Short Term Rental Glossary For Airbnb & Vrbo

Airbnb Plus

An invite-only program by Airbnb that recognizes high-quality, well-equipped, and impeccably-maintained short-term rentals.

Amenity Kit

A collection of essential toiletries and convenience items provided to guests in a short-term rental, often including travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, and other useful

Automated Messaging

The use of software or platform features to send pre-written or triggered messages to guests, streamlining communication and improving response times.

Average Daily Rate (ADR)

A key performance indicator (KPI) in the hospitality industry, calculated by dividing the total revenue generated from bookings by the number of nights booked.

Airbnb Experiences

A feature on the Airbnb platform that allows hosts to offer unique, bookable activities and experiences to guests, enhancing their stay and providing additional income

Airbnb Superhost

A recognition program on Airbnb that rewards hosts who consistently provide exceptional hospitality and meet specific performance criteria, such as high ratings and responsiveness.

Availability Calendar

A digital calendar that displays the availability of a short-term rental property, allowing potential guests to view open dates and book their stay.

Airbnb Management Company

A specialized company that provides comprehensive management services for short-term rentals listed on Airbnb and other platforms, handling tasks such as listing optimization, guest communication,

Average Length of Stay (ALOS)

A metric used to track the average number of nights guests stay in a short-term rental, providing insights into booking patterns and revenue potential.

Automated Check-in

A process that allows guests to access a short-term rental without needing to meet the host in person, often using keyless entry systems, lockboxes, or

Airbnb Host Guarantee

A protection program offered by Airbnb that provides hosts with coverage for property damage caused by guests, subject to certain terms and conditions.

Annual Occupancy Rate

The percentage of time a short-term rental property is occupied by paying guests over the course of a year.

Airbnb Review System

The platform’s system for guests and hosts to provide feedback on their experiences, influencing future bookings and fostering transparency.

Automated Pricing

The use of dynamic pricing tools that adjust rental rates based on factors like demand, seasonality, and competitor pricing.

Airbnb Open Homes

A program that allows hosts to offer their spaces to people in need of temporary housing, such as refugees, disaster relief workers, or those seeking

Airbnb Experiences Host

An individual or company that creates and hosts unique experiences for Airbnb guests, offering activities, tours, or workshops.

Airbnb Luxe

A collection of luxury vacation rentals on Airbnb that meet specific criteria for design, amenities, and service.

Adjusted Net Income

A calculation of profitability that factors in all revenue and expenses associated with a short-term rental property, including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning fees, and platform

Ad Targeting

The practice of displaying online advertisements to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and online behavior. In short-term rental marketing, this could involve targeting travelers

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

A type of mortgage where the interest rate fluctuates based on market conditions. This can impact short-term rental owners who use mortgages to finance their

Adherence to Platform Policies

The necessity for hosts and property managers to strictly comply with the rules and guidelines set forth by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. This encompasses

Advance Booking

The process of guests reserving a short-term rental property for a future date. Advance booking trends and lead times can vary depending on factors like

Additional Occupancy Fees

Charges applied by hosts or property managers for each guest beyond the standard occupancy limit specified for a short-term rental property.

Adjacency to Attractions

A desirable characteristic of short-term rental properties, referring to their proximity to popular tourist attractions, landmarks, or points of interest.

Address Verification

A security measure employed by short-term rental platforms to confirm the legitimacy of both hosts and guests by verifying their provided addresses.

Adaptive Reuse

The practice of repurposing existing buildings or spaces for short-term rental accommodations, often involving the renovation or conversion of older structures.

Admin Panel

The centralized interface within a property management software or platform where hosts and managers can control various aspects of their listings, bookings, and guest communication.

Adequate Insurance Coverage

The essential protection for short-term rental hosts, encompassing liability coverage, property damage protection, and potential legal expenses arising from guest-related incidents.

Additional Services

Value-added offerings provided by hosts or property managers to enhance the guest experience, such as airport transfers, grocery delivery, or local tour arrangements.

Adherence to Local Regulations

The crucial responsibility of short-term rental operators to comply with all applicable laws, zoning ordinances, and permitting requirements imposed by their local government or municipality.

Admin Fee

A charge levied by some property management companies or platforms to cover the administrative costs associated with managing a short-term rental property.

Advance Payment

A portion of the total booking cost that guests are typically required to pay upfront to secure their reservation for a short-term rental property.

Adjacent Amenities

Desirable features and facilities located in close proximity to a short-term rental property, such as parks, restaurants, shopping centers, or public transportation.

