Which Vacation Rental Site Has the Least Amount of Fees?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a vacation and looking for a rental property, you may be wondering which vacation rental site has the least amount of fees. After all, the last thing you want is to end up paying more than you budgeted for.

Fortunately, there are some sites that offer lower fees than others. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these sites and what makes them stand out.

HomeAway

HomeAway is one of the most popular vacation rental sites out there. It boasts over 2 million listings worldwide and offers a range of properties including apartments, condos, villas, and more.

When it comes to fees, HomeAway charges a service fee which is usually around 6-12% of the total booking cost. This fee covers things like customer support and payment processing.

One thing to note is that some homeowners on HomeAway may also charge additional fees such as cleaning fees or damage deposits. However, these fees are clearly stated in each listing so you can factor them into your budget before booking.

Airbnb

Airbnb is another well-known vacation rental site that has gained popularity in recent years. It offers a variety of properties ranging from entire homes to shared rooms. Airbnb charges a service fee which ranges from 0-20% of the total booking cost depending on the property and length of stay.

While Airbnb’s service fee can be higher than HomeAway’s, it does offer some unique advantages. For example, many hosts on Airbnb offer discounts for longer stays so if you’re planning an extended trip this could save you money.

VRBO

VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) is another popular vacation rental site that offers properties all over the world. Like HomeAway, VRBO charges a service fee which ranges from 4-9% of the total booking cost.

One advantage of VRBO is that it doesn’t charge any additional fees such as cleaning fees or damage deposits. However, some homeowners may still choose to include these fees in their listing so be sure to read the fine print before booking.

Conclusion

So which vacation rental site has the least amount of fees? It’s hard to say as it largely depends on the specific property you’re interested in and the length of your stay. However, HomeAway and VRBO tend to have lower service fees overall while Airbnb offers some unique advantages like discounts for longer stays.

No matter which site you choose, be sure to read the listing carefully and factor in any additional fees before making a booking. With a little research, you can find a great vacation rental without breaking the bank.