# Best Vacation Rental Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing

> Find the best Vacation Rental Software for your organization. Compare top Vacation Rental Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos.

Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/za/vacation-rental

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Vacation Rental Software

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# Best Vacation Rental Software of 2026

Updated June 10, 2026

On this page

1.  FrontRunners
2.  Popular Comparisons
3.  Buyers Guide
4.  Related Software

Filter products

185 results

### Compare Products

Showing 1 - 25 of 185 products

#### Company Size

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-   2-10
    
-   11-50
    
-   51-200
    
-   201-500
    
-   501-1000
    
-   1000+
    

#### Pricing Options

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### Compare Products

Sort by

**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
**Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least.  
  
**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

[Hostfully Guidebooks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostfully-profile/)

Guidebook Platform is a cloud-based content management solution designed to help businesses of all sizes in the travel industry ...[Read more about Hostfully Guidebooks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostfully-profile/)

**4.8**

([123 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostfully-profile/reviews/))

**14**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Mailchimp

Stripe

+5 more

+4 more

+3 more

Hostfully Guidebooks's Best Rated Features

4.85For Vacation Rentals

See All

Hostfully Guidebooks's Worst Rated Features

3.63Reporting/Analytics

See All

[Hostaway](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostaway-profile/)

Trusted by 20,000+ property managers worldwide, Hostaway is an industry leading, AI-powered vacation rental management platform ...[Read more about Hostaway](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostaway-profile/)

**4.8**

([1575 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostaway-profile/reviews/))

**11**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Slack

+50 more

+49 more

+48 more

Hostaway's Best Rated Features

5.0Occupancy Management

See All

Hostaway's Worst Rated Features

3.83Activity Dashboard

See All

[rezStream](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/rezstream-profile/)

rezStream is property management solution specifically developed for small, independent lodging properties with 50 units or less...[Read more about rezStream](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/rezstream-profile/)

**4.7**

([118 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/rezstream-profile/reviews/))

**8**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PriceLabs

Vrbo

+4 more

+3 more

+2 more

rezStream's Best Rated Features

5.0Booking Management

See All

rezStream's Worst Rated Features

3.38Built-in Accounting

See All

[CiiRUS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/ciirus-profile/)

CiiRUS is a premier vacation rental management software offering a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline operations and boo...[Read more about CiiRUS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/ciirus-profile/)

**4.5**

([99 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/ciirus-profile/reviews/))

**8**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Mailchimp

Google Analytics 360

+11 more

+10 more

+9 more

CiiRUS's Best Rated Features

5.0Customer Support

See All

CiiRUS's Worst Rated Features

4.0Accounting

See All

[WebRezPro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/webrezpro-profile/)

WebRezPro is a flexible, cloud-based property management system (PMS) built to give independent lodging providers the same opera...[Read more about WebRezPro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/webrezpro-profile/)

**4.6**

([217 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/webrezpro-profile/reviews/))

**8**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Salesforce Sales Cloud

+58 more

+57 more

+56 more

WebRezPro's Best Rated Features

4.86Inventory Management

See All

WebRezPro's Worst Rated Features

3.63Guest Experience Management

See All

[Guesty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-profile/)

Guesty is the world’s #1 AI-powered vacation rental software for short-term rental hosts, built to help you scale with less effo...[Read more about Guesty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-profile/)

**4.4**

([477 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-profile/reviews/))

**7**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Stripe

SiteMinder

+33 more

+32 more

+31 more

Guesty's Best Rated Features

4.89Partner Management

See All

Guesty's Worst Rated Features

2.33Dynamic Pricing

See All

[eviivo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/eviivo-profile/)

eviivo Suite is an award-winning booking and property management platform, trusted by over 30,000 accommodations globally. It is...[Read more about eviivo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/eviivo-profile/)

**4.0**

([393 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/eviivo-profile/reviews/))

**4**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Xero

+10 more

+9 more

+8 more

eviivo's Best Rated Features

4.78Order Management

See All

eviivo's Worst Rated Features

3.17Channel Management

See All

[BrightSide](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/brightside-profile/)

BrightSide - Do more. Work less.™ BrightSide is a cloud-based vacation rental solution that caters to rental agencies and prop...[Read more about BrightSide](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/brightside-profile/)

