect guest payment data without hiring a consultant or getting lost in technical jargon.

Optimize Your Vacation Rental Website for Accessibility: Reach More Guests and Stay Compliant

In this guide, we'll walk through why accessibility matters, how to check if your current website is accessible, and what steps you can take to improve.

Optimize Your Short-Term Rental: Key Amenities That Boost Your Airbnb and Vrbo Rankings

In this guide, we’ll explain why filters are key on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo and how providing the right combination of amenities can help you appear in the search results rather than get lost in the crowd.

How to Optimize Your Rental Business with ChatGPT

Whether you manage one property or fifty, writing content can take hours. ChatGPT is a free tool that helps you write faster, stay consistent, and sound professional across your listings, website, and marketing content.

Thank You Letters: A Powerful Tool for Vacation Rental Owners

Explore the importance of a thank-you card, how to use this touchpoint to improve your vacation rental business, and a template to for a thank-you message.

A Guide to The Benefits of Keeping an Interactive Guestbook

Discover the importance of interactive vacation rental guest books as we offer tips and examples for creating engaging, personalized experiences.

How to Use Roku Guest Mode in Your Vacation Rental

Roku Guest Mode is a simple, free way to give guests a better streaming experience while protecting their privacy. If you already use Roku TVs in your rental, this built-in feature can quickly turn them into a hassle free, guest friendly setup.

Designing a Great Pet Policy for Your Vacation Rental

Is your rental losing out on pet owners? Find out how to update your house rules with a pet policy that attracts more bookings while ensuring property safety.

How Your Cancellation Policy Can Affect Bookings

Learn how your cancellation policy impacts your property's views, clicks, conversation rates, and overall net income. A few small tweaks could make a big difference for your vacation rental business.

A Guide to Build a Checklist for Your Airbnb Guest Checkout

A smooth Airbnb checkout is key for guest satisfaction with clear checkout instructions on settings, security, and cleanup. OwnerRez streamlines the process.

Your Guide to Unlocking Airbnb’s ‘Rare Find’ Status

Ever wondered what makes a 'Rare Find' status on Airbnb? Dive into the secrets of achieving this status and how it boosts your Airbnb listing's appeal.

Exploring Vrbo Payment Options for Renters & Property Owners

Vrbo offers diverse payment options, like credit cards, and PayPal, for both renters and owners. OwnerRez software can further streamline these transactions.

Guide to Understanding Vrbo's Service Fees for Vacation Rentals

An explanation of Vrbo's fees for vacation rental hosts, including commission fees and payment processing fees, compared with Airbnb for pricing strategies.

Smart TV Setup Secrets for Vacation Rentals

Discover how a smart TV setup with various streaming services can revolutionize guest experiences in vacation rentals and prompt repeat visits.

The Rental Platform Guide: Finding Alternatives to Airbnb

Boost your rental income with this guide to Airbnb alternatives. Learn diverse booking strategies and simplify property management with OwnerRez.

Listing Your Short-term Rental on Google Vacation Rentals

Discover how Google Vacation Rentals can elevate your rental business by increasing property visibility and bookings. Don't miss this opportunity!

Vacation Rental Marketing Guide: Owner Marketing Strategy

Learn several effective digital marketing strategies for your vacation rental business and how to implement them with the help of our OwnerRez software.

Vacation Rental Marketing Guide: Pricing and Listing Details

Learn everything you need to know to create a vacation rental listing that appeals to your target audience and appeases the algorithms of listing sites.

A How-To Guide for Starting Your Vacation Rental Business

Learn the steps to starting a vacation rental business, such as market research, property management, acquisition, preparation, marketing, and a business plan.

Entrepreneur's Guide to Airbnb Rental Arbitrage

Dive into Airbnb rental arbitrage to unlock a profitable hosting opportunity, even without property ownership. Discover the essentials for success.

Guide To Optimizing Your Vacation Rental with Blackout Dates

Discover the art of balancing blackout dates with high-demand periods to maximize your vacation rental's earnings and maintain high standards.

10 Board Games Perfect For Your Short-Term Rental

Discover popular board games that make your Airbnb vacation rental stand out! Enhance your guests' stay with our selection of games perfect for game nights.

Your Guide to Creating a Kid-Friendly Vacation Rental

Learn how to transform your vacation rental into a paradise for kids and a getaway for parents. Make your property the go-to choice for family vacations.

Vacation Rental Photography Tips to Increase Bookings

Discover how top-notch vacation rental photography can boost your bookings. Get insights on capturing your property to attract more potential guests.

Seasonal Maintenance: How to Winterize a Vacation Home

Avoid winter woes with our vacation home preparation tips. From heating systems to emergency protocols, learn how to keep your property safe all season long.

A Guide to Outdoor Space Upgrades For Your Short-Term Rental

From fire pits to an outdoor dining area, learn how to create an outdoor oasis with greenery and landscaping that captivates guests and boosts bookings.

Your Guide to Creating a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental

Transform your rental into a pet-friendly paradise and tap into a growing market. Learn how OwnerRez enhances the appeal and management of pet-friendly stays.

Choosing the Best Short-Term Rental Property Strategy

Explore the pros and cons of renting single rooms vs the entire rental property. Streamline your short-term rental management to maximize rental income.

