Short Term Rental Glossary For Airbnb & Vrbo

Cx-Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)

A marketing metric that measures the average cost incurred to acquire a new booking. It helps hosts evaluate the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns.

Cx-Customer Reviews

Feedback provided by guests about their stay at the rental property. Positive reviews can attract new bookings, while negative reviews can highlight areas for improvement.

Cx-Customer Segmentation

The process of dividing potential guests into different groups based on shared characteristics, such as demographics, travel purpose, or booking behavior. This allows hosts to

Cy-Cyber Liability Insurance

A type of insurance that protects short-term rental owners and managers from financial losses due to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other online risks.

Cy-Cycle Time

The average time it takes to clean, prepare, and make a short-term rental property ready for the next guest between bookings.

Cy-Cyclical Pricing

A pricing strategy that adjusts rental rates based on predictable fluctuations in demand, such as holidays, weekends, and special events.

Cy-Cypress

A popular open-source test automation framework for web applications, often used by developers to ensure the functionality and reliability of short-term rental booking platforms and

Cy-Cybersquatting

The illegal practice of registering domain names that are similar to well-known brands or trademarks, often used to target unsuspecting travelers searching for short-term rentals.

Cy-Cybersecurity Measures

Steps taken to protect short-term rental properties and guest data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

Cy-Cyclical Maintenance

Regular maintenance tasks performed on a recurring schedule, such as monthly HVAC inspections, quarterly gutter cleaning, or annual appliance checks.

Cy-Cyclical Demand

The recurring and predictable fluctuations in demand for short-term rentals, often influenced by factors like seasons, holidays, and events.

Cy-Cyberspace Interaction

All communication and interactions between hosts, guests, and platforms occurring online, including messaging, reviews, and booking processes.

Cy-Cyclical Revenue

Income generated from short-term rentals that fluctuates in a predictable pattern, often reflecting seasonal demand and pricing strategies.

Cy-Cyber Hygiene

Best practices for online security and privacy applied to short-term rental management, such as using strong passwords, updating software, and being wary of phishing scams.

Cy-Cyclical Inventory

The availability of short-term rental properties that fluctuates based on factors like seasonality, owner usage, and booking patterns.

Cy-Cyclical Trends

Recurring patterns and shifts in the short-term rental market, such as peak travel seasons, emerging destinations, and evolving guest preferences.

Cy-Cybercrime Prevention

Proactive measures taken to protect short-term rental businesses and guests from online threats like fraud, scams, and data breaches.

Cy-Cyclical Marketing

A marketing strategy that adjusts promotional efforts based on seasonal demand, targeting specific traveler segments during peak booking periods.

Cy-Cyborg Hospitality

The integration of technology and automation into the hospitality industry, often used in short-term rentals for tasks like smart home controls, automated messaging, and keyless

Cy-Cyber Monday Deals

Promotional offers and discounts on short-term rental bookings offered during the Cyber Monday shopping event, typically held the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Cy-Cyclical Staffing

Adjusting the number of staff or contractors based on the fluctuating demands of the short-term rental business, such as hiring additional cleaning crews during peak

Cy-Cyclical Reviews

Guest reviews that exhibit recurring themes or patterns related to specific times of the year, revealing seasonal trends in guest satisfaction and property performance.

Cy-Cyber Liability Coverage

The extent of financial protection provided by a cyber liability insurance policy, covering specific cyber risks and losses related to short-term rental operations.

Damage Deposit

A sum of money collected by a host from a guest before their stay to cover potential damages to the property.

Direct Booking

A reservation made directly with the host or property manager, bypassing third-party platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

Dynamic Pricing

A pricing strategy that adjusts nightly rates based on real-time market demand, seasonality, and other factors.

Digital Guidebook

An electronic document or app providing guests with essential information about the property, amenities, house rules, and local recommendations.

Demand Calendar

A visual representation of booking demand for a specific property or area over time, often used for pricing and availability management.

Dedicated Workspace

A designated area within a short-term rental property specifically designed for remote work, typically equipped with a desk, chair, and reliable internet access.

Double Booking

An error that occurs when a property is accidentally booked by two different guests for the same dates.

Data Analytics

The process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to short-term rental performance, such as occupancy rates, revenue, and guest demographics.

Day Rate

The price charged for a single day’s stay at a short-term rental property.

Deep Cleaning

A thorough and comprehensive cleaning of a property, typically performed between guest stays and often including sanitation and disinfection procedures.