**4.9**

([28 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/brightside-profile/reviews/))

**1**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Mailchimp

PriceLabs

+17 more

+16 more

+15 more

BrightSide's Best Rated Features

5.0For Vacation Rentals

See All

BrightSide's Worst Rated Features

4.88Online Booking

See All

[OwnerRez](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/ownerrez-profile/)

OwnerRez is a vacation rental platform designed for managing bookings and operations. It supports both small homeowners and larg...[Read more about OwnerRez](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/ownerrez-profile/)

**4.9**

([261 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/ownerrez-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Microsoft Excel

+36 more

+35 more

+34 more

OwnerRez's Best Rated Features

5.0Calendar Management

See All

OwnerRez's Worst Rated Features

4.08Housekeeping Management

See All

[Bookerville](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/bookerville-profile/)

Bookerville is a cloud-based vacation rental management solution that helps property owners with booking management, contact gen...[Read more about Bookerville](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/bookerville-profile/)

**4.9**

([204 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/bookerville-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

authorize.net

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

Bookerville's Best Rated Features

5.0For Vacation Rentals

See All

Bookerville's Worst Rated Features

4.67Email Templates

See All

[PriceLabs](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/pricelabs-profile/)

PriceLabs is a powerful revenue management & dynamic pricing platform for hospitality accommodations. Vacation rentals, hotels, ...[Read more about PriceLabs](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/pricelabs-profile/)

**4.9**

([249 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/pricelabs-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

AppFolio Property Manager

Hostaway

+57 more

+56 more

+55 more

PriceLabs's Best Rated Features

5.0Custom Pricing Rules

See All

PriceLabs's Worst Rated Features

3.88Discount Management

See All

[StayFi](https://www.softwareadvice.com/email-marketing/stayfi-profile/)

StayFi is the leading guest data and marketing platform built for short-term rental operators. By transforming guest WiFi into a...[Read more about StayFi](https://www.softwareadvice.com/email-marketing/stayfi-profile/)

**5.0**

([73 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/email-marketing/stayfi-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Mailchimp

HubSpot CRM

+18 more

+17 more

+16 more

StayFi's Best Rated Features

5.0List Management

See All

StayFi's Worst Rated Features

4.71Customer Journey Mapping

See All

[Operto Teams](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/vrscheduler-profile/)

Operto Teams (formerly VRScheduler) is the best software for managing vacation rental operations. It gives you a complete view ...[Read more about Operto Teams](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/vrscheduler-profile/)

**4.9**

([100 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/vrscheduler-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Hostaway

Lodgify

+26 more

+25 more

+24 more

Operto Teams's Best Rated Features

5.0For Vacation Rentals

See All

Operto Teams's Worst Rated Features

4.83Mobile Access

See All

[ReservationKey](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/reservationkey-profile/)

ReservationKey is a cloud-based reservation management solution designed for hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts and other vacation...[Read more about ReservationKey](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/reservationkey-profile/)

**4.9**

([104 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/reservationkey-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

authorize.net

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

ReservationKey's Best Rated Features

4.86Online Booking

See All

ReservationKey's Worst Rated Features

4.83Calendar Management

See All

[ResNexus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/resnexus-profile/)

AWARD-WINNING RESERVATION SOFTWARE TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS OF PROPERTIES! ResNexus is a cloud-based property management software t...[Read more about ResNexus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/resnexus-profile/)

**4.8**

([429 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/resnexus-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

authorize.net

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

ResNexus's Best Rated Features

5.0SSL Security

See All

ResNexus's Worst Rated Features

4.35Rate Management

See All

[RentalReady](https://www.softwareadvice.com/rental/rentalready-profile/)

RentalReady streamlines all the time consuming and repetitive tasks of your short-term rental business. Property Management Sof...[Read more about RentalReady](https://www.softwareadvice.com/rental/rentalready-profile/)

**4.9**

([118 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/rental/rentalready-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Docusign

Stripe

+13 more

+12 more

+11 more

RentalReady's Best Rated Features

5.0Transaction History

See All

RentalReady's Worst Rated Features

3.50Mobile Access

See All

[Guidey](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/airguide-profile/)

airguide is now Guidey™ - a digital guidebook platform, which enables short term rental and vacation rental management companies...[Read more about Guidey](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/airguide-profile/)

