Short Term Rental Glossary For Airbnb & Vrbo

Photography, Professional

The use of high-quality, professionally taken photographs to showcase a rental property in its best light and attract more bookings.

Phishing Prevention

Measures taken to protect hosts and guests from fraudulent emails or websites attempting to steal personal information, such as login credentials or payment details.

Phone Support

Direct telephone assistance offered by Airbnb or VRBO to hosts and guests for technical issues, booking inquiries, or emergency situations.

Phased Rollout

A strategy for gradually introducing new features or updates to the platform, starting with a small group of users before wider implementation.

Philanthropic Hosting

Offering short-term rentals at discounted rates or for free to individuals or families facing hardship, such as those displaced by natural disasters or medical emergencies.

Physical Accessibility

Features and amenities that make a property accessible to guests with disabilities, such as ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways.

Phygital Marketing

Integrating online and offline marketing strategies to promote short-term rentals, such as using QR codes in printed materials to direct potential guests to online listings.

Pilot Program

A trial period for a new short-term rental strategy or feature, often involving a limited number of properties or guests to test effectiveness before full

Pinterest Marketing

Leveraging the visual platform Pinterest to promote short-term rental listings, showcasing property aesthetics and inspiring travel aspirations.

Pillow Talk

Slang for informal communication between hosts and guests, typically regarding booking details, local recommendations, or addressing guest inquiries.

Pipeline, Booking

The flow of potential bookings for a short-term rental, from initial inquiries and reservation requests to confirmed bookings.

Ping-Pong Rate

A pricing strategy where hosts constantly adjust their rates up and down in response to competitor pricing and demand fluctuations.

Pinpointing Your Target Guest

The process of identifying and understanding your ideal guest persona, considering their demographics, interests, and travel motivations, to tailor your listing and marketing efforts.

Pipeline Management

The process of organizing and tracking potential guests as they move through the stages of booking a short-term rental, from inquiry to reservation.

Pirate Booking

Unauthorized bookings made outside of official platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, often involving direct contact between guests and hosts or through unverified channels.

Pick-Up Service

A service offered to guests, typically for an additional fee, where the host or a designated person picks them up from a specific location, such

Piecemeal Bookings

A booking pattern where a property receives reservations for shorter, non-consecutive periods, often leaving gaps between bookings and potentially resulting in lower occupancy rates.

Pilot Property

The first property a host lists on a short-term rental platform, often used as a learning experience to test strategies and refine their hosting approach

Pinned Message

A feature on some messaging platforms that allows hosts to highlight important information, such as house rules or check-in instructions, at the top of their

Pj Party Package

A themed package offered to short-term rental guests, particularly families with children, that includes amenities and decorations specifically curated for a pajama party experience.

Platform Fee

A fee charged by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to hosts for listing and booking services.

Placemaking

The process of creating a unique and memorable guest experience by incorporating local elements and design into a short-term rental.

Placement Marketing

A marketing strategy focused on getting your short-term rental listed prominently on various platforms and channels to increase visibility.

Platinum Host

A premium host status on some platforms, achieved through consistently high performance metrics and exceptional guest satisfaction.

Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)

A continuous improvement cycle used in short-term rental management to analyze data, implement changes, and track results for optimization.

Playlist Curation

Creating curated music playlists that align with the vibe and target audience of a short-term rental to enhance the guest experience.

Plug-and-Play Property

A fully furnished and equipped short-term rental that is ready for immediate occupancy by guests, requiring minimal setup from the host.

Plus-Size Amenities

Providing amenities specifically designed for plus-size guests to ensure their comfort and accessibility during their stay.

Plexiglass Barriers

Protective barriers often used in short-term rentals, particularly during health concerns, to minimize contact and enhance safety between guests and hosts.

Plot Ratio

The ratio of a building’s floor area to the total land area, which can impact regulations and restrictions for short-term rentals in certain areas.

Platform Arbitrage

Leveraging price differences for the same short-term rental across multiple platforms, like Airbnb and VRBO, to maximize booking potential.

Plant-Based Cleaning

Using cleaning products made from natural, plant-derived ingredients in short-term rentals to cater to guests with allergies or eco-conscious preferences.

