Vacation Rental Glossary (A to Z)
From AI to vacation rental software and all letters in between, this is the ultimate short-term rental glossary. More than 100 clear and concise definitions about all the terms you need to know about the vacation rental industry.
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A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z
A
Accessibility
Designing and equipping a rental so it can be comfortably used by all guests, including those with disabilities. Examples include ramps, wide doorways, step-free showers, lowered counters, grab bars, and voice-controlled or smart-home features. Accessibility boosts inclusivity, guest satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
A small, secondary dwelling (e.g., “mother‑in‑law suite”) on the same lot as a primary home. Commonly used for STRs or guest lodging, ADUs are increasingly popular in dense markets and can add flexible income streams.
Accounting
The recording, summarizing, and analysis of financial transactions—income, expenses, taxes—for an STR business. Modern workflows use cloud accounting connected to PMS/booking platforms for automated payouts, reconciliation, and owner statements.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Software that simulates human intelligence. In STRs, AI powers dynamic pricing, guest messaging, fraud/risk screening, content generation, recommendations, and predictive maintenance—reducing manual work while improving conversion and guest experience.
Airbnb
A leading online travel agency (OTA) and marketplace for STRs and private rooms. Airbnb also offers Experiences and longer stays; it remains a dominant distribution channel for many operators.
Amenities
Features or services that enhance comfort and convenience (e.g., fast Wi‑Fi, EV charger, hot tub, pool, chef’s kitchen, crib/high chair, fire pit, workspace). Amenities meaningfully influence conversion, reviews, and ADR.
Analytics & Reporting
Collecting and interpreting data on bookings, revenue, occupancy, channel mix, and guest behavior. Dashboards help forecast demand, optimize pricing, identify orphan nights, and track KPIs across portfolios.
Aparthotel
A hybrid accommodation combining apartment-style units (kitchen, living area) with hotel services (housekeeping, front desk). Popular with families, business travelers, and digital nomads seeking space plus services.
API Integration
Connecting software systems—PMS, channel manager, CRM, dynamic pricing, cleaning tools—so data syncs automatically. Robust APIs reduce double entry and enable automation at scale.
Appreciation
The increase in a property’s market value over time. STR-specific appreciation may be influenced by design upgrades, brand/review strength, and regulatory tailwinds.
Automation
Technology that handles repetitive tasks so teams can focus on service and growth.
- Automated messages: Scheduled/pre‑written messages (e.g., check‑in details, reminders).
- Automated payments: Automatic collection, holds, deposits, refunds, and owner/vendor payouts.
- Automated reviews: Timed, templated post‑stay reviews.
- Automated tasks: Auto‑created work orders, inspections, and turnovers based on bookings.
Average Daily Rate (ADR)
Average revenue earned per booked night for a period. Often analyzed alongside occupancy and RevPAR to assess pricing and performance.
Average Length of Stay (ALOS)
The average number of nights per reservation. Influenced by seasonality, traveler type, property type, and minimum‑stay rules.
B
Back-to-Back Booking
A checkout and check‑in on the same day with no gap between stays. Requires tight cleaning logistics, inventory control, and real‑time coordination.
Booking Confirmation
An automated message/email confirming a reservation’s details, payment, house rules, and policies—often linking to a digital guidebook.
Booking Request
A guest’s application to reserve a property; hosts may approve/decline unless Instant Book is enabled.
Booking Website
Any platform where guests can search and book STRs—OTAs like Airbnb/Booking.com/Vrbo or a brand’s direct booking site.
Booking Window
The time between reservation date and check‑in date. Understanding windows helps with early‑bird discounts, last‑minute pricing, and inventory release strategies.
Booking.com
A major OTA listing hotels and STRs with significant demand generation; known for strong global reach and comparatively higher host fees in some markets.
Bookings
Confirmed reservations. Depending on context, may refer to count of stays, nights, or the revenue generated.
Bottom 10% (Airbnb)
Listings with the lowest performance metrics (e.g., cleanliness, communication, rating). Consistent underperformance can reduce visibility and invite penalties.
Business License
A local permit required in many jurisdictions to legally operate an STR. Requirements vary and may be tied to inspections, taxes, and caps.
C
Calendar Sync
Keeping calendars aligned across channels to avoid double bookings. Achieved via iCal or a channel manager with two‑way API connections.
Campground
Outdoor accommodations offering tent/RV sites or cabins. Many campgrounds add “glamping” amenities for higher ADR and broader appeal.
Cancellation Fees
Charges applied when guests cancel outside the allowed window per the host’s policy or OTA rules.
Cancellation Policy
Rules that determine refunds when a reservation is canceled. Striking a balance between flexibility and protection is key to conversion and revenue stability.
Cap Rate
A valuation metric: Net Operating Income ÷ Property Value. Useful for comparing STRs to long‑term rentals or other asset classes.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Safety devices that detect CO gas and alert occupants. Frequently required by building codes and STR regulations.
Channel
A booking source (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, Google Vacation Rentals, direct site). Diversifying channels can reduce dependency risk.
Channel Manager
Software that centralizes inventory, rates, and content across multiple channels, preventing double bookings and enabling rate parity.
ChatGPT
An AI conversational tool used to draft guest messages, build guidebooks, answer FAQs, and support operations—often integrated into unified inboxes/workflows.
Check-in Message
Pre‑arrival communication with access codes, parking notes, directions, and local tips—ideally sent automatically at the right time.
Check-up Message
A proactive mid‑stay check to surface issues early and boost review scores (e.g., “How’s everything so far?”).
Cleaning Fee
A line item covering post‑stay cleaning. Transparent pricing and clear expectations help minimize guest friction.
Cleaning Management Tools
Software for scheduling, assigning, and tracking turnovers, photo proofs, and supply levels; often integrates with PMS/OTAs.
Cleaners
Specialized turnover teams or vendors who prepare the property between stays. Quality here directly impacts reviews and repeat bookings.
Co-host
A person authorized to help manage an STR (guest comms, turnovers, claims). Co‑hosting can be revenue‑share or fee‑based.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
Evaluating comparable rentals to set competitive rates, package amenities, and identify trends. Often paired with dynamic pricing data.
Contract
A legal agreement outlining terms of a stay or a management relationship (e.g., payment, rules, liability, cancellation). Use templates compliant with local laws.
Cross-Listings
Publishing one property on multiple platforms to expand reach. Best practice is to manage via a channel manager to maintain sync and parity.
Cross-Promotion
Joint marketing where properties or local partners promote each other (e.g., email swaps, bundled experiences, discount codes).
CRM & Lead Management
Systems and tactics to capture, nurture, and retain guests and prospects—critical to grow direct bookings and lifetime value.
D
Dashboard
A visual interface showing KPIs such as ADR, occupancy, RevPAR, channel mix, lead time, and cleaning status—by property and portfolio.
Deposit / Damage Deposit
Funds held to cover possible damages or rule violations. May take the form of holds, pre‑auths, or third‑party damage waivers.
Direct Booking
A reservation made directly with the brand/manager (not via an OTA). Improves margins, data ownership, and guest relationships.
Direct Booking Site
A brand’s own website with real‑time rates/availability and secure checkout. Often integrated with CRM, retargeting, and email capture.
Distribution Channels
Where listings are promoted and sold: OTAs, metasearch (e.g., Google), social, and direct. A diversified strategy hedges policy/fee changes.
Double Bookings
Two reservations for the same dates due to sync errors or manual mistakes. Solved with live inventory, API sync, and strong ops protocols.
Dynamic Pricing
Automated pricing that adapts to demand, comps, seasonality, lead time, and events to maximize revenue and occupancy.
E
Eco‑friendly
Sustainable practices/features such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, water‑saving fixtures, refillable amenities, and recycling/composting—appealing to eco‑conscious travelers and lowering utility costs.
EV Charging
On‑site or nearby electric vehicle charging. A growing amenity that influences booking decisions and can support premium pricing.
Events
Hosted activities at or near the rental (weddings, retreats, festivals). Event use may require special permits, insurance, and fees.
Exit/Evacuation Plan Diagrams
Visible floor plans and instructions that show safe routes and meeting points for emergencies; often part of safety compliance.
Experience (Airbnb)
Bookable activities hosted by locals (e.g., classes, tours). A revenue add‑on that can enhance a brand’s local positioning.
Expense Tracking
Recording and categorizing costs (cleaning, maintenance, utilities, supplies, marketing, SaaS) to monitor profitability and taxes.
