Did you book a vacation rental on VRBO and feel something went wrong? Many users in 2026 report common issues like poor property management, hidden fees, and hard-to-reach customer support.

This guide breaks down the Top Vrbo Complaints In 2026 and gives tips to help you handle problems with bookings, refunds, or reviews. Keep reading if you want your next stay to go smoother.

Common Complaints About VRBO in 2026

In 2026, travelers face various complaints about VRBO. Many renters report issues with listings that do not match the actual properties, causing disappointment and frustration.

"Real Estate Catfishing": Properties not matching listings

Many travelers using VRBO in 2026 report “real estate catfishing.” They arrive at vacation homes that look nothing like the listings online. Some guests say, “The pictures did not match the actual property.” Problems include rundown apartments, missing amenities, or even different locations.

One guest reserved through VRBO and found moldy walls instead of a promised beach house.

Guests often try to contact the host or call VRBO support after these experiences but face poor customer service. Many reviews on sites like Better Business Bureau mention false advertising and owners who ignore complaints.

A review summary from last year said, "VRBO doesn't always check if properties match their ads." The issue remains one of the top reasons renters leave negative vrbo reviews in both 2025 and now.

Poor Hygiene and Maintenance: Mold, filth, and broken appliances

After renters discover that their vacation rentals do not match the listings on VRBO, many face another big problem: poor hygiene and weak maintenance. Guests report checking into properties where mold grows in bathrooms or kitchens.

Some even see bugs crawling across dirty floors or used linens piled up from past stays. Broken appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, and ovens make things worse during a holiday.

I once rented a beach house through the VRBO app with my family in June 2025. The kitchen sink leaked so badly we had to mop puddles every day, and black spots of mold circled the bathroom ceiling above us each night.

I tried to contact the property owner for help but got no response within 48 hours. When I called VRBO customer service, they told me to wait while they reached out again. By the time someone arrived to fix anything, most of our trip was over.

Guests find these problems more often at older properties managed by hands-off hosts or inattentive property managers across the United States. Negative reviews pile up when people compare experiences with Airbnb hosts who sometimes act faster about repairs and cleaning standards than some VRBO hosts do, leading travelers to think twice before booking through vrbo for their next place to stay.

Unresponsive Customer Support: Lack of resolution for issues

Many guests report poor results after they contacted VRBO for help with booking problems or refunds. The customer service team often fails to fix issues, such as card charges for a canceled reservation or trouble reaching the host.

Some users call the customer support number but wait on hold for hours without getting answers.

Guests who tried to get a refund after their host canceled found little help from VRBO’s support staff and policies. Emails sometimes go unanswered, and people struggle to find someone who will actually resolve rental property disputes.

Many negative reviews mention these delays during the booking process and even bigger challenges in getting money back if things go wrong with vacation rentals by owner.

Misleading Pricing: Hidden fees and unexpected charges

Hidden fees often surprise guests after they book a VRBO property. Many people complain about extra costs that do not appear in the initial listing price. Charges can include cleaning fees, service fees, and deposits.

These unexpected expenses inflate the total cost of staying at a vacation rental.

Experience shows that some travelers feel misled by pricing practices. Guests frequently plan their budgets based on one price but end up paying much more. This confusion leads to frustration and complaints directed at customer support, which is often unresponsive or unable to help resolve issues effectively.

Many users wish for clearer pricing upfront before they finalize their bookings on VRBO.

Refund Challenges: Difficulty obtaining refunds after cancellations

Obtaining refunds after cancellations proves challenging for many users. Customers often face long waits and unresponsive support when trying to resolve their refund issues. Some say they never receive the money promised in their cancellation policies.

Reports indicate that VRBO sometimes takes weeks, or even longer, to process these requests.

Hosts also contribute to this challenge. They may cancel bookings without clear communication about refunds. Guests struggle to get answers when they reach out for help with the situation.

This leaves them feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with their experience on VRBO, especially compared to its competitor Airbnb. Many users expect better customer service and smoother resolution processes during difficult situations like these.

Host-Related Issues

Hosts can create significant problems for guests. Many travelers find hosts unprofessional or slow to respond, which leads to frustration during their stay.

Unprofessional or unresponsive hosts

Many users report issues with unprofessional or unresponsive hosts on VRBO. Some guests struggle to reach their hosts after making a booking. They often encounter delays in getting answers to their questions.

Unresponsive behavior can lead to frustration, especially when problems arise during a stay.

Hosts sometimes cancel bookings without providing proper resolution or communication. This lack of professionalism can leave guests scrambling for alternative accommodations. The experience with VRBO heavily depends on the host's willingness to engage and assist travelers throughout their trip.

Hosts canceling bookings without proper resolution

Unresponsive hosts can lead to frustrating situations. Hosts canceling bookings without proper resolution leaves guests in a lurch. Many travelers report last-minute cancellations that disrupt their plans.

Guests expect support from VRBO, but they often face silence instead. The lack of communication amplifies feelings of frustration.

In 2026, many users shared their experiences on online platforms. They described turning to customer support after cancellations only to receive no help. One guest mentioned how they had booked a beach house for a family reunion through VRBO; the host suddenly canceled just days before the trip.

This created chaos as they scrambled to find new accommodation amidst hidden fees and high prices elsewhere. Such instances reveal gaps in service between hosts and VRBO, affecting trust for future bookings too.

Comparison to Competitors

VRBO and Airbnb both attract vacationers, but they offer different experiences. Users often find distinct advantages and drawbacks when resolving issues with either platform.

Airbnb vs. VRBO: User experience and problem resolution

Many guests compare Airbnb and VRBO for their user experience and how each platform handles issues. Here’s a summary in table form:

Conclusion

VRBO complaints in 2026 highlight big issues. Many travelers face problems with misleading listings and poor hygiene. Slow customer support adds to the frustration. Hosts sometimes cancel bookings without notice, leaving guests stranded.

For a better experience, consider these factors before booking your next getaway.

FAQs

1. What are the most common VRBO complaints in 2026?

Many renters report issues with VRBO bookings, such as cancelled reservations and trouble finding their booking. Complaints also include poor customer service, fake reviews, and unresponsive property managers.

2. Why do hosts and guests say the website is hard to use?

Both hosts and guests often find the vacation villa rentals site difficult to navigate. Some users say they cannot easily reach out to a host or locate their booking after payment.

3. How does VRBO handle fake reviews on beach houses or other properties?

VRBO claims it works to combat fake reviews for all types of accommodations, including beach houses. However, many users believe that some false ratings still appear on listings despite these efforts.

4. What should I do if my host did not respond after I made a booking?

If your host did not reply after you made the reservation, try contacting them again through the platform first. If there is no answer, call for service using VRBO’s support; this can help resolve issues between hosts and guests.

5. Does Expedia own VRBO? If so, how does that affect bookings?

Yes; Expedia owns this vacation rental company which means policies from both companies may apply when you book on VRBO or make changes like cancellations.

6. Are refunds easy if my stay on VRBO gets cancelled by an owner with vrbo?

Refunds can be slow when an owner cancels your stay on vrbo; part of the money may be withheld depending on policy details set by both Expedia and individual property managers according to STR analysis reports reviewed by BBB experts in 2026.