Short Term Rental Glossary For Airbnb & Vrbo

MhHouse Rules

A set of guidelines and expectations that hosts establish for guests staying in their short-term rentals. These rules cover aspects like noise levels, smoking policies,

MhHigh Season

The period of highest demand for short-term rentals in a particular location, often characterized by increased booking rates and occupancy levels.

MhHousekeeping

The process of cleaning and preparing short-term rental properties for incoming guests. It includes tasks like laundry, bed making, and bathroom sanitation.

MhHome Sharing

A type of short-term rental where a homeowner rents out a portion of their primary residence to guests, typically on platforms like Airbnb.

MhHost Insurance

Specialized insurance coverage designed to protect short-term rental hosts from liabilities and property damage that may occur during a guest’s stay.

MhHost Responsibilities

The duties and obligations of a short-term rental host, including providing accurate listing information, ensuring guest safety, and addressing guest concerns.

MhHybrid Hosting

A short-term rental strategy where hosts manage some aspects of their business themselves while outsourcing others to professional management companies.

MhHome Automation

The use of technology to automate and control various aspects of a short-term rental property, such as lighting, temperature, and security.

MhHost Fees

The charges that platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo deduct from host earnings for using their services, typically a percentage of the booking amount.

MhHost Guarantee

A protection program offered by Airbnb that provides hosts with coverage for property damage caused by guests, up to a certain limit and under specific

MhHost Profile

A host’s online representation on a short-term rental platform, showcasing their personal information, property details, and guest reviews.

MhHigh-Speed Internet

A crucial amenity for short-term rentals, providing guests with fast and reliable internet access for work, entertainment, and communication.

MhHot Tub

A popular amenity in short-term rentals, offering guests a luxurious and relaxing experience, often associated with higher rental rates.

MhHost Communication

The exchange of information between hosts and guests before, during, and after a short-term rental booking, including inquiries, confirmations, and feedback.

MhHistoric Home

A short-term rental property with significant historical value or architectural interest, often attracting guests seeking unique and authentic experiences.

MhHome Exchange

An alternative to traditional short-term rentals where homeowners agree to swap their homes with other homeowners for a set period.

Mid-Stay Cleanings

Cleaning services offered to guests staying in a short-term rental for an extended period, typically occurring once or twice a week depending on the length

Minimum Night Stay

The shortest period for which guests can book a short-term rental property, often varying by season or demand.

Micro-Adventure

A short and easily accessible adventure or experience that can be enjoyed in a short amount of time, often promoted by short-term rental hosts to

Mid-Week Discount

A pricing strategy used by short-term rental hosts to attract bookings during weekdays (typically Monday through Thursday) by offering a reduced rate compared to weekend

Minimum Age Requirement

The minimum age set by a short-term rental host for the primary guest booking and staying at their property, often implemented to comply with platform

Milestone Review

Guest reviews received by a host after reaching a certain number of bookings or achieving a specific milestone on a short-term rental platform, often highlighted

Minimum Booking Window

The shortest amount of time in advance that a guest can book a short-term rental before the desired check-in date, often set by hosts to

Mid-Term Rental

A furnished rental property typically booked for a period between a short-term stay (a few nights) and a long-term lease (typically one year or more),

Mileage Tracking

The practice of logging miles driven for business purposes, such as property visits or guest communication, for tax deductions.

Minimalist Design

An interior design style characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a limited color palette, often favored for creating a calming and spacious atmosphere in short-term

Misrepresentation

Providing false or misleading information about a property listing, amenities, or services, which can lead to negative reviews, guest disputes, and platform penalties.

Microstay

A very short-term rental booking, typically for a few hours or less than a full night, often used for workspaces, meetings, or events.

Mid-Term Arbitrage

A strategy where investors rent properties on a mid-term basis (typically 1-6 months) and sublet them on a short-term basis for a higher nightly rate.

Mindfulness Amenities

Items provided in a rental property that cater to guests’ well-being and relaxation, such as yoga mats, meditation cushions, or aromatherapy diffusers.

