Short Term Rental Glossary For Airbnb & Vrbo

Bxh-Guest Communication

The exchange of information, inquiries, and updates between hosts and guests throughout the booking process and during their stay.

Bxi-Guest Screening

The process of verifying the identity and assessing the suitability of potential guests before confirming a reservation, often involving background checks and reviews.

Bxj-High Season/Low Season

Periods of peak and off-peak travel demand, influencing pricing strategies and occupancy rates throughout the year.

Bxk-Instant Book

A booking option that allows guests to reserve a property immediately without requiring host approval, streamlining the process for both parties.

Bxl-Liability Insurance

Coverage that protects hosts from financial responsibility in the event of accidents, property damage, or liability claims arising from guest stays.

Bxm-Local Experiences

Recommendations or arrangements for activities, attractions, and unique experiences in the surrounding area, enhancing the guest’s overall trip.

Bxn-Minimum Night Stay

The shortest allowable duration for a reservation, set by hosts to manage turnover costs and optimize bookings.

Bxo-Occupancy Tax

A tax levied on accommodations, including short-term rentals, often collected by hosts and remitted to local governments.

Bxp-Property Damage Protection

Insurance or security deposits that cover costs associated with accidental or intentional damage to the property caused by guests.

Bxq-Review System

A platform feature that allows hosts and guests to provide feedback and ratings on their experiences, influencing future bookings and reputation.

Bxr-Smart Home Technology

The integration of internet-connected devices, such as thermostats, lighting, and security systems, to enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and guest experience.

Bxs-Virtual Tour

An immersive digital representation of the property, often using 360-degree photos or videos, allowing potential guests to virtually explore the space online.

Bya-Yield Management

The practice of adjusting rental prices based on factors like demand, seasonality, and competition to maximize revenue.

Byc-Yield Rate

A metric used to measure the potential profitability of a short-term rental property, often calculated as the annual rental income divided by the property value.

Byd-Year-Round Rental

A property that is available for short-term rentals throughout the entire year, with no extended periods of unavailability.

Bye-YoY (Year-over-Year) Growth

A comparison of a specific metric (e.g., revenue, bookings) between the current year and the previous year, used to track performance trends.

Byf-Airbnb Plus

A program by Airbnb that recognizes high-quality listings that meet specific criteria for design, amenities, and host responsiveness.

Byg-Airbnb Superhost

A status awarded to top-rated Airbnb hosts who consistently provide exceptional guest experiences and meet performance standards.

Byh-VRBO Premier Host

A designation given to VRBO hosts who meet specific criteria for property quality, guest reviews, and booking responsiveness.

Byi-Channel Manager

A software tool that allows hosts to manage their listings and bookings across multiple platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) from a central dashboard.

Byj-Dynamic Pricing Software

Tools that automate price adjustments based on market demand, seasonality, and other factors, helping hosts optimize their rental rates.

Byk-Guest Experience Platform

Software solutions that enhance the guest journey by providing unified communication, personalized recommendations, and access to local services.

Byl-Property Management System (PMS)

A comprehensive software system designed to streamline various aspects of short-term rental management, from bookings and payments to guest communication and cleaning schedules.

Bym-Revenue Management

The strategic application of data analysis and pricing strategies to maximize revenue and profitability from short-term rental properties.

Byn-Noise Monitoring

The use of devices that detect and alert hosts to excessive noise levels in their rental properties, helping to prevent disturbances and enforce house rules.

Byo-Occupancy Sensor

A device that detects the presence of people within a property, used for purposes like automating energy savings or monitoring occupancy limits.

Byp-Keyless Entry

A system that allows guests to access the rental property using a code, app, or other electronic means, eliminating the need for physical keys.

Byq-Guest Verification

The process of verifying the identity of guests booking a short-term rental to enhance security and prevent fraudulent bookings.

Byr-House Rules

A set of guidelines and expectations established by hosts for guests staying at their short-term rental property, covering aspects like noise levels, smoking, and pet

Bys-Security Deposit

A refundable amount collected by hosts to cover potential damages or losses that may occur during a guest’s stay.

