BNB Hot / Platform guide
Platform guide
Hosting on Vrbo in Hot Springs
How Vrbo works for a Hot Springs rental in 2026, including the fee change that takes effect October 29, 2026.
Vrbo and HomeAway
Vrbo is owned by Expedia Group, which bought HomeAway in 2015. Expedia retired the HomeAway brand in the US in 2020, so Vrbo is now the single brand for US listings.
Before you list
Inside Hot Springs city limits, any rental of less than 30 days needs an annual city STR license, and new licenses in residential zones are not available because the 400-license cap is full. Read our Hot Springs STR rules first. In Hot Springs Village, register the rental with the POA.
What Vrbo charges hosts
| Until Oct. 28, 2026 | From Oct. 29, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosts without software | About 8% (5% commission plus 3% payment processing) | Flat 12% commission |
| Hosts connected through a property management system | About 5% | Flat 12% commission |
| Annual subscription | Closed to new hosts; existing plans only | Being replaced by the 12% commission |
The 12% applies to rent plus fees such as cleaning and pet fees, not taxes. Vrbo also keeps a guest service fee, which it has said it will reduce.
Two terms in the new host agreement deserve a close read. Vrbo can charge commission on a direct booking that comes from a Vrbo inquiry within 30 days, and your rates and fees on Vrbo must be at least as good as on your other channels, including your own website.
Setting up the listing
- Create a host accountSign up through Vrbo's list-your-property page and enter your payout and tax details.
- Describe the property honestlyList the licensed occupancy (in the city, two guests per bedroom plus two), the real bed setup and parking. Photograph every room, the outdoor space and any lake access.
- Set your rules and feesSet minimum stays, a cleaning fee that covers your real turnover cost, pet rules, and a cancellation policy you can live with.
- Sync your calendarsIf you also list on Airbnb or take direct bookings, connect calendars by iCal or a channel manager so dates block automatically.
- Answer quicklyFast responses and accepting bookings help with Premier Host, below.
Premier Host
Premier Host is assessed per listing each quarter (February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1) over the trailing 12 months. The 2026 criteria are:
- Average review rating of 4.6 or higher
- Booking acceptance rate of 99% or higher
- 0% host-initiated cancellations
- At least 5 Vrbo guest reviews
- At least 5 bookings or 60 booked nights
Taxes Vrbo collects
For Arkansas stays under 30 nights, Vrbo collects and remits the state gross receipts tax, local sales and use taxes and the state tourism tax. In Hot Springs it also collects the city's Advertising and Promotion tax. Bookings you take directly are your responsibility. See the STR tax guide.
Common questions
Is HomeAway still separate from Vrbo?
No. Expedia Group bought HomeAway in 2015 and retired the HomeAway brand in the US in 2020.
What will Vrbo charge me after October 29, 2026?
A flat 12% commission on rent and fees (not taxes), replacing the pay-per-booking and subscription options.
Can I still buy a Vrbo annual subscription?
No. Vrbo stopped selling new subscriptions, and existing subscribers move to the 12% commission.
Does Vrbo include liability coverage?
Vrbo says bookings include up to $1 million in liability coverage. It has exclusions and does not replace a homeowner's policy written for short-term rental use, so talk to your insurer.
Should I list on both Airbnb and Vrbo?
Many hosts do. With the 2025-26 fee changes, compare your net payout on each and keep calendars synced to avoid double bookings.
Questions about hosting on Vrbo?
Send us your question about staying or hosting in Hot Springs and we will point you to the right local resource.
Sources
- Skift: Vrbo to double commissions as it plays catch-up to Airbnb (Sept. 29, 2026)
- Lodgify: Vrbo host fees, the new 12% commission explained
- FutureStay: Vrbo's 12% commission from Oct 29, 2026
- Hostfully: Vrbo Premier Host 2026 requirements
- Hostfully: Airbnb host-only fee explained (2026)
- PriceLabs: Vrbo host insurance
- Travel Weekly: Expedia Group dropping HomeAway brand
- HomeAway (Wikipedia)
- Vrbo Help: Where Vrbo collects and remits lodging taxes (US A-E)
- City of Hot Springs: Short-term Residential Rentals
- City of Hot Springs: STR policies, rules and regulations (Ordinance O-21-26)
- Hot Springs Village POA: Residential Rules and Regulations (approved Feb. 25, 2026)
Questions about short-term rentals in Hot Springs?
Call or text 501.365.1001, or send a note and we will get back to you.