Ad-Hoc Cleaning

Cleaning services arranged on an as-needed basis for short-term rental properties, often used for last-minute bookings or between guest stays.

Adaptive Pricing Strategies

Dynamic pricing models used by hosts and property managers to adjust rental rates based on factors like demand, seasonality, competitor pricing, and special events.

Ad Visibility

The prominence and ranking of a short-term rental listing within search results on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, influenced by factors like listing quality, reviews,

Adventure Tourism

A niche travel market that presents opportunities for short-term rental operators, catering to travelers seeking outdoor activities, adrenaline-pumping experiences, and unique destinations.

Aesthetics Enhancement

The process of improving the visual appeal of a short-term rental property through decor, furnishings, and overall ambiance to attract guests and enhance their experience.

Aerial Photography

The use of drones or aircraft to capture high-quality images and videos of short-term rental properties from above, showcasing their location, surroundings, and unique features.

Aeration and Ventilation

Ensuring proper airflow and ventilation in a short-term rental property, essential for maintaining fresh air, preventing mold growth, and enhancing guest comfort.

Aesthetic Cohesion

Creating a consistent and visually appealing style throughout the entire short-term rental, enhancing its appeal and perceived value.

Aeco-Tourism

A niche within the short-term rental market that focuses on promoting eco-friendly and sustainable travel experiences.

Aeon Timeline

A software tool used for visualizing and managing complex timelines, which can be helpful for planning renovations or tracking guest stays in short-term rental management.

Aesthetics Fatigue

A phenomenon where guests become less impressed by aesthetically pleasing design over time, highlighting the importance of regular updates and refreshers in short-term rentals.

Aeon Luxe

A hypothetical term referring to a segment of high-end, luxury short-term rentals that cater to discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences and amenities.

Aether

A metaphorical term representing the intangible aspects of a short-term rental experience, such as the overall ambiance, host communication, and guest satisfaction.

Aeon Nomad

A term describing a growing demographic of remote workers and digital nomads who utilize short-term rentals for extended stays, often seeking properties with work-friendly amenities.

Aesthetics & Accessibility

The concept of balancing visually appealing design with accessibility features to accommodate guests with disabilities in short-term rentals.

Aeon of Automation

Refers to the increasing use of technology and automation in the short-term rental industry, such as smart home devices, automated messaging, and dynamic pricing tools.

Aesthetics & Branding

The strategic use of design elements, photography, and messaging to create a cohesive brand identity for a short-term rental property.

Aeon of Experience

A trend in the short-term rental industry where guests prioritize unique and memorable experiences over basic accommodations, leading hosts to offer personalized recommendations and local

Aesthetics & Functionality

The importance of designing short-term rental spaces that are both visually appealing and practical for guests’ needs, considering factors like furniture layout and storage solutions.

Aeolian Soundscapes

The use of natural sounds, such as wind chimes or recordings of ocean waves, to create a relaxing and immersive atmosphere in short-term rentals.

Aeon of Sustainability

A growing focus on environmentally conscious practices in the short-term rental industry, including energy-efficient appliances, eco-friendly cleaning products, and responsible waste management.

Aesthetics & Storytelling

The art of using design elements, décor, and property descriptions to tell a captivating story about a short-term rental and its surroundings.

Aeon of Wellness

A trend where short-term rentals incorporate wellness-focused amenities and experiences, such as yoga mats, meditation spaces, or partnerships with local spas.

Aesthetics & Technology

The integration of technology into short-term rental design, such as smart lighting, voice assistants, and entertainment systems, to enhance guest convenience and comfort.

Affiliate Marketing

A marketing model where hosts partner with other businesses to promote their listings on external platforms, earning a commission for each booking generated through the

Affordability Calculator

A tool used by potential guests to estimate the total cost of their stay, including rental fees, cleaning fees, and taxes, helping them assess the

After-Stay Cleaning

The process of thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing a rental property after a guest checks out, ensuring it is ready for the next guest’s arrival.

Affiliate Link

A unique URL that tracks referrals from affiliate marketing partners, allowing hosts to attribute bookings and earn commissions.

After-Stay Feedback

Reviews and ratings provided by guests after their stay, offering valuable insights into the guest experience and areas for improvement.

Affiliate Network

A platform that connects affiliates (marketers) with merchants (hosts) offering affiliate programs, facilitating partnerships and tracking commissions.

Affordability Filter

A search filter on booking platforms that allows guests to narrow down their search results based on their budget, displaying listings within their price range.