Byt-Short-Term Rental Agreement

A legally binding contract between a host and a guest that outlines the terms and conditions of the short-term rental, including rental dates, payment terms,

Byu-Automated Messaging

The use of software to automate communication with guests, such as sending booking confirmations, check-in instructions, and responding to frequently asked questions.

Bz-Zoning Compliance

Adhering to local government regulations that specify permitted uses of land and buildings, often impacting short-term rentals.

Bza-Zero-Party Data

Data that a guest intentionally and proactively provides to a host or platform, such as preferences shared during booking.

Bzb-Zip Code Analysis

Evaluating the performance of short-term rentals based on their location within specific zip codes, considering factors like demand and competition.

Bzc-Zestimate

Zillow’s estimated market value of a property, often used as a reference point by hosts to assess their rental income potential.

Bzd-Zoom Backgrounds

Virtual backgrounds used during online meetings, increasingly popular for remote property tours and guest interactions.

Bze-Zero-Waste Hosting

Implementing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact, such as using eco-friendly cleaning products and reducing single-use items.

Bzf-Zen Garden

A tranquil outdoor space often featured as an amenity in short-term rentals, promoting relaxation and well-being.

Bzg-Zigbee

A wireless communication protocol used for smart home devices, enabling interconnected amenities like smart locks and thermostats.

Bzh-Zillow Group

A digital real estate marketplace that includes platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads, providing data and resources for short-term rental hosts.

Bzi-Zoning Variance

A legal exception granted by local authorities that allows a property owner to deviate from existing zoning regulations.

Bzj-Zero-Click Bookings

A seamless booking process that eliminates unnecessary steps, allowing guests to reserve a stay with minimal effort.

Bzk-Zero-Based Budgeting

A budgeting method where every dollar of income is allocated to specific expenses, ensuring comprehensive financial planning for short-term rentals.

Bzl-Zoning Ordinance

A local law that regulates land use within a specific jurisdiction, dictating permitted activities and potentially impacting short-term rental operations.

Bzm-Zoom Fatigue

Exhaustion experienced from excessive video conferencing, relevant for hosts conducting virtual tours or remote guest interactions.

Bzn-Zero-Sum Game

A situation where one party’s gain is directly offset by another’s loss, sometimes relevant in competitive short-term rental markets.

Bzo-Zero-Tolerance Policy

A strict set of rules with no exceptions, often implemented by hosts for issues like parties, smoking, or exceeding guest capacity.

Bzp-Zoning Permit

An official document issued by local authorities granting permission to use a property for short-term rentals in compliance with zoning regulations.

Bzr-Zebra Printer

A type of thermal printer used for generating labels, often utilized by hosts for luggage tags, key identifiers, or other organizational purposes.

Bzs-Zoning Board of Appeals

A local government body that hears appeals and grants variances related to zoning regulations, potentially impacting short-term rental disputes.

Cancellation Policy

A set of rules that determine the refund amount a guest receives if they cancel their reservation, ranging from flexible to strict.

Channel Manager

Software that allows hosts to manage their listings and bookings across multiple platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com from a central dashboard.

Cleaning Fee

A one-time fee charged to guests to cover the cost of cleaning the property after their stay.

Concierge Services

Additional services offered to guests for an extra fee, such as airport transportation, grocery delivery, or restaurant reservations.

Conversion Rate

The percentage of potential guests who view a listing and then proceed to make a booking.

Cost Per Night (CPN)

The average amount a guest pays per night to stay at a property, excluding fees and taxes.

Check-in Instructions

Detailed information provided to guests about how to access the property, including directions, lock codes, and wifi passwords.

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

A report that compares a short-term rental property to similar listings in the area to determine its competitive pricing and occupancy potential.

Cash Flow

The net amount of money generated by a short-term rental property after deducting all expenses, including mortgage payments, utilities, and management fees.

Co-hosting

An arrangement where two or more individuals share the responsibilities of managing a short-term rental property.

Capacity

The maximum number of guests allowed to stay at a short-term rental property, as determined by local regulations and the property’s features.

