VRBO Software Glitches?

Question

I deactivated my listing on VRBO over 2 years ago for a bunch of different reasons. I haven't touched the listing since July 2023. Then last week an instant booking came through for April 2026. I instantly cancelled the booking and then tried to remove my listing but was unable to do anything with it. I couldn't modify or delete the listing and I couldn't block the calendar. I had to contact customer service and have them delete the listing.

Since then I've seen social media postings indicating other hosts have encountered similar glitches with the VRBO software. Instant booking being turned on without the owner's permission, a hot tub being added as an amenity that the owner never added, etc.

Have others experienced any of this kind of behavior?

Carolyn Fuller · Answer

They didn't give me any grief about it but it was disconcerting that I had to involve customer service in getting the listing deleted.

Part of the reason I dropped VRBO was the fact that their software was not robust. I didn't know exactly how glitchy it was!

Andrew Street · Answer

I’ve actually heard a few hosts mention similar issues recently especially around listings reactivating or Instant Book turning itself back on without permission. It’s definitely concerning, especially for those of us managing multiple properties where one small glitch can snowball.

I’m glad you caught it early and got support to remove it. It seems like some backend syncs or updates on VRBO’s end have been resetting certain settings for older or inactive listings. I’ve seen it happen too with amenities and calendar availability.

If it helps, one thing I recommend (and do for the properties I manage) is to regularly double-check platform settings even if the listing is “inactive.” Sometimes small changes slip through after policy or software updates.

Thanks for sharing this, it’s a good reminder for all of us to keep an eye on our accounts. Have you noticed if VRBO gave you any explanation when they finally deleted your listing?

Patricia Andriolo-Bull · Answer

I am PMS connected so I would hope this would overwrite and changes VRBO tries to make on my behalf?  Just to say, I haven't experienced any challenges with them but I do find that their software glitches often (when I go into their app or on the website) - I get loading issues and all sorts of other challenges.

Carolyn Fuller · Answer

I haven't encountered any glitches with the Airbnb platform.

Since I alternate between STR on Airbnb and MTR on long term websites, I like the fact that Airbnb allows me to set my listing to "Dates unavailable" as the default. Then I can open up the calendar, as needed.

Carolyn Fuller · Answer

@Andrew Street re: "Have you noticed if VRBO gave you any explanation when they finally deleted your listing?"

No. They did not give me any explanation.

I'm a retired software developer so these glitches are concerning to me. Many years ago, I worked for a software company that went belly up because there were glitches in one of their products that they were unable to fix.

I'm glad none of my listings are on VRBO anymore but this is a reminder that I have an inactive listing on another platform that I need to delete.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Airbnb has its fair share of glitches.  Something similar happened to me with VRBO it was because I blocked a calendar for 1 or 2 years (whatever it would let me do) and then I forgot about it and the calendar opened.

Trent Reeve · Answer

ahh, i have had multiple issues with Air. not accepting my beachfront property that looks directly on the beach, removing amenities from my listing that I have. its just glitches that you have to check every now and then

John Underwood · Answer

Personally I like the Vrbo software much better than Airbnbs.

I guess that's because I use it all the time since most all booking come from Vrbo.

Trent Reeve · Answer

I get 40% of my bookings from VRBO (maybe because I am beach properties). I have 3 properties and havent had an issue in over 3 years with them. My only issue is they dont allow you to create a customized, discounted offer if you want. The guest has to book normally and then you can discount the amount afterwards.

John Underwood · Answer

I did have a hot tub added as an amenity years ago. Someone asked about the hot tub that we didn't have. I removed it and haven't had any problems in years.

VRBO Software Glitches?

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