Chapter 7

Vrbo Cancellation Policies

Cancellation policies must strike the right balance between flexibility for travelers and revenue protection for hosts. Flexible conditions can increase bookings during low and mid seasons, while stricter rules are often better suited for peak summer and winter periods.

Have you ever faced the difficult situation of needing to cancel a booking on Vrbo? It’s frustrating—but sometimes unavoidable.

Choosing the right cancellation policy is a major strategic decision. It directly impacts your booking rate, revenue, and the level of trust travelers place in your listing.

This chapter explains all Vrbo cancellation options and how to manage them effectively.

What cancellation policies are available on Vrbo?

Vrbo offers six cancellation policy options, ranging from very flexible to strictly non-refundable.
Each policy defines the timing and amount of refunds in case of cancellation.

1. Non-refundable policy

Guests receive no refund regardless of when they cancel.

This option is ideal for hosts who want maximum revenue protection.
It should be considered carefully, as it may discourage travelers seeking flexibility.

2. Strict policy

Full refund if the cancellation occurs at least 60 days before arrival.
No refund if the cancellation occurs less than 60 days before arrival.

This option is ideal for high-demand properties booked well in advance.

3. Firm policy

Full refund if the cancellation occurs at least 60 days before arrival.
A 50% refund if the cancellation occurs between 30 and 59 days before arrival.
No refund if the cancellation occurs less than 30 days before arrival.

This option is ideal as a balance between flexibility and revenue protection.

4. Moderate policy

Full refund if the cancellation occurs at least 30 days before arrival.
A 50% refund if the cancellation occurs between 14 and 29 days before arrival.
No refund if the cancellation occurs less than 14 days before arrival.

This option is ideal for properties booked a few weeks in advance.

5. Flexible policy (recommended by Vrbo)

Full refund if the cancellation occurs at least 14 days before arrival.
A 50% refund if the cancellation occurs between 7 and 13 days before arrival.
No refund if the cancellation occurs less than 7 days before arrival.

This option is ideal for hosts who want to attract cautious or last-minute travelers.

6. Custom or seasonal policies

Vrbo allows you to define:

Custom refund rules.
Seasonal policies based on different periods of the year.

Tip: always explain these rules clearly in your listing description to avoid any confusion.

Comment choisir la bonne politique d’annulation

The best policy depends on:

Your market (destination vs local travel)
Property type (luxury villa vs standard unit)
Your goals (maximize occupancy vs secure revenue)

Flexible policies typically increase bookings, while stricter policies reduce financial risk.

Vrbo’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy

Vrbo may override your cancellation policy in case of major unexpected events. In these cases, hosts must issue full refunds regardless of their policy.

Examples include: