Community: Message List

Re: Locked out of the VRBO calendar

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:16:37 GMT

Hi Nancy,

Any time you see a calendar on a listing on VRBO® that says "contact the owner for availability" That simply means the calendar has not been updated recently. VRBO.com no longer displays calendars that have not been edited recently on listings.

We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience. We suggest updating your calendar on a regular basis in order to keep your listing's calendar on display. We implemented this system because the number one traveler complaint we receive is when owners do not keep their calendars updated. Understandably, it is frustrating for travelers to inquire about a desired rental that shows availability, only to be told that the property is not available for their chosen dates.

To unlock the calendar:

First, from our homepage, http://www.vrbo.com/ (click on Owner login) - log onto your VRBO account, then on the Member Administration page look for the "Edit your listing" button located below the picture. Once you click the "Edit your listing" button look for the "Availability" link in the yellow bar at the top of the page. (It may take a few seconds to load) Click on the "Reservations" tab in the upper right.

To record new bookings, you click on the day that starts the reservation and a pop-up window will open with an arrival date box and a departure date box. Enter the dates you want to reserve, click on the "edit" button and to fill in the information. Once you have completed this Be sure to Click on the Green "Save" button so that your changes are saved.

You can View a Calendar Tutorial for more details at
http://www.homeawayconnect.com/tutorial.aspx?tutorial=TutorialCalCreate&culturename=en-US

You may view answers to frequently asked questions at:
http://www.homeawayconnect.com/html/FAQ.html

Let us know if you need more assistance!

DAMAGE DEPOSITS

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:17:48 GMT

Hi Michelle,

You may find this discussion helpful as well, in determining the best course of action for damage deposits.

All best,

Meredith

replying to VRBO Rental Inquiries with (vrbo's) junk signiture info in the e-mail

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:14:47 GMT

Tim,

Thanks for your input on the signature line of VRBO emails.

I have passed along your feedback!

All best,

Meredith

How can you limit pool heating?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:56:04 GMT

Hi Karen,

You may also find the info in this article helpful.

Thanks!

Fold-out couch uncomfortable

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:54:10 GMT

Hi Karl,

You may find this article helpful, especially some of the comments.

Thanks!

Re: NJ owner renting in Florida

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:14:24 GMT

Hi hogans j,

You may find another discussion thread on this topic interesting or check out this interview

with an attorney specializing in landlord/tenant law.

Hope this helps!

rental agreement contracts

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:04:59 GMT

Hi Paulette,

Here is a link to some sample contracts and checklists that will help get you started!

Best of luck with your vacation rental business!

Re: New Short Term Rental Law in NY does not permit renting less than 30 days

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:45:25 GMT

Hello all,

Here is a summary of what we know about the NYC Rental restrictions...

Current legislation (set to become effective in May 2011) will prohibit short-term rentals of less than 30 days in many residential buildings in New York City. Contrary to what has been reported, the legislation does not prohibit all short-term rentals, but it is sweeping in scope and could well affect your property. Each owner who wishes to rent their property on a short-term basis should review the bill as written to determine what impact, if any, it has on your ability to rent short-term and how you may consider changing your business practices to meet its requirements.

It appears that the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement ("OSE") will be charged with investigating and enforcing the law. The OSE is currently responsible for coordinating enforcement efforts across City agencies to address quality of life issues, including those related to adult use locations, lawless clubs, trademark counterfeiting etc. Our current understanding is that enforcement will be complaint-based, including complaints that originate via calls to 311.

You can learn more about the OSE here

HomeAway has found that effectively influencing regulation legislation can best occur when owners work together to lobby for fair rules that both protect individual property owners rights and improve the trust and security of the short-term rental industry for both owners and travelers. It is clear that when the short-term rental is subject to collecting sales and transient occupancy taxes, interested owners gain credibility when they can demonstrate that they are in compliance with these tax rules. The issue of collecting and remitting taxes has historically had a significant effect on new regulations.

Short term rentals in NYC appear to be subject to the Hotel Room Occupancy Tax here

As vacation rental owners, it is always helpful to be socially and politically involved in your community. Attending meetings and volunteer events help the community to understand the benefits of vacation rentals.

Here are some community resources focused on New York that we find useful.
Website covering the legislation in NYC

Website of the Department of Buildings

Thanks!

Is the HomeAway Summit worth it?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:53:09 GMT

Hi Craig,

Videos from last year's Summit are actually available online for free! You can watch them here.

Kristen