Decorative Accents

Non-essential furnishings and accessories used to enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall ambiance of a short-term rental property.

Duplex

A type of residential building divided into two separate living units, each with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.

Drive-To Destination

A vacation rental location that is within driving distance for a significant portion of the target market.

Down Payment

An initial payment made when purchasing an investment property for short-term rentals, typically a percentage of the total purchase price.

Discount Rate

A reduced price offered to guests for booking a longer stay, last-minute reservation, or during the off-season.

Digital Nomad

A person who works remotely while traveling and often stays in short-term rentals for extended periods.

Damage Waiver

An optional fee or insurance policy that protects hosts from financial liability in case of guest-caused damages.

Destination Marketing

Marketing efforts focused on attracting travelers to a specific geographic location, often used by short-term rental hosts and property managers.

Door Lock System

An electronic or smart lock system that allows for keyless entry and remote access control, often used for secure and convenient guest check-in.

Demand Forecasting

The process of predicting future demand for short-term rentals based on historical data, market trends, and other factors.

Dashboard

A central interface in property management software that provides an overview of key metrics, such as bookings, revenue, occupancy rates, and guest communications.

Data Security

Measures taken to protect sensitive guest information, such as names, addresses, and payment details, from unauthorized access, disclosure, or theft.

Day-Use Booking

A reservation type that allows guests to book a property for a portion of the day, typically for a few hours, without an overnight stay.

Data Encryption

The process of converting sensitive guest information, such as payment details and personal data, into an unreadable format to prevent unauthorized access and protect guest

Data Migration

The process of transferring property data, reservation information, and other relevant details from one platform or system to another, such as moving from a different

Data Visualization

The use of charts, graphs, and other visual representations to display key performance indicators (KPIs) and other data insights in an easily understandable format.

Day-of-Week Pricing

A pricing strategy where rental rates vary depending on the day of the week to account for fluctuations in demand, such as higher prices on

Damage Protection Program

An optional program offered by some platforms or insurance providers that provides coverage for accidental damages caused by guests during their stay, often as an

Data-Driven Decisions

The practice of using data analysis and insights to inform decision-making in short-term rental management, such as setting prices, optimizing listings, and identifying market trends.

Dark Period

In dynamic pricing, a period of time when demand for short-term rentals is typically low, resulting in lower rental rates and potentially fewer bookings.

Database Management System (DBMS)

A software system used to store, organize, and manage data related to short-term rentals, such as guest information, reservation details, and property data.

Day-Use Rate

A pricing option offered by some hosts that allows guests to book a short-term rental for a portion of the day, typically for a few

Data Privacy Policy

A document that outlines how a short-term rental host collects, uses, stores, and protects guest data, ensuring compliance with relevant privacy regulations.

Data Breach

A security incident that involves unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive guest information, potentially resulting in identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage.

Data Point

An individual piece of information collected and analyzed in the context of short-term rental management, such as occupancy rates, average daily rates, or guest reviews.

Data-Driven Marketing

A marketing approach that uses data insights to target specific guest segments, personalize marketing messages, and optimize advertising campaigns for better results.

Daily Inventory Management

The practice of tracking and updating the availability of short-term rental properties on a daily basis, ensuring accurate booking calendars and preventing double bookings.

Data Aggregation

The process of gathering data from multiple sources, such as booking platforms, property management systems, and revenue management tools, to gain comprehensive insights into short-term

Damage Threshold

A predetermined monetary value set by the host or platform that determines when a security deposit claim will be initiated for damages exceeding the threshold.

Data Normalization

The process of organizing data from different sources into a consistent format, ensuring data accuracy and reliability for analysis and decision-making in short-term rental management.

Db Noise Restrictions

Regulations limiting noise levels from short-term rentals, often measured in decibels (dB), to minimize disturbance to neighbors. These may vary by time of day and

Db Occupancy Limits

The maximum number of guests allowed to stay in a short-term rental property at any given time, often stipulated by local regulations or platform rules

Db Booking Calendar

A digital calendar used by hosts to manage reservations, block dates for personal use, and sync bookings across multiple platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

Db Booking Lead Time

The average amount of time between when a guest books a short-term rental and their actual stay, influencing pricing strategies and last-minute availability.

Db Booking Confirmation

An official notification sent to guests upon successfully reserving a short-term rental, outlining booking details, house rules, and check-in instructions.