**4.9**

([85 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/airguide-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Stripe

Google Maps

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

Guidey's Best Rated Features

5.0Multi-Property

See All

Guidey's Worst Rated Features

4.61Customizable Templates

See All

[Lodgix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/property/lodgix-profile/)

Lodgix is a cloud-based vacation rental solution that provides tools for online booking, guest management and accounting for own...[Read more about Lodgix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/property/lodgix-profile/)

**4.8**

([171 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/property/lodgix-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

WordPress

Stripe

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

[Revyoos](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/492641-Revyoos/)

Revyoos is a review aggregator designed for vacation rental property managers and hosts. It automatically collects and consolida...[Read more about Revyoos](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/492641-Revyoos/)

**5.0**

([40 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/492641-Revyoos/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Revyoos's Best Rated Features

5.0For Vacation Rentals

See All

Revyoos's Worst Rated Features

4.89Review Request

See All

[RueBaRue](https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-communications-mngt/ruebarue-profile/)

RueBaRue is a leading provider of innovative guest communication software for vacation rental home managers. Our software works ...[Read more about RueBaRue](https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-communications-mngt/ruebarue-profile/)

**5.0**

([29 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-communications-mngt/ruebarue-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

OwnerRez

Escapia

+3 more

+2 more

+1 more

RueBaRue 's Best Rated Features

5.0Guest Experience Management

See All

RueBaRue 's Worst Rated Features

5.0For Vacation Rentals

See All

[Aiosell](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/aiosell-profile/)

Aiosell is an All in One Hotel Hotel System uses automation & AI to increase revenues for hotels. Aiosell system includes Proper...[Read more about Aiosell](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/aiosell-profile/)

**4.8**

([66 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/aiosell-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Aiosell's Best Rated Features

4.92Channel Management

See All

Aiosell's Worst Rated Features

4.43Customizable Reports

See All

[Turno](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/turno-profile/)

Turno solves cleaning for the short-term rental industry. Formerly TurnoverBnB, Turno helps vacation rental hosts and property m...[Read more about Turno](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/turno-profile/)

**4.7**

([162 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/turno-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Hostaway

Lodgify

+18 more

+17 more

+16 more

Turno's Best Rated Features

5.0Guest Communications

See All

Turno's Worst Rated Features

4.15Reporting & Statistics

See All

[DiBooq for Hosts](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/526751-DiBooq-for-Hosts/)

DiBooq for Hosts is a smartphone-focused channel manager created for vacation rental owners. With the capacity to manage multipl...[Read more about DiBooq for Hosts](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/526751-DiBooq-for-Hosts/)

**5.0**

([27 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/526751-DiBooq-for-Hosts/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

DiBooq for Hosts's Best Rated Features

5.0Online Booking

See All

DiBooq for Hosts's Worst Rated Features

4.75Reservations Management

See All

[Sirvoy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/sirvoy-profile/)

Sirvoy is a cloud-based Hospitality Management System, suitable for hotels, inns, timeshares and more. Key features include fron...[Read more about Sirvoy](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/sirvoy-profile/)

**4.7**

([301 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/sirvoy-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Google Calendar

+7 more

+6 more

+5 more

Sirvoy's Best Rated Features

5.0Website Integration

See All

Sirvoy's Worst Rated Features

4.29Restriction Management

See All

[OnRes](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/451872-OnRes/)

OnRes is a hotel management system designed for hotels, motels, resorts, and other hospitality properties across the United Stat...[Read more about OnRes](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/451872-OnRes/)

**5.0**

([25 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/451872-OnRes/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Mailchimp

+3 more

+2 more

+1 more

OnRes's Best Rated Features

4.91Reservations Management

See All

OnRes's Worst Rated Features

4.30Calendar Management

See All

1

[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/?page=5)

...