Calendar Management

The process of keeping track of bookings, blocking dates for maintenance or personal use, and syncing calendars across multiple platforms.

Content Marketing

The creation and sharing of valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and engage potential guests.

Curb Appeal

The attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street, which can influence a potential guest’s first impression and booking decision.

Customer Reviews

Feedback left by guests after their stay, providing valuable insights into their experience and influencing the booking decisions of future guests.

Commission Fee

A percentage of the booking amount charged by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO for their services.

Contract

A legally binding agreement between the host and the guest outlining the terms and conditions of the stay.

Communication Log

A record of all communication between the host and the guest, including inquiries, booking confirmations, and post-stay messages.

Calendar Synchronization

The process of automatically updating your rental calendar across multiple platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, direct bookings) to prevent double bookings.

Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

Major expenses related to acquiring or upgrading property assets, such as renovations, furniture replacements, or new appliances.

Cash-on-Cash Return

A financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of a rental property, calculated as the annual pre-tax cash flow divided by the total cash invested.

Casual Host

An individual who occasionally rents out their primary residence or a spare room on platforms like Airbnb, often for supplemental income.

Category Segmentation

The practice of dividing your target market into smaller groups based on shared characteristics, such as travel purpose, budget, or group size.

Capacity Management

Strategies and tools used to optimize occupancy rates and revenue based on factors like seasonality, demand, and pricing.

Carbon Footprint

The environmental impact of a short-term rental, considering energy consumption, waste generation, and transportation.

Case Study

A detailed analysis of a specific short-term rental property or host’s performance, used for learning and benchmarking.

Catering Services

Arranging for professional food and beverage services for guests, often for special events or enhanced experiences.

Caucus

An informal gathering of short-term rental hosts to discuss industry trends, share best practices, and network.

Causal Booking

A last-minute or spontaneous booking made by a guest with little to no prior planning.

Calendar Import

The ability to import booking calendars from one platform (e.g., Airbnb) to another (e.g., VRBO) to avoid double bookings.

Cancellation Rate

The percentage of bookings that are canceled by either the host or the guest within a specific timeframe.

Capital Improvement

A significant upgrade or renovation to a property that increases its value, lifespan, or functionality.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

A safety device mandatory in most short-term rentals that detects the presence of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas.

Carrying Costs

Expenses associated with owning and maintaining a property, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utilities.

Cash Flow Statement

A financial statement that shows the movement of cash both into and out of a business over a specific period.

Casual User Interface

A user interface designed to be easy and intuitive for anyone to use, regardless of their technical skills or experience.

CbCR (Country-by-Country Reporting)

A tax transparency framework requiring multinational enterprises to report financial and operational information for each tax jurisdiction in which they operate. While not directly applicable

Cbit (Customer Behavior Insights Tool)

A hypothetical software or platform that analyzes guest data to provide insights into booking patterns, preferences, and sentiment. This information can help hosts optimize their

Cbot (Chatbot)

An automated conversational interface used on booking platforms or by individual hosts to answer guest inquiries, provide property information, and assist with bookings.

Cbo (Community-based Organization)

A non-profit organization that operates within and serves a specific geographical community, often advocating for local residents’ needs and interests, which can include issues related

Cbt (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

A type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. While not directly related to short-term rental management, it can

Cbp (Customs and Border Protection)

A federal agency responsible for securing U.S. borders and facilitating legitimate travel and trade. While not directly involved in short-term rental regulations, their policies on

Cbr (Commercial Business Rate)

A tax applied to commercial properties, which may include short-term rentals in certain jurisdictions. Hosts should be aware of their local tax obligations and factor

Cbs (Central Booking System)

A software solution that allows property managers to manage bookings from multiple channels, including Airbnb and VRBO, in one centralized platform.

Cbse (Central Board of Secondary Education)

While not directly related to short-term rentals, this Indian education board highlights the potential of international families traveling for educational purposes, representing a niche market

Cross-Promotion

Marketing efforts that involve promoting your short-term rental property or services through partnerships with other businesses or platforms.