Mirrored Listing

Creating and maintaining identical listings for the same property on multiple platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to increase visibility and booking potential.

Mixed-Use Property

A property that combines residential and commercial spaces, such as an apartment above a storefront, which can offer unique rental opportunities.

Mii-Fi

A portable Wi-Fi device that provides internet access to guests while they are traveling.

Mii-Level Cleaning

A comprehensive cleaning protocol that goes beyond basic cleaning to ensure a high level of hygiene and sanitation in short-term rentals.

Mii-Market Rental Rate

The prevailing rental rate for similar properties in the same market area, used as a benchmark for setting competitive pricing.

Mii-nimalist Decor

A design style characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a lack of clutter, often favored in short-term rentals for its clean and modern aesthetic.

Mj-Dynamic Pricing

A pricing strategy that uses algorithms to adjust rental rates based on real-time market demand, seasonality, competitor pricing, and other factors.

Mj- Occupancy Rate

A metric used to measure the percentage of time a short-term rental property is booked over a specific period. It is calculated by dividing the

Mj-Guest Screening

The process of vetting potential guests to minimize risks associated with property damage, disturbances, or other issues. This can include background checks, ID verification, and

Mj-Smart Home Technology

The integration of technology into a short-term rental property to enhance guest experience and streamline operations. This can include smart locks, thermostats, lighting, and security

Mj-Yield Management

A revenue management strategy that focuses on maximizing rental income by optimizing pricing, occupancy rates, and operational efficiency.

Mj-Guest Communication

The process of interacting with guests before, during, and after their stay. This includes answering inquiries, providing check-in instructions, addressing concerns, and soliciting feedback.

Mj-Property Management Software

Software designed to help hosts and property managers automate and streamline various aspects of short-term rental management, such as listings, bookings, communication, and finances.

Mj-Channel Manager

A tool that allows hosts to manage their listings across multiple short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com, from a single dashboard.

Mj-Direct Booking

A reservation made directly with the host or property manager, bypassing third-party platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. This can save on commission fees and allow

Mj-Guest Experience

The overall impression and satisfaction a guest has with their stay at a short-term rental property, encompassing all aspects from booking to checkout.

Mj-Local Regulations

Rules and ordinances set by local governments that govern short-term rentals, including permitting requirements, occupancy limits, and noise restrictions.

Mj-Cleaning Protocol

A set of standardized procedures for cleaning and sanitizing a short-term rental property between guest stays to ensure hygiene and guest safety.

Mj-Property Damage Protection

Insurance or security deposit options that protect hosts from financial losses due to accidental or intentional damage to their property by guests.

Mj-Guest Verification

The process of confirming a guest’s identity to prevent fraud and ensure the safety and security of the property and other guests.

Mj-Home Sharing

The practice of renting out a portion of one’s primary residence to guests on a short-term basis, typically through platforms like Airbnb.

Mj-Keyless Entry

A system that allows guests to access the property without a physical key, using methods like keypads, smart locks, or mobile apps.

Mj-Guest Amenities

Additional items or services provided to guests to enhance their comfort and enjoyment, such as toiletries, Wi-Fi, parking, or breakfast.

Mj-Property Listing

An online advertisement for a short-term rental property, showcasing its features, amenities, photos, and rental rates.

Mj-Seasonal Pricing

Adjusting rental rates based on fluctuations in demand throughout the year, typically charging higher prices during peak seasons and lower prices during the off-season.

Mj-Occupancy Tax

A tax levied on short-term rental accommodations, often collected by local governments or tourism boards.

Mk- Revenue Management

The strategic application of pricing, availability, and marketing techniques to maximize revenue from short-term rental properties.

Mk- Booking Window

The period between when a guest makes a reservation and their actual arrival date.

Mk- Instant Book

A feature on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO that allows guests to book a stay immediately without host approval.

Mk- Superhost Status

A recognition awarded by Airbnb to hosts who consistently provide exceptional hospitality and meet specific performance criteria.

Mk- Listing Optimization

The process of improving a short-term rental listing to attract more bookings and achieve higher search rankings.

