Vrbo to Move to Flat 12% Commission in Bid to Catch Up to Airbnb

Vrbo, Expedia Group's vacation rental brand, said it is transitioning hosts and property managers to a flat 12% fee starting October 29. Property managers connected to a property management system currently pay a 5% fee, while hosts not connected to a PMS pay an 8% commission. About 55% of listings globally connect to Vrbo through PMS software, including 51% in the U.S., according to AirDNA. The host note did not address guest fees, which currently sit at 11-14%, but a vacation rental expert familiar with Vrbo's plans said the company intends to drastically reduce them; Vrbo's FAQ said travelers will in most cases still see a service fee.