F
Financial Reporting
Periodic statements summarizing income, expenses, taxes, and owner distributions, often segmented by property and channel.
Fire Safety Laws
Regulations requiring smoke/CO alarms, extinguishers, clear exits, and posted procedures. Compliance protects guests and limits liability.
Furnished Finder
A platform specializing in furnished mid‑term housing for traveling professionals (e.g., nurses). Useful for filling shoulder/off‑season gaps.
G
Gated Community
A residential area with controlled access and shared amenities. HOAs may have specific STR rules—verify before operating.
Glamping
“Glamorous camping” that blends outdoor experiences with hotel‑like comforts (heated tents, real beds, private baths).
Google Business Profile
A free Google listing that improves local discoverability for your brand (maps, reviews, contact info). Essential for direct‑booking SEO.
Google Vacation Rentals
Google’s metasearch surface for vacation rentals that routes traffic to partners or direct booking engines. Usually requires a feed integration.
Grandfathering
Allowing existing STRs to continue operating under older rules after new regulations take effect—often tied to continuous operation or permits.
Gross Annual Income
Total income before expenses and taxes over a year. In STRs, often measured as gross booking revenue (GBR).
Guest Experience
End‑to‑end perception of a stay: pre‑arrival communication, cleanliness, amenities, ease of access, local tips, and support. Drives reviews and repeat bookings.
Guest Favorites (Airbnb)
A designation highlighting listings with consistently high guest satisfaction metrics (e.g., ratings, reliability, host responsiveness).
H
Hero Shot
The lead photo that best sells the stay—framed to showcase the property’s strongest feature (view, pool, design highlight).
Home Owner Association (HOA)
A community governing body with rules that can restrict STRs (minimum stays, caps, registration). Always check HOA bylaws.
Host
The person or company responsible for the listing and guest experience—communication, maintenance, and compliance.
Host Fees
Fees charged by platforms to the host (often a percentage of booking value). Structure varies by channel and region.
Host‑Only Fees
Fee models where the platform charges the host but not the guest directly; pricing strategy must account for this.
Hotel
A commercial lodging property with standardized services (front desk, housekeeping). Competes with STRs on price, space, and amenities.
House Manual
A guide explaining property features, Wi‑Fi, appliance tips, safety info, and local recommendations. Often digital and linked in messages.
House Rules
Policies guests must follow (e.g., no smoking, pet rules, quiet hours, occupancy limits). Clear rules prevent disputes and protect neighbors.
I
iCal
A calendar format used to sync availability between systems. Helpful for small portfolios; larger operations benefit from API‑based sync.
Inquiry
A prospective guest’s question about a property, rate, or policy before booking.
Inquiry‑to‑Booking Conversion Rate
The percentage of inquiries that convert into bookings—an indicator of listing quality, responsiveness, and pricing fit.
Instant Book
A feature that allows guests to book without manual host approval, reducing friction and improving conversion.
Insurance
Coverage that protects against property damage, liability, and business interruptions. STR‑specific riders or policies are often required.
Investor
An individual or entity purchasing properties for rental income and appreciation; may operate directly or via a manager.
K
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Metrics that track business health (ADR, occupancy, RevPAR, ALOS, conversion rate, channel mix, Net Promoter Score, cleaning SLA).
Keyless Entry
Smart locks or keypads that enable code/app access. Reduces lost‑key issues and simplifies self‑check‑in.
Kid‑Friendly (Child‑Friendly)
Properties equipped for families (crib, high chair, outlet covers, stair gates, plastic dishware). Clearly label and maintain safety standards.
L
Landlord
The property owner who leases a unit to tenants or guests (directly or via a manager).
Late Checkout
Allowing guests to depart after the standard time, often for a fee. Requires coordination with cleaning schedules.
Lease Agreement
A legal contract for long‑term or mid‑term occupancy that defines rights, responsibilities, and rent terms.
Length of Stay (LOS) Pricing
Pricing that changes based on stay length (e.g., weekly/monthly discounts) to improve occupancy and reduce turnover costs.
Listing
A public page advertising the rental with photos, description, amenities, rules, and rates. High‑quality listings drive higher CTR and conversions.
Local Regulations
City/county/state rules governing STRs—permits, safety, zoning, caps, taxes. Always verify and maintain compliance.
Lockbox
A secure box containing a physical key, opened via code/app for self‑check‑in or backup access.
Lodging Tax
Taxes on accommodations (often combined with sales/occupancy taxes). Hosts/managers may be required to register, collect, and remit.
Long‑Term Rental
Leases typically 30+ days (often 6–12 months). Lower turnover, different legal framework than STRs.
Low Season
Periods of reduced demand (e.g., shoulder or off‑season) often requiring adjusted pricing and promotions.
Luxury Rentals
High‑end properties offering premium design, amenities, and service layers (concierge, private chef) aimed at affluent travelers.
M
Management Fees
Compensation paid to managers for operations (guest comms, pricing, cleaning coordination, maintenance, reporting). Often a revenue percentage plus pass‑through costs.
Market Research
Gathering and analyzing local demand, comps, regulations, and traveler segments to inform acquisition and pricing strategies.
Marketing
Efforts to attract and convert guests—brand, photography, listings, SEO/SEM, social, email, partnerships, and reputation management.
Maximum Occupancy
The legal/comfortable guest limit for a property based on size, beds, fire code, and safety equipment.
Mid‑Term Rentals
Stays typically 30–180 days (travel nurses, relocations, projects). Bridge the gap between STR and LTR with different screening and contracts.
Minimum Stay
The shortest allowable booking length set by the host/manager. Adjust by seasonality and lead time to optimize occupancy.
Motel
Drive‑up lodging with exterior corridors and basic services; competes on convenience and price.
Multi‑Calendar
A consolidated view of multiple properties’ availability in one interface to coordinate rates, holds, and turnovers.
Multi‑Channel
Listing and selling across multiple platforms to broaden reach; requires sync and rate parity management.
Multi‑Unit Property
A building or complex with multiple rentable units (e.g., duplexes, apartments, resort communities). Enables shared maintenance and economies of scale.
N
Nightly Rate
Price per night before taxes/fees. Influenced by demand, season, length of stay, and events.
No‑Show
A guest who fails to arrive and does not cancel. Policies govern refunds and fees.
Non‑Smoking Property
A listing prohibiting smoking/vaping indoors (and sometimes outdoors). Reduces odors, damages, and cleaning time.
Noise Monitor
A privacy‑safe device that measures decibel levels and alerts managers to potential parties—without recording audio.
Non‑Owner Occupied
A property used as a rental but not as the owner’s primary residence. Some cities regulate or restrict this category.
O
Occupancy Rate
The percentage of available nights that are booked. Core metric for revenue management and forecasting.
Occupancy Tax
Taxes charged to guests based on stay nights/price; often collected by OTAs or remitted by hosts depending on jurisdiction.
Off‑Peak Season
Lower‑demand periods requiring different pricing and marketing tactics to sustain occupancy.
Online Travel Agency (OTA)
A platform that markets and sells lodging (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). OTAs deliver demand but add fees and policy constraints.
Operational Expenses
Recurring costs to operate the rental (utilities, cleaning, maintenance, software, insurance, supplies, merchant fees).
Orphan Nights
Stranded single nights between bookings that are hard to sell. Address with LOS rules, targeted discounts, or split‑stay offers.
Overbooked
Inventory committed to more guests than capacity allows. Prevent with live API sync, strict workflows, and staff training.
Owner’s Statement
A periodic financial summary for the property owner detailing income, expenses, taxes, and payouts.
Owners Portal
An online portal where owners view performance, bookings, invoices, work orders, and statements; may approve holds or maintenance.
P
Party Ban (Airbnb Anti‑Party Policy)
A platform‑level prohibition on disruptive gatherings at listings. Enforced via screening, noise thresholds, penalties, and delisting.
Party Prevention Devices
Technology (e.g., noise monitors, occupancy sensors) used to deter and detect parties while respecting guest privacy.
Payment Processing
Secure acceptance of cards and digital wallets, handling holds/deposits, refunds, and chargebacks; must comply with PCI and local regulations.
Peak Season
High‑demand periods with premium pricing and stricter policies; plan staffing and inventory accordingly.
Performance Dashboard
A focused dashboard showing performance KPIs (e.g., RevPAR trends, pace, conversion, reviews) for owners and managers.