Db Booking Engine

A software solution integrated into a short-term rental website or platform, enabling guests to search for properties, view availability, and securely process bookings.

Db Booking Request

An inquiry sent by a potential guest to a host, expressing interest in booking a short-term rental for specific dates and potentially including questions about

Db Bathroom Essentials

Basic amenities provided in the bathrooms of short-term rentals, such as toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo, and conditioner, enhancing guest comfort and satisfaction.

Db Business License

A permit required by local governments for individuals or entities operating short-term rentals as a business, ensuring compliance with regulations and tax obligations.

Db Business Insurance

Specialized insurance coverage designed for short-term rental hosts, protecting against liabilities related to property damage, guest injuries, and business interruptions.

Db Bed Configuration

The arrangement and types of beds available in a short-term rental, impacting occupancy capacity and suitability for different guest groups.

Db Brand Building

The process of creating a unique and memorable identity for a short-term rental business, differentiating it from competitors and attracting loyal guests.

Db Budget Planning

The process of forecasting income and expenses for a short-term rental business, ensuring profitability and financial sustainability.

Db Booking Trends

Patterns and shifts in guest booking behavior for short-term rentals, influenced by factors like seasonality, events, and economic conditions.

Db Booking Window

The period between when a guest can make a reservation and the actual check-in date for a short-term rental, influencing pricing and availability strategies.

Db Brand Consistency

Maintaining a uniform brand image and messaging across all touchpoints of a short-term rental business, including listings, communication, and guest experience.

Db Booking Abandonment

When potential guests initiate the booking process for a short-term rental but leave before completing it, often due to factors like price, unclear information, or

Db Background Check

A security measure employed by some short-term rental hosts to screen potential guests for criminal history or other red flags, enhancing safety and mitigating risks.

Db Business Travel

A segment of the short-term rental market catering to individuals traveling for work purposes, often seeking accommodations with amenities like workspaces and reliable Wi-Fi.

Db Blackout Dates

Specific dates on a short-term rental calendar when the property is unavailable for booking, often due to personal use, maintenance, or other reasons.

Dc Cleaning Checklist

A comprehensive list of cleaning tasks to be completed between guest stays in a short-term rental property, ensuring a consistently high standard of cleanliness.

Dc Cleaning Fee

A one-time fee charged to guests to cover the cost of cleaning the short-term rental property after their departure.

Dc Cleaning Supplies

Essential items required for maintaining cleanliness in a short-term rental property, including disinfectants, cleaning agents, and tools.

Dc Communication Log

A record of all interactions between hosts and guests, including messages, inquiries, and special requests, facilitating effective communication and issue resolution.

Dc Community Guidelines

Rules and regulations established by Airbnb and VRBO, or within a specific community, to ensure respectful and appropriate behavior from both guests and hosts.

Dc Competitive Analysis

The process of researching and evaluating similar short-term rental properties in the same area to understand market trends, pricing strategies, and competitive advantages.

Dc Complaint Resolution

The process of addressing and resolving guest complaints or issues effectively and efficiently to ensure guest satisfaction and maintain a positive reputation.

Dc Concierge Services

Additional services offered to guests for an extra fee, such as airport transportation, grocery delivery, or local tour arrangements, enhancing the guest experience.

Dc Content Calendar

A schedule outlining planned social media posts, blog articles, or other marketing materials to promote a short-term rental property and attract potential guests.

Dc Contract Agreement

A legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of the rental agreement between the host and the guest, protecting both parties involved.

Dc Conversion Rate

The percentage of property views or inquiries that convert into actual bookings, indicating the effectiveness of marketing and listing optimization efforts.

Dc Cost of Goods Sold

Direct costs associated with providing short-term rental services, such as cleaning supplies, toiletries, and utilities, used to calculate profitability.

Dc Damage Deposit

A refundable fee collected from guests before their stay to cover potential damages to the property beyond normal wear and tear.

Dc Damage Protection

Insurance or a program offered to hosts or guests to cover accidental damages to the property during a guest’s stay, providing financial protection.

Dc Data Analytics

The process of collecting and analyzing data related to short-term rental performance, such as occupancy rates, pricing trends, and guest reviews, to inform business decisions.

Dc Decor and Furnishings

The aesthetic elements and furniture within a short-term rental property that contribute to its overall style, comfort, and appeal to potential guests.