[8](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/?page=8)

## Popular Comparisons

[

Guesty vs Hostaway

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-profile/vs/hostaway/)[

Guesty Lite vs Lodgify

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-for-hosts-profile/vs/lodgify/)[

Cloudbeds vs ResNexus

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/cloudbeds-profile/vs/resnexus/)[

Amenitiz vs RMS

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/amenitiz-profile/vs/rms/)[

Sirvoy vs eZee Absolute

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/ezee-absolute-profile/vs/sirvoy/)[

WebRezPro vs eviivo

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/eviivo-profile/vs/webrezpro/)[

OwnerRez vs iGMS

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/airgms-profile/vs/ownerrez/)[

Little Hotelier vs SiteMinder

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/littlehotelier-profile/vs/site-minder/)

## Your Guide to Top Vacation Rental Software, January 2025

Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Vacation Rental products in North America.

[Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/)

#### Explore FrontRunners

-   [365Villas](https://www.softwareadvice.com/property/365villas-profile/)
-   [Amenitiz](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/amenitiz-profile/)
-   [Avantio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/avantio-profile/)
-   [Beds24](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/beds24-profile/)
-   [Checkfront](https://www.softwareadvice.com/rental/checkfront-profile/)
-   [eviivo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/eviivo-profile/)
-   [eZee Absolute](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/ezee-absolute-profile/)
-   [Guesty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-profile/)
-   [Hospitable.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/smartbnb-profile/)
-   [Hostaway](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostaway-profile/)
-   [Hostfully Property Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostfully-property-management-platform-profile/)
-   [Hostify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostify-profile/)
-   [iGMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/airgms-profile/)
-   [Jurny](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/jurny-profile/)
-   [Lodgify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/lodgify-profile/)
-   [OwnerRez](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/ownerrez-profile/)
-   [ResNexus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/resnexus-profile/)
-   [rezStream](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/rezstream-profile/)
-   [RMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/rms-profile/)
-   [Smoobu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/property/smoobu-profile/)
-   [StayFi](https://www.softwareadvice.com/email-marketing/stayfi-profile/)
-   [Tokeet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/tokeet-profile/)
-   [Turno](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vacation-rental/turno-profile/)
-   [Uplisting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/uplisting-profile/)
-   [WebRezPro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/webrezpro-profile/)

“Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use.

“Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money.

Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication.

If you own property in a hot tourist spot, it’s never been easier to make some extra money by leasing it out as a vacation rental.

Companies such as Airbnb and HomeAway have greatly simplified the process, working as listing services or marketplace brokers for long- and short-term properties. You might use these services to rent your apartment during a local festival or to professionally rent a large number of properties. Either way, vacation rental software can help you manage your properties in a more efficient—and profitable—way.

This buyer’s guide will explain what vacation rental software can do for you. We’ll also examine specific features you should take into consideration when you’re looking for a vacation rental system.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

[What Is Vacation Rental Software?](#WhatIsVacationRentalSoftware)

[Common Features of Vacation Rental Software](#CommonFeaturesofVacationRentalSoftware)

[What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou)

[Key Considerations](#KeyConsiderations)

[Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand)

## What Is Vacation Rental Software?

Vacation rental software helps you manage, maintain and run a short-term rental property. It could be a small apartment in a big city that you rent out a couple of weekends a year, or a lakehouse that you lease throughout the year.

These properties are not hotels or bed-and-breakfasts, which rent out multiple rooms in the same building to multiple guests. Instead, these are discrete units (whether individual buildings or specific apartments within a larger complex) rented out individually.

As such, owners and managers of vacation rental properties face different challenges than hotel managers, and they require a different type of software solution to traditional [hotel management software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/). In fact, vacation rental systems have as much in common with [property management software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/property/) as they do with hotel management systems.

Vacation rental management software combines the most important software functions used by both hotel and property managers. These tools address the specific needs of vacation rental property owners and managers, no matter the size of their portfolio.

## Common Features of Vacation Rental Software

Common features found in vacation rental management systems include:

**Booking management**

Track who is renting your property during which dates, so you never accidentally double-book or lose a reservation. Maintain a database of previous renters. Some systems will allow you to accept bookings from third-party online travel brokers.

[Billing and invoicing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/billing-invoicing-software-comparison/)

Create invoices and collect payment from renters, including deposits for reservations.

**Generate key documents**

Produce rental agreements, marketing/promotional materials and other important documents and emails with customizable templates.

**Housekeeping and** [maintenance management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/441-cmms/)

Manage cleaning schedules, so your property stays in good shape. Track maintenance issues to make sure all complaints are taken care of and everything remains up to code.

[Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/)

More robust systems include accounting and financial functions, including trust accounting—to keep business finances separate from personal accounts—as well as tracking important tax information.

**Website management**

Create a website for your properties that makes it easy to accept online reservations. The reservations will be automatically stored and updated in your booking management module.

**Calendar**

A detailed, customized and automatically updated calendar that tracks all of your bookings and facilities management schedules. You can also set alerts and reminders about important matters that need to be taken care of at specific times, and to send your customers alerts and reminders about their upcoming stay.

**Interface/integration**

Interface with a listing service such as HomeAway, Airbnb, TripAdvisor etc. so you can accept bookings, update your calendar accordingly and keep your listings up-to-date.

[Streamline’s](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20223-Streamline/) _reservations dashboard_

## What Type of Buyer Are You?

Vacation rental software buyers all have one key thing in common—they own a property (or multiple properties) that they’re want to lease out for short-term stays. However, needs vary among buyers, depending on the number of properties owned and the level of independence of the manager.

Most of these buyers will fall into one of the following three categories:

-   **Independent owner/manager with one property.** These are individuals or families who rent out a single property as a way to make extra money, but usually not as a primary source of income. The property may be one that the owner lives in, which is rented when the owner is out of town, or it may be a separate property the owner rents out throughout the year. These buyers do not need a particularly robust vacation rental system. A system that manages the basics of booking management and billing/invoicing, as well as integration with popular online listing services, will likely be enough.
    
-   **Independent owner/manager with multiple properties.** These buyers are individuals or families who manage several properties, either as an extra way to make money or as a primary source of income. They require a slightly more complex system in order to track bookings, maintenance needs, billing and invoicing etc. across multiple properties.
    
-   **Rental property businesses.** These are fully incorporated businesses that rent out numerous properties at multiple locations. They require the most robust software to both manage their properties and keep information (and access to information) consistent across multiple employees. They will also likely have additional business software needs, such as [human resources](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/) and [customer relationship management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/).
    

## Key Considerations

The market for vacation rental systems includes vendors ready to meet a variety of levels of functionality.You can find a system that fits your specific needs, based on the size and scale of the properties you manage and rent, without having to pay extra for features that you don’t really need. If you do need those features, however, they are available in more robust systems.

Still, there are additional considerations to bear in mind when choosing a software product:

**Legal compliance.** Housing and property codes are constantly being updated, and a vacation rental system can help you make sure all your properties remain in compliance with both local and national requirements as they change. This is a feature of larger, more robust systems.

**Separation of accounts.** If you make enough income from your rental properties that you want to create a separate business entity to manage them, you will want to keep your financial accounting for that business separate from your personal accounts. A robust vacation rental system will assist you with this trust accounting.

However, if you are only managing one or two properties, avoid systems that exceed your needs. You will likely be fine with a simple system that integrates with a service such as HomeAway or Airbnb, generates bills and invoices and helps you track your contacts and financial information.

## Market Trends to Understand

Here are some important market trends that may factor into your choice of a vacation rental system:

**Third-party brokers.** The current model for vacation rentals relies overwhelmingly on popular third-party websites (Airbnb, HomeAway, TripAdvisor etc.) that essentially serve as brokers between property owners/managers and renters. They provide searchable listings that put your property in front of more prospective renters’ eyes in exchange for service fees charged to both you and the renter. Unless you are a larger business with multiple properties, you almost certainly want to be listed on the most popular sites, so you should choose software that integrates with theirs.

**Cloud-based software.** Cloud-based systems have dramatically increased in popularity of late because of their relative benefits compared to on-premise systems. Whereas on-premise software requires hardware and some level of IT knowledge, these cloud-based systems are more easily and quickly implemented. They also tend to have lower costs up front. This makes cloud-based systems well suited for smaller businesses.

**Mobile functionality.** Mobile access is increasingly important to travelers on-the-go. As a result, renters will expect to be able to access your software and information from a phone, tablet or other mobile device. This functionality can be useful for property managers as well, enabling them to make notations while on-site at a property or as they travel between them.

### Related Vacation Rental Software

-   [Real Estate Property Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/property/)
-   [Rental Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/rental/)
-   [Timeshare Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/timeshare/)