VRBO Quietly Raised Their Rates

[Mike Kirby]

Did anyone else notice that the cut that VRBO takes from each booking  went up in Sept 2026? My VRBO fees have been consistently 16.1% or 17.1% all year. It varied between the two with no rhyme or reason. Now September hits and the fees are now 18.65% for one 3 day booking and 18.58% for the other 3 day booking. The Guest Service fee went from $73 to $89. 

[Jon Martin]

Quote from @Ken Boone:

Quote from @Jon Martin:

Quote from @Ken Boone:

Quote from @Jon Martin:

That new number is eerily similar to the markup that was recommended to hosts on Airbnb after they changed their fee structure. It might’ve been the exact same number, I remember it being in the mid 18s. 

Fortunately I am still grandfathered in on the subscription plan with VRBO. But if I wasn't, it would start me thinking should I just let someone else manage my property. I mean between Airbnb and VRBO fees you are looking at an average of 17.05% in fees. If you get a management company that charges 25%, it's only another 8% to take all the work off your plate. In fact I don't see how management companies that still list on those platforms can still make enough to survive if their percentage are that low.

 Even if you have a manager, pretty sure that platform fee is still getting assessed? 

I agree so that is what is making me scratch my head and say how does a mgmt company survive without at least 35% mgmt fee. 

I agree, the numbers are awful at that point.  At that point you are limited to owners whose primary goals are tax avoidance and/or paying down a property for personal use. Unless they bought right a long time ago.