Understanding Owner Fees of Airbnb, VRBO, and Furnished Finder
If you own a short-term or mid-term rental property, you’ve likely considered listing on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or Furnished Finder. Each of these platforms has its own fee structure, which can significantly impact your profitability. At BnB on Market, we help rental owners navigate these differences to maximize their revenue. Let’s break down the key differences in owner fees among these three platforms.
Airbnb Owner Fees
Airbnb offers two fee structures for hosts:
Split-Fee Model (Most Common) – Airbnb charges hosts a 3% service fee on the booking subtotal (nightly rate + cleaning fee but before taxes). Guests also pay a service fee, typically 14-16%.
Host-Only Fee Model – In some cases, particularly for professional hosts using software integrations, Airbnb charges hosts a 15% service fee and does not charge guests separately.
Airbnb’s fees are relatively low for owners, but the guest service fee can impact the overall price and potentially deter bookings.
VRBO Owner Fees
VRBO offers two main pricing models:
Pay-Per-Booking Model – Hosts pay a 5% commission on the booking subtotal (rental rate + cleaning fee) plus a 3% payment processing fee, totaling 8% per booking.
Annual Subscription Model – For $499 per year, owners can list their property without per-booking commissions, making it more cost-effective for those with frequent bookings.
VRBO’s guest service fees can range from 6-15%, often making it slightly more expensive for travelers compared to Airbnb.
Furnished Finder Owner Fees
Furnished Finder operates differently from Airbnb and Vrbo by focusing on mid-term rentals (30+ days) and does not charge booking fees. Instead, owners pay a flat $99 annual listing fee to connect with potential tenants. There are no service fees deducted from each booking, making this platform ideal for those targeting traveling nurses, corporate travelers, or digital nomads.
Which Platform is Best for Your Rental?
For short-term rentals with high turnover, Airbnb and VRBO can yield higher nightly rates, but you must account for service fees when setting your pricing.
For mid-term rentals (30+ days), Furnished Finder offers a cost-effective solution with no per-booking fees, making it an excellent option for landlords seeking consistent occupancy.
If you have a high-occupancy rental, Vrbo’s annual subscription model may save you money compared to per-booking fees.
At BnB on Market, we help property owners optimize their listings, choose the best platforms, and maximize their earnings. Whether you need help with pricing strategies, property management, or staging your rental, we’ve got you covered.
Want to learn more about how we can help you boost your rental income? Contact us today for a free consultation!