Dictionary
This Glossary is provided to help guests understand more about the rental of inns, resorts and vacation rentals. It is not comprehensive but serves as a primer for terms guests may encounter in renting specialty lodging. Not all terms apply to all properties or managers.
Damage Waiver
A fee paid by guests that covers a maximum amount of damages they may cause. It is paid in advance, is non-refundable and covers unintentional damage up to a certain threshold if reported to the owner or manager prior to departure. Does not cover intentional damage, excessive cleaning, charges due to guest failure to follow booking contract or amounts of the limit
Origin: Vacation Rental Association Link: VRIA.org
Day
In most lodging, guests do not rent "Days" but instead bookings are thought of as "Nights". The origin of this terminology comes from the traditional (Hotel, Motel) industry where guests frequently arrive in the afternoon and leave in the morning. Hence it is the night they are renting not the day.
See also: Night Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Deep Cleaning
Heavier than usual cleaning, usually done at least annually it is necessary to have housekeepers clean high spots, behind appliances, baseboards and hard to reach areas.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Departure Date
The date at which a guest departed or is expected to depart from a property. In lodging this also usually includes a time after which the guest is no longer allowed to be in the property.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Deposit Waiver Fee
Fee that some owners collect in lieu of a damage deposit. A damage waiver is typically significantly less than a damage deposit. Usually just $25 - $100 depending on the property. Unlike the damage deposit, the damage waiver is non-refundable.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Destination
A geographic description of where properties are located. Destinations are areas of a State, Locations, on the other hand are sub-areas of Destinations. For example, Poipu Beach is a Location. The island of Kauai is a Destination and Hawaii is the state. These geographic descriptions are not precise and are sometimes named to accommodate various geographic features.
See also: Location, State, Country Origin: Istay
Destination Marketing Organization
Local tourism marketing organizations, such as convention and visitors bureaus or chambers of commerce.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Disclosed Guest
The renter and their invitees who have been pre-approved by the lodging manager. No other party can be consider a disclosed guest
See also: Maximum Occupancy, Normal Occupancy, Sleeps Occupancy, Undisclosed Guests, Drop-In Guests Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Discrimination
Restricting renters on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or national origin as prohibited under the Fair Housing Act.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Domestic Partner
A person who is at least eighteen years of age and can show: (1) Evidence of financial interdependence, such as joint bank accounts or credit cards, jointly owned property, and mutual life insurance or pension beneficiary designations; (2) Evidence of cohabitation for at least the previous 6 months; and (3) An affidavit of domestic partnership if recognized by the jurisdiction within which they reside.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Drop-In Guests
Property occupants who were not pre-approved by manager, are not staying overnight and who are prohibited from entering or staying in the property.
See also: Maximum Occupancy, Normal Occupancy, Sleeps Occupancy, Disclosed Guest, Undisclosed Guests Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Dude Ranch
Usually working ranches that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other ranch and farm activities.
See also: Guest Ranch, Farm Stay Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org
Electronic Lock
A digital or push button mechanical lock that does not require a key or access card to operate. Must be programmed at the door, by opening the lock.
- Can not be programmed over Wi-Fi
- Does not use an Algorithmic code
- Is not a mechanical keysafe or lock box
- Usually also has a physical key to use.
See also: Wi-Fi Lock, Algorithmic lock, Keysafe Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Emergency Assistance
If you become sick or injured on your trip and are in need of Emergency Assistance, the assistance provider will: 1. arrange for and transport you to the nearest suitable medical facility; 2. provide you with assistance to return home; 3. provide round-trip economy airfare to send someone of your choice to be with you if you are traveling alone and are in the hospital for more than 7 days; 4. return your minor children home with an escort if they are left unattended due to your death or your hospitalization for at least 7 days; 5. arrange for and transport your remains to your home or place of burial in event of your death.
Origin: CSA Travel Protection
Eviction
The lawful expulsion of an occupant from a property.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Excessive Cleaning
When a vacation rental home or other lodging unit requires cleaning great than for normal and usual usage, excessive cleaning is required and for which the guest is usually charged
See also: Interim Clean, Out Cleaning, Housekeeping Charge Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Exchange
Where owners of one property exchange use of it for use of another property and from that properties owner. Sometimes arranged by a third party Exchange company.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Fair Housing Act
Federal statute prohibiting discrimination against renters based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents of legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Farm Stay
Usually operating farms that accept guests for lodging, food service, horse back riding and other farm life activities and experiences.
See also: Guest Ranch, Due ranch Origin: Wm. May Link: GuestRanchers.org
Fee Simple
When a real estate property is held in the property owner's name and ownership can be transferred at the will of the owner without other restrictions..
Origin: Vacation Rental Association