Plush Bedding

Providing high-quality, comfortable bedding, including soft sheets, cozy blankets, and plush pillows, to enhance the guest experience.

Platform-Specific Photography

Optimizing property photos to meet the specific requirements and best practices of each platform, such as image size and aspect ratio.

Plinth Lighting

Using low-level lighting fixtures, often installed in walls or baseboards, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in short-term rentals.

Platform Messaging

Communicating with guests directly through the messaging systems provided by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to answer questions and manage bookings.

Placeholder Booking

A temporary booking made by a host to block off dates on their calendar while awaiting confirmation or payment from another potential guest.

Plaque Wasting

The practice of displaying an excessive number of plaques, awards, or certifications in a short-term rental, potentially appearing cluttered or overwhelming to guests.

Platform Migration

Moving a short-term rental listing from one platform to another, such as switching from Airbnb to VRBO or vice versa.

Pneumatic Bed

A type of bed frame with an air-filled mattress that can be inflated or deflated for storage or to adjust firmness. Popular for short-term rentals

Pnyx Management

A style of short-term rental management that emphasizes direct communication and transparency with guests, inspired by the open-air assembly space of ancient Athens.

PnL Statement

A financial statement that summarizes the revenues, costs, and expenses incurred during a specific period, providing insights into the profitability of a short-term rental business.

PnL Analysis

The process of examining a PnL statement to identify trends, patterns, and insights into the financial performance of a short-term rental business.

PnL Forecasting

The process of projecting future financial performance by estimating revenues, costs, and expenses, enabling hosts to make informed business decisions.

PnL Margin

A financial ratio that measures the profitability of a short-term rental business by calculating the percentage of revenue remaining after deducting all expenses.

Pool Safety Cover

A durable cover designed to prevent accidental falls into a swimming pool when not in use, often required by local regulations for short-term rentals with

Post-Stay Cleaning

The thorough cleaning process undertaken after guests check out of a short-term rental, ensuring the property is sanitized and prepared for the next guests.

Post-Stay Feedback

Reviews and ratings provided by guests after their stay at a short-term rental, valuable for hosts to improve their offerings and attract future guests.

Portable Hotspot

A compact device providing wireless internet access, offered as an amenity in short-term rentals to allow guests internet connectivity on the go.

Power Backup

A system, such as a generator, that provides electricity to a short-term rental in case of a power outage, ensuring guest comfort and safety.

Pool Heating (Optional)

An amenity offered at some short-term rentals with pools, allowing guests to enjoy swimming even during cooler seasons, often for an additional fee.

Policies and House Rules

Guidelines established by hosts for their short-term rentals, outlining expectations for guest behavior, such as noise levels, smoking, and pet policies.

Positive Guest Reviews

Favorable feedback from previous guests, displayed on short-term rental platforms, influencing the booking decisions of potential future guests.

Portion Control

Providing pre-portioned amenities like coffee, sugar, or toiletries can help manage costs and minimize waste in short-term rentals.

Pop-Up Events

Collaborating with local businesses to host temporary events or experiences at the property, enhancing guest experience and potentially attracting new bookings.

Podcast Marketing

Promoting short-term rentals and reaching potential guests through targeted advertising or guest appearances on relevant podcasts.

Portfolio Diversification

Managing a variety of short-term rental properties with different locations, sizes, or price points to mitigate risks and potentially increase revenue.

Post-Stay Survey

A detailed questionnaire sent to guests after their stay to gather specific feedback on their experience, property amenities, and areas for improvement.

Potential Revenue

An estimation of the maximum possible income a short-term rental property could generate within a specific timeframe, considering factors like location, seasonality, and occupancy rates.

Point of Interest (POI) Proximity

Refers to how close a short-term rental property is to popular attractions, landmarks, restaurants, or other points of interest that potential guests might be interested

Pool Maintenance

The regular upkeep and cleaning required for a swimming pool at a short-term rental property, ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for guests.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

In some regions, regulations may require electrical appliances provided in short-term rentals to undergo periodic safety testing and inspection, known as PAT testing.