Pet Fees
Additional charges for pet stays to cover cleaning and wear‑and‑tear. Be explicit about rules, breeds, and limits.
Pet‑Friendly Property
A listing that allows pets with clear rules (number/size), amenities (bowls, yard), and cleaning protocols.
PMS (Property Management System)
Core software for STR operations: reservations, calendar, rates, messaging, housekeeping, maintenance, reporting, and integrations.
Pre‑Approval
A host action to provisionally accept a booking request so the guest can confirm within a set time window.
Primary Residence
The main home where an owner resides most of the year; some cities limit STRs to primary residences or cap nights per year.
Property Management
End‑to‑end oversight of rentals—guest communications, listings, pricing, cleaning, maintenance, compliance, accounting, and growth.
Property Manager
The person/company responsible for day‑to‑day STR operations and owner relations; may be in‑house or third‑party.
Property Taxes
Taxes levied on real estate by local jurisdictions based on assessed value; distinct from lodging/occupancy taxes on stays.
Public Liability Insurance
Coverage for claims arising from guest or third‑party injuries or damages on the property.
Q
Query
A question from a potential guest about availability, price, amenities, or rules—often the first step before booking.
Quick Replies
Pre‑written responses to common questions (parking, check‑in time, Wi‑Fi, pets) that speed up communication and boost conversion.
Quiet Hours
Designated times when noise must be minimized to respect neighbors and comply with local rules/HOA policies.
R
Rate Parity
Keeping publicly available rates consistent across channels to avoid undercutting and policy violations.
Regulations
The full set of laws and rules governing STRs: zoning, licensing, safety, taxes, caps, and reporting. Non‑compliance risks fines and delisting.
Rental Agreement
The contract between host/manager and guest outlining payment terms, rules, liability, and cancellation/refund policies.
Rental Arbitrage
Leasing a property long‑term and sub‑leasing it as an STR to capture the spread. Requires landlord consent and compliance with local laws.
Reservation Confirmation
The definitive message confirming a booking’s details; synonymous with booking confirmation in many contexts.
Reservations Manager
A role (or software) that oversees availability, rates, allocations, and guest communications across channels.
Repeat Guests
Guests who return for additional stays. Encouraged via CRM, loyalty perks, email, and consistent quality.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Profitability relative to cost—commonly calculated as (Net Profit ÷ Total Investment), sometimes annualized.
Revenue Management
The discipline of setting prices, restrictions, and inventory strategies to maximize revenue and profit based on demand signals.
RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room)
A performance metric calculated as ADR × Occupancy Rate (or total revenue ÷ available nights). Useful for trend comparisons.
Reviews
Guest feedback and ratings post‑stay. Impact ranking, conversion, and brand trust; respond promptly and professionally.
Room Type
A classification based on size/layout/amenities (studio, 1‑bedroom, suite). Clear room types set expectations and aid search filters.
S
Sales Tax
A tax on goods/services that may apply to lodging revenue depending on jurisdiction. Distinct from occupancy/lodging taxes.
Screening
Verifying guest suitability via ID checks, payment risk signals, and policy review—while staying within fair housing and privacy laws.
Seasonality
Demand fluctuations across the year influenced by weather, school calendars, and events; essential input to pricing and staffing.
Security Deposit
Money held (or pre‑authorized) before/during a stay to cover damages or rule violations; refunded per policy after inspection.
Self‑Check‑In
Entry without in‑person handoff using smart locks, keypads, or lockboxes. Improves arrival flexibility and reduces friction.
Service Animal
An animal trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. In many regions, service animals must be accommodated under applicable laws.
Service Fee
A fee charged by platforms and/or hosts to cover processing and services. Display practices vary by channel; aim for transparency.
Serviced Apartment
A furnished apartment with hotel‑like services (cleaning, linen changes, concierge). Common in business travel and longer stays.
Shared Space
A listing where some areas (kitchen, living room) are shared with the host or other guests; set expectations clearly in the listing.
Shoulder Season
The period between peak and off‑peak with moderate prices and occupancy—ideal for promotions and extended‑stay offers.
Short‑Term Rental (STR)
A property rented for short durations (often <30 nights, varies by region) to leisure or business travelers.
