Vrbo Cracks Down on Bad Hosts: 100% Penalty for Stranding Guests

Key Points

• Vrbo will impose a 100% penalty on U.S. hosts who leave guests stranded without access to a reserved property, effective October 1.
• The penalty matches the booking amount and may include property suspension and cancellation of future bookings, with exceptions for events like natural disasters.
• Airbnb is also updating its cancellation policies to allow more guest-friendly refunds, and Vrbo plans to roll out its new policy globally.

Summary

Vrbo is introducing a strict new policy starting October 1, imposing a 100% penalty on U.S. hosts who leave guests without access to their reserved accommodations. This penalty equals the full booking amount and may include suspension of the property and cancellation of future reservations, except in cases like natural disasters. The move aims to improve guest experience and aligns with similar guest-friendly policy changes being made by Airbnb, with Vrbo planning to expand the policy globally.