Affordability Strategies

Techniques used by hosts to make their short-term rentals more accessible to budget-conscious travelers. This can include offering discounts, flexible payment options, or highlighting value-added

Affinity Groups

Specific groups of people with shared interests or demographics that a short-term rental might cater to, such as families, digital nomads, or pet owners. Targeting

Afternoon Check-In

The designated time in the afternoon when guests are typically allowed to check into a short-term rental property. This time frame allows for adequate cleaning

Africa’s Travel Boom

The significant increase in tourism and travel demand witnessed across the African continent, impacting the short-term rental market with new opportunities and challenges.

After-Hours Support

Providing assistance and problem-solving for guests outside of regular business hours. This is crucial for handling emergencies or urgent situations that may arise during a

Affordability Index

A metric used to compare the cost of short-term rentals in different locations. This index considers factors like average daily rates, cleaning fees, and additional

African Diaspora Tourism

A growing segment of travelers from the African diaspora seeking to connect with their heritage by visiting countries on the African continent, influencing the demand

After-Stay Report

A summary document generated after a guest’s departure, providing insights into the stay. It may include details such as guest communication, feedback, maintenance requests, and

Affordability Calculator (for Hosts)

A tool that helps hosts determine a competitive and profitable nightly rate for their short-term rental. It factors in expenses like mortgage, utilities, and cleaning

Affinity Marketing Partners

Businesses or organizations that cater to the same target audience as a short-term rental host. Collaborating with affinity partners can expand reach and attract more

Afternoon Sun Exposure

The amount of sunlight a short-term rental receives in the afternoon, impacting factors like temperature, lighting, and overall ambiance. This is an important consideration for

African Safari Packages

Bundled travel experiences that combine short-term rental accommodations with guided safari tours, transportation, and other activities. This attracts tourists seeking immersive wildlife adventures.

After-Stay Survey

A questionnaire sent to guests following their stay to gather feedback on their experience. This helps hosts identify areas for improvement and enhance future guest

Agency Agreement

A legal contract where a property owner appoints a property manager or management company to act as their agent in managing and renting out their

Agent Commission

The fee charged by a property manager or management company for their services, typically calculated as a percentage of the rental income generated.

Aggregated Listings

The practice of combining and displaying short-term rental listings from multiple platforms, such as Airbnb and VRBO, on a single website or platform.

Agreement Term

The specified duration for which a property management agreement or other related contract is valid and binding upon both parties.

Agricultural Tourism

A niche type of tourism where travelers stay in rural areas and engage in activities related to farming, agriculture, and local food production.

Agritourism Experience

A type of tourism that combines agricultural activities, such as farm tours, fruit picking, and wine tasting, with accommodation and other tourist amenities.

Agritourism Marketing

Strategies and tactics used to promote and market agritourism businesses and destinations, often emphasizing unique experiences and rural authenticity.

Agritourism Regulations

Laws and guidelines specific to agritourism operations, often addressing issues like zoning, liability, and food safety.

Agritourism Sustainability

Practices that promote environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable agritourism operations.

Agrotourism

A synonym for agritourism, emphasizing the connection between agriculture and tourism.

Agreement Cancellation Policy

Outlines the terms and conditions under which a short-term rental agreement can be canceled, including potential penalties or refunds.

Agreement Duration

The specified length of time for which a short-term rental agreement is valid, typically ranging from a few days to several months.

Agreement Renewal

The process of extending a short-term rental agreement for an additional period, often subject to renegotiated terms.

Agreement Termination

The ending of a short-term rental agreement, either upon its natural expiry date or due to unforeseen circumstances like breach of contract.

Agency Listing Optimization

The process by which property management agencies optimize their clients’ listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to enhance visibility, attract bookings, and maximize revenue.

Agency Revenue Management

Strategies and techniques employed by property management agencies to optimize rental income for their clients’ short-term rental properties, including dynamic pricing, yield management, and revenue

Aggressive Marketing Campaign

A comprehensive and intensive marketing effort aimed at rapidly increasing bookings and brand awareness for short-term rental properties, often employing a multi-channel approach.

Agreement Dispute Resolution

The process of addressing and resolving conflicts or disagreements that may arise between hosts and guests, or between property managers and owners, related to short-term

Agreement Performance Metrics

Key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the effectiveness and profitability of short-term rental agreements, such as occupancy rate, average daily rate (ADR), and net

Agritourism Partnerships

Collaborations between short-term rental hosts and local agritourism businesses, such as farms, wineries, and ranches, to offer guests unique experiences and promote rural tourism.

Ahrefs

A popular SEO tool that provides data and insights on keywords, backlinks, and website traffic, valuable for optimizing listings for search engines.