Post-Booking Automation

The use of software and technology to automate tasks and communication with guests after they book a short-term rental, such as sending booking confirmations, providing

Price Per Night

The base rate charged to guests for each night of their stay at a short-term rental property.

Premium Pricing

A pricing strategy where higher rates are charged for desirable features, amenities, seasons, or events.

Property Onboarding

The process of preparing a property for listing on short-term rental platforms, including setting up the listing, taking professional photos, and establishing pricing.

Property Photography

High-quality photos that showcase a short-term rental property’s best features and attract potential guests.

Property Title

A legal document that proves ownership of a short-term rental property.

Property Taxes

Taxes levied on the assessed value of a short-term rental property by local governments.

Promotional Offers

Discounts or incentives offered to attract guests and increase bookings, such as weekly discounts, last-minute deals, or early bird specials.

Prohibited Items

Items that guests are not allowed to bring onto the property for safety or legal reasons, such as drugs, weapons, or flammable materials.

Project Management

The process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve specific goals related to a short-term rental business, such as renovations or marketing campaigns.

Property Description

A detailed and compelling written overview of a short-term rental property, highlighting its features, amenities, and benefits for potential guests.

Property Management Agreement

A legally binding contract between a property owner and a property manager outlining the terms of their business relationship, including services, fees, and responsibilities.

Privacy Fence

A physical barrier, such as a fence or wall, that provides guests with privacy and security during their stay, especially important for outdoor areas.

Profit and Loss Statement

A financial statement that summarizes the revenues, costs, and expenses incurred during a specific period of time for a short-term rental business.

Professional Photography

High-quality photos are crucial for attracting bookings. Professional photographers specialize in showcasing properties in the best possible light, highlighting their features and amenities.

Preventative Maintenance

Regular upkeep and inspections to prevent potential issues and maintain the property in top condition, minimizing future repair costs and guest inconvenience.

Psychographics

The study and classification of people according to their attitudes, aspirations, and other psychological criteria, especially in market research. Understanding the psychographics of your target

Pseudo-Events

Events or activities staged specifically to attract media attention and generate publicity for a short-term rental property. This can include themed parties, workshops, or collaborations

Psychographic Segmentation

Dividing potential guests into groups based on their psychological characteristics, such as values, interests, lifestyle, and travel motivations. This information helps tailor marketing messages and

Psychic Income

Non-monetary benefits derived from hosting, such as positive guest interactions, a sense of community, and personal satisfaction.

Psychological Pricing

A pricing strategy that leverages psychological principles, such as charm pricing (e.g., $9.99) or prestige pricing (e.g., rounding up to $100), to influence guest perception

Public Liability Insurance

A type of insurance that protects short-term rental hosts from financial liability in case a guest is injured on their property.

Purchase Agreement

A legally binding contract between a buyer and a seller that outlines the terms and conditions for the purchase of a property, often used by

Purchase Price

The actual price paid to acquire a property, including closing costs and other associated expenses. This is a crucial factor in calculating investment returns for

Public Relations (PR)

Strategic communication activities aimed at building and maintaining a positive public image for a short-term rental business. This can include media outreach, community engagement, and

Push Notifications

Real-time alerts sent to mobile devices, often used by Airbnb and VRBO to notify hosts of booking requests, guest inquiries, and other important updates.

Purple Patch

A period of exceptionally high demand and occupancy rates for short-term rentals, often coinciding with major events, holidays, or peak seasons.

Pulse Rate

A metric used to track the frequency of bookings and guest turnover in a short-term rental property. A high pulse rate can indicate strong demand

Public Transportation Access

The availability and convenience of public transportation options (buses, trains, subways) near a short-term rental property, a significant factor for guests without personal vehicles.

Purpose-Built Rental

A property specifically designed and constructed for the purpose of short-term rentals, often featuring multiple units or amenities tailored to transient guests.

Published Rate

The standard nightly or weekly rate advertised for a short-term rental property, excluding any discounts, promotions, or seasonal adjustments.

Punch List

A detailed list of outstanding repairs, cleaning tasks, or maintenance items that need to be addressed in a short-term rental property, typically used during property

Put Option

A financial contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell a short-term rental property at a specified price within a