Themed Vacation Rentals: Unique Getaways for Every Traveler

Discover how themed vacation rentals can boost guest satisfaction and repeat business. Use this guide to create unforgettable stays from check-in to check-out.

Your Guide to Attracting Remote Workers to a Vacation Rental

Discover how adapting your vacation rental for remote work can boost competitiveness. Learn key amenities to attract digital nomads and business travelers.

How Robotic Vacuum Cleaners Effect Vacation Rental Turnover

Discover how robotic vacuum cleaners can transform vacation rental turnovers, enhancing efficiency & guest satisfaction. Explore innovative cleaning solutions!

Unique Amenities for Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Boost your vacation rental’s appeal with unique amenities, modern tech upgrades, and smart marketing to enhance guest stays and grow your business.

Are Hot Tubs a Good Investment for Your Vacation Rental?

We detail hot tub pros and cons for vacation rentals, covering costs, regular maintenance, and market appeal that might make a hot tub worth the investment.

The Ultimate Vacation Rental Amenity Guide

Property management can elevate rentals with luxury amenities like high-speed WiFi and private pools to boost guest satisfaction and repeat visits.

How Noise Monitoring Devices Protect Your Vacation Rental

Noise monitoring devices can help vacation rental owners monitor sound levels to prevent parties, protect their investments, and ensure guest peace.

The Value of Secure WiFi in the Airbnb Guest Experience

Airbnb hosts are expected to offer guests high-speed, secure WiFi. Owners should opt for commercial-grade systems, use VPNs, and manage settings remotely.

Wow Vacation Rental Guests With Personalized Welcome Baskets

Set your vacation rental apart in a crowded market! Learn how a thoughtful gift basket can give your property a personal touch and a competitive edge.

Your Guide to Security Cameras for Vacation Rentals

Property managers must balance guest privacy with rental property safety. Choose your security camera systems wisely, considering cost and features.

An Owner's Guide to Vacation Rental Home Security Systems

Seeking peace of mind for your vacation rental property? Learn how integrating the perfect home security system can improve your guests' experience.

The Importance of Hospitality Management in Vacation Rentals

What is hospitality for vacation rentals? It's not just a place to sleep; it's about creating a guest experience with a 'home away from home' feeling.

A Vacation Property Owner's Guide to Renter-Friendly Lighting

Choose renter-friendly lighting for vacation rentals. Enhance aesthetics, security, and guest experiences with various lighting options and trends.

Vacation home maintenance checklist

Property managers should build a vacation home maintenance checklist. They can impact guest satisfaction, property longevity, and improve long-term revenue.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Vacation Rental Strategies

Vacation rental property owners can choose between short-term rentals, offering higher returns but variable demand, and long-term rentals for consistent income.

Choosing a Merchant of Record for Your Short-Term Rental

We provide guidance to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best MOR. Our expertise also aids you in other aspects of vacation rental management.

Why Hospitality Matters in the Vacation Rental Industry

Hospitality management prioritizes the customer experience, driving business growth. Success lies in blending a human touch with modern tech solutions.

A Beginner's Guide to Creating a Vacation Rental Blog

A beginner's guide to creating a vacation rental blog, emphasizing the importance of organic traffic and providing steps for creating engaging content.

Guide to Creating Effective House Rules for Vacation Rentals

Learn effective house rules for vacation rentals to ensure guest comfort and safety while maintaining a balance between hospitality and policy enforcement.

Navigating Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances Policy

Master Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances Policy for natural disasters and more. Consider cancellation procedures, safeguarding tips, and resilience strategies.

Expert Advice for Managing Vrbo Cancellations and Refunds

Navigate Vrbo cancellations and refunds with expert strategies for crafting clear policies, handling refunds, and boosting overall guest satisfaction.

Tips and Best Practices for Enhancing Your Guest Experience

Learn strategies to enhance your guests' experience helping you stand out in the competitive short term rental industry and secure repeat bookings.

How to Handle a Vacation Rental Chargeback

Chargebacks are costly and time-consuming for vacation rental businesses and should be handled properly if they do occur in order to prevent chargebacks.

Smart Lock Overview

Smart door locks locks utilize cutting-edge technology to provide a range of features that offer heightened security, improved guest check-in experience, and streamlined management.

Your Essential Guide to Finding A Vacation Rental Cleaner

Learn the benefits of finding the perfect professional cleaning service to maintain high cleanliness standards in your short-term vacation rental.

A Complete Guide to Airbnb's Service Fees and Host Earnings

Explore Airbnb's service fees, host earnings, fee structures, premium services, and effective strategies to optimize your short term rental income.

Your Guide to Listing Sites For a Short-Term Rental Property

Discover the key differences between listing your short-term rental on Airbnb or VRBO in our guide to help property owners streamline their rental business.

Vacation Rental Guide - Property Management Checklist

Our vacation rental property management checklist guide includes checklist templates you can use to maintain your property from check-in to check-out.

Vacation Rental Guide - Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklists

Whether you’re hiring a cleaning service or doing your own vacation rental cleaning, we’ve provided a checklist template for owners or property managers to use.

A Complete Guide to Vacation Rental Management Fees

A Complete Guide to Vacation Rental Management Fees

The Right Insurance for Your Short-Term Rental Property

A Comprehensive Guide To Short-Term Rental Insurance Coverage