10/25/2026
Booking platforms provide exposure. Property owners provide the investment, assume the risk, and deliver the experience.
Vacation Rental Owners: Protect Your Investment!
Airbnb has changed over the years. But one thing hasn’t changed: The OWNER is still the OWNER, and the financial responsibility ultimately rests with us.
I’ve owned and managed vacation rental properties for more than 20 years. My properties range in value from $550,000 to well over $1 million. These aren’t simply vacation rentals. They are significant investments that require constant attention, maintenance, financial commitment, and protection.
Over the past 10-plus years, I’ve watched Airbnb evolve. Its technology has improved, and so have some of its policies. But I’ve also experienced numerous challenges with the platform.
My biggest concern? Airbnb doesn’t have the same skin in the game as the property owner.
When something goes wrong, who ultimately bears the responsibility?
The OWNER.
Yes, rental platforms offer certain damage protections and insurance programs. But those protections have limitations, exclusions, and claims processes. They don’t eliminate the owner’s financial exposure.
Vacation rental ownership involves expenses that booking platforms never fully experience: insurance, property taxes, HOA assessments, repairs, replacements, maintenance, furnishings, utilities, and unexpected damage.
I believe in providing exceptional guest experiences. I want my guests to feel welcome, comfortable, and protected.
But protecting my guests should never mean sacrificing protection for my property.
I’ve always believed in renting directly by owner while also using platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. In my experience, VRBO has been a more dependable partner over the years, although no platform is perfect.
Here’s what I want both owners and guests to understand:
You don’t need Airbnb to enjoy a wonderful vacation rental experience!
Independent owners and reputable local property management companies can provide professional booking technology, secure payment processing, rental agreements, guest services, and appropriate protections for both parties.
Booking directly can also eliminate certain platform fees, potentially saving guests money while allowing owners to maintain greater control over their investments.
My Advice to Vacation Rental Owners
* Protect your investment first.
* Know exactly what your insurance and rental platform protections cover.
* Use written rental agreements and clear property policies.
* Carefully evaluate the booking platforms you use.
* Invest in marketing and technology without surrendering control of your property.
* Build relationships with your guests and encourage repeat direct bookings.
My Advice to Vacation Rental Guests
Research the property. Read the reviews. Verify the owner or management company’s credentials. Make sure you’re booking through a legitimate, secure website.
Then compare the total cost of booking directly with the cost of booking through a major rental portal.
You may discover that booking direct offers the same beautiful property, excellent service, and meaningful savings.
Airbnb and VRBO are marketing and booking tools. They are not the owners of our properties.
Owners, protect your property. Guests, do your research. And remember, booking direct can benefit everyone!
Tina D’Aversa,
Licensed Real Estate Broker Associate | Alabama & Florida
Real Estate Investor & Vacation Rental Owner
eXp Realty LLC
Preparation = Success.