Mk- Property Access Control

Methods and technologies used to manage and control guest access to the rental property, such as keyless entry or lockboxes.

Mk- House Rules

A set of guidelines and expectations established by the host for guest behavior during their stay at the rental property.

Mk- Rental Arbitrage

A strategy where an individual rents a property long-term and then sublets it on short-term rental platforms for a profit.

Mk- Market Analysis

Researching and understanding the local short-term rental market, including competitor pricing, demand trends, and seasonal fluctuations.

Mk- Booking Platform Fees

The charges imposed by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO for using their services, typically a percentage of each booking.

Mk- Guest Screening Process

Procedures used by hosts to evaluate potential guests and mitigate risks, such as verifying identities, reading reviews, or requesting security deposits.

Mk- Property Photography

High-quality images showcasing the rental property’s features, amenities, and surrounding area to attract potential guests.

Mk- Cancellation Policy

The terms and conditions outlining the consequences of a guest canceling their reservation, including potential refunds or penalties.

Mk- Guest Reviews & Ratings

Feedback and star ratings provided by guests after their stay, influencing the reputation and booking potential of a rental property.

Mk- Legal Compliance

Adhering to all local laws, regulations, and tax requirements related to short-term rental operations.

Mk- Guest Experience Design

Creating a memorable and positive experience for guests through thoughtful touches, personalized amenities, and seamless communication.

Mk- Dynamic Pricing Software

Tools that automatically adjust rental rates based on factors like demand, seasonality, and competitor pricing to optimize revenue.

Ml- Occupancy Rate

The percentage of time a rental property is booked over a specific period. A key metric for evaluating rental income potential and pricing strategies.

Ml- Listing Description

The written portion of a short-term rental listing that provides detailed information about the property, amenities, and surrounding area. A compelling description attracts bookings.

Ml- Local Experiences

Recommendations and curated guides provided to guests about nearby attractions, restaurants, activities, and unique experiences to enhance their stay.

Ml- Guest Verification

The process of verifying a guest’s identity and booking information to prevent fraud and ensure safety and security for both hosts and guests.

Ml- Channel Manager

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

Ml- Home Staging

The process of arranging furniture, decor, and accessories to enhance the visual appeal of a rental property in photos and during guest stays.

Ml- Keyless Entry

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

Ml- Guest Communication

The ongoing interaction between hosts and guests before, during, and after a booking, including inquiries, booking confirmations, check-in instructions, and feedback.

Ml- Wear and Tear

The expected deterioration of a rental property and its furnishings due to normal use by guests over time.

Ml- Cleaning Fee

A one-time charge added to the rental rate to cover the cost of cleaning the property between guest stays.

Ml- Security Deposit

A refundable amount held by the host to cover potential damages or losses caused by guests during their stay.

Ml- Occupancy Taxes

Taxes levied by local governments on short-term rental income, often requiring hosts to register and collect from guests.

Ml- Direct Booking

When a guest books a rental property directly through the host’s website or other channels, bypassing third-party platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

Ml- Property Damage Protection

Insurance or security measures in place to protect hosts from financial losses due to damages caused by guests or other unforeseen events.

Ml- Guest Amenities

Items and services provided to guests to enhance their comfort and convenience, such as toiletries, linens, Wi-Fi, and coffee.

Ml- Check-in Instructions

Detailed instructions provided to guests on how to access the property, including directions, key codes, parking information, and Wi-Fi passwords.

Ml- Cancellation Policy

The terms and conditions that outline the rules and penalties for guests canceling their bookings, protecting both hosts and guests.

Mm- Minimum Night Stay

The shortest period a guest can book a short-term rental for, often varying by season or demand.

Mm- Mid-Stay Clean

A cleaning service offered between bookings, particularly common for longer stays in short-term rentals.

Mm- Market Analysis

Researching competitors and rental trends in a specific location to optimize pricing and occupancy.

Mm- Multi-Unit Property

A building or complex containing multiple individual units that are rented out as short-term rentals.