Short‑Term Rental Courses
Educational programs covering operations, marketing, guest communication, pricing, and legal concepts for aspiring or scaling operators.
Smart Home
A property equipped with connected devices (thermostats, cameras in public exterior areas only, sensors, lights) manageable remotely. Use privacy‑respecting configurations.
Smart Lock
An electronic lock enabling code/app access, granular access windows, and audit logs—core to self‑check‑in.
Split Stays
Itineraries that split nights across multiple properties to achieve availability or create varied experiences.
Staycation
A vacation taken close to home; STRs capture local demand with convenience‑focused amenities and value.
STR Insurance
Insurance tailored for STR operations covering property, contents, liability, and income loss; may be separate from standard homeowner policies.
Superhost
An Airbnb recognition for consistently high‑performing hosts—strong reviews, reliable operations, and low cancellations.
T
Tax Returns
Annual filings reporting a rental’s income/expenses to tax authorities. Accurate bookkeeping and categorized expenses simplify compliance.
Taxes
Mandatory charges on income and property (e.g., income tax, property tax, sales/occupancy tax). Understand responsibilities by jurisdiction.
Templates
Reusable message and document formats (house rules, contracts, reviews, SOPs) that improve consistency and speed.
Themed Rentals
Properties designed around a concept (movie, era, destination) to create unique, Instagram‑friendly experiences that command higher ADR.
Third‑Party Booking
A reservation made through an intermediary platform (OTA, corporate travel desk) rather than direct with the host/manager.
Top 1%
Listings performing at the highest level in a market by metrics like rating, conversion, ADR, or occupancy—often commanding premium pricing.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TAT)
A local lodging tax charged to guests for short stays; rates and remittance rules vary by locality.
Travel Insurance
Optional coverage guests can purchase for trip risks (cancellations, delays, medical). Reduces chargeback disputes and guest anxiety.
Trust Accounting
Managing funds held for others (e.g., owner funds, deposits) in segregated accounts with strict reconciliation rules.
Turnover
The process of resetting a property between stays—cleaning, inspecting, restocking, documenting, and reporting issues.
U
Unified Inbox
A single messaging hub aggregating communications from multiple channels (OTAs, SMS, email) to streamline response times and history.
Unique Stay
A distinctive property (treehouse, yurt, tiny home, houseboat) that sells an experience as much as shelter—often viral and premium‑priced.
Upsell
Offering add‑ons for an enhanced stay (late checkout, equipment rentals, tours, private chef). Automate with timed emails or in‑stay prompts.
V
Vacation Rental
A furnished property rented short‑term to leisure or business travelers, typically offering more space and amenities than hotel rooms.
Varied Pricing
A pricing approach that changes by demand, season, channel, stay length, and booking window; generally implemented via dynamic pricing tools.
Verification
Confirming guest identity or listing legitimacy through ID checks, payment verification, and platform controls to reduce risk.
Virtual Assistant
A remote professional who supports operations (guest comms, listings, scheduling, marketing) on a contract basis.
Virtual Tour
An interactive 3D/360° walkthrough that lets guests explore a property online, improving confidence and conversion.
VRBO
“Vacation Rentals by Owner,” an OTA (part of Expedia Group) focused on whole‑home rentals popular with families and longer stays.
VRMA
Vacation Rental Management Association—an industry organization offering education, advocacy, and networking for managers and suppliers.
W
Welcome Basket
A curated selection of snacks, drinks, or local goods provided on arrival. Small touches like this boost reviews and create shareable moments.
Welcome Book
An information guide covering house tips, local recommendations, emergency info, and checkout steps—often delivered digitally.
Weekend Prices
Higher rates for Fridays/Saturdays (and sometimes Sundays) reflecting elevated demand patterns.
Wheelchair Accessible
Designed or modified for wheelchair users with appropriate widths, turning radii, ramps, and accessible bathrooms. Be accurate and specific in listings.
Y
Yield
Income from a property as a percentage of its value or cost. In STRs, often discussed as cap rate or cash‑on‑cash return.
Yurt
A circular, tent‑like structure adapted for comfortable stays with insulated walls, heat/AC, and often private bathrooms—popular as a “unique stay.”
Z
Zoning Regulations
Local land‑use rules that determine where STRs are allowed and under what conditions (use type, density, parking, occupancy caps). Always check before launching.