Vrbo Cancellation Policy: What You Must Know

Planning a vacation through Vrbo can be exciting, but travel plans don’t always go as expected. Whether it’s a change in your schedule, an emergency, or a simple change of mind, being familiar with Vrbo’s return and refund policy is important for every traveler. As part of the Expedia Group, Vrbo offers a wide variety of vacation rentals worldwide, and each property may have its own cancellation rules set by the owner. This can make handling refunds and cancellations a bit more complicated than with traditional hotel bookings.

This article breaks down Vrbo's cancellation and refund policies to help you make informed decisions before booking or if you need to change or cancel an existing reservation. Whether you're a first-time user or a frequent Vrbo traveler, you'll find clear guidance on how cancellations work, what kind of refund you might expect, and what to do in case of emergencies or booking errors.

What Is The Cancellation Policy For Vrbo?

Vrbo allows hosts to set their own cancellation policies, meaning that refund eligibility can vary significantly depending on the property. While some listings may offer a full refund if canceled within a certain period, others may be completely non-refundable. Vrbo categorizes cancellation policies into several types:

Policy Type	Refund Terms
No Refund	The reservation is non-refundable once booked.
Strict – 60 Day	100% refund if canceled 60+ days before check-in; no refund after.
Firm – 60 Day	100% refund 60+ days before check-in; 50% refund 30–60 days before.
Moderate – 30 Day	100% refund 30+ days before check-in; 50% refund 14–30 days before.
Relaxed – 14 Day	100% refund 14+ days before check-in; 50% refund 7–14 days before.
Custom Policy	Hosts may define unique policies outside these preset categories.

To find a listing’s specific policy, visit the listing page and select the “Policies” tab, then review the “Cancellation Policy” section carefully.

How Do I Cancel A Vrbo Reservation?

Vrbo offers a straightforward process for canceling a reservation through the guest dashboard. Simply log in to your Vrbo account, go to “My Trips,” select the booking in question, and follow the steps to cancel. The cancellation must be submitted before 11:59 PM in the property’s time zone to comply with the policy terms.

If your reservation is eligible for a full refund, the cancellation will process automatically. However, if the refund amount is partial or none, you may need to contact the host or Vrbo support to understand the refund terms. For emergencies or extenuating circumstances, Vrbo also offers cancellation waivers which may protect your refund eligibility and prevent penalties to hosts.

Does Vrbo Charge Extra Fees When You Change Or Cancel?

Vrbo itself does not typically charge a cancellation fee. However, any penalties or forfeited amounts come directly from the property’s cancellation policy. Some properties might include a service fee or withhold part of the payment if canceled late.

In the case of host-initiated cancellations, full refunds are usually provided to guests, unless the guest has violated house rules or failed to pay on time. If you're modifying or canceling due to issues beyond your control—like natural disasters or government restrictions—Vrbo may waive any negative impact through a cancellation waiver, which can be requested within 30 days of the cancellation.

What Are The Refund Terms At Vrbo?

Refunds at Vrbo are determined by the cancellation policy in place for the specific listing. You may receive a:

• Full refund if canceled within the eligible time frame
• Partial refund based on how close to the check-in date you cancel
• No refund for non-refundable bookings or late cancellations

Refunds may be based on either the total amount payable or the amount paid to date—a detail that’s important to verify before canceling. The property page will specify the basis used. Always review the cancellation terms before booking and before making any changes to ensure you know what to expect.

What Is The Refund Processing Time At Vrbo?

Once a cancellation is processed and a refund is approved, Vrbo typically begins processing refunds immediately. However, the exact time it takes to receive your money depends on your bank or payment provider. In general, refunds are returned within:

• 5–7 business days for most credit card transactions
• Up to 15 business days in some cases, depending on international banks or payment delays

If you haven’t received your refund after two weeks, contact Vrbo support at 1-877-202-4291 for assistance.

Are Exchanges Possible With Vrbo Bookings?

Vrbo does not offer traditional exchanges in the way that hotels might. Instead, modifying or adjusting a booking often requires cancellation and rebooking. Since each property is independently managed, exchanges depend entirely on the host’s policies and availability. If a guest wants to change dates, switch to a different property, or adjust their trip in a major way, the best approach is to communicate directly with the host via the Vrbo messaging platform.

Always check the listing’s cancellation policy before attempting an exchange. If the dates or property you wish to switch to have different refund terms, you may incur a partial refund or no refund at all. When in doubt, contact Vrbo’s support team or the property owner to discuss possible alternatives before canceling.

How To Modify Your Vrbo Reservation Without Canceling?

Modifying your Vrbo reservation—such as adjusting travel dates or the number of guests—can sometimes be done without full cancellation. However, the ability to do so depends on the property owner's flexibility and their booking settings. To initiate a change:

1. Log into your Vrbo account and navigate to “My Trips.”
2. Select the reservation you want to modify.
3. Click on “Change Reservation” (if available), or message the host directly to request the changes.
4. If approved, the host can issue a change offer which you’ll need to accept.

Keep in mind that some modifications may result in additional charges or may not be allowed depending on the cancellation policy. Acting early and maintaining open communication with the host is key to smooth adjustments.

What Happens If The Host Cancels My Booking?

If a Vrbo host cancels your booking, you are entitled to a full refund. Vrbo encourages hosts to avoid cancellations, and repeated cancellations may negatively impact the host’s listing and ranking on the platform. Once a host cancels, Vrbo will notify you by email and provide refund details automatically.

In addition to the refund, Vrbo may also assist you in finding alternative accommodations depending on availability and circumstances. This includes using their rebooking assistance service to locate similar properties in the area for your travel dates. In rare situations, such as during high-demand seasons, it may be challenging to find a comparable option, so it’s important to rebook as soon as possible.

Can I Get A Refund If I Cancel Due To Emergencies?

Yes, Vrbo may issue refunds for cancellations due to emergencies under its Extenuating Circumstances Policy. This covers events outside your control such as:

• Natural disasters
• Medical emergencies
• Travel bans or restrictions
• Severe property damage
• War or civil unrest

To qualify, you may be asked to provide supporting documentation such as a medical certificate, proof of the event, or government announcements. If your case qualifies, Vrbo may issue a cancellation waiver, meaning the cancellation won't negatively affect the host either.

You can start the request by contacting Vrbo customer service directly or through the listing’s messaging system. Keep in mind that requests must be submitted within 30 days of the cancellation to be considered.

How Can I Get In Touch With Vrbo Customer Service?

You can contact Vrbo customer service through several channels. The fastest way is by calling their 24/7 support line at 1-877-202-4291 (for U.S. customers). If you’re outside the U.S., check Vrbo’s Help Center for the appropriate local number.

Alternatively, you can reach out through the Vrbo Help Center on their website, where you can access live chat, browse help articles, or submit a support request. For questions related to a specific booking, it’s also a good idea to message the property host directly through your Vrbo account under the “My Trips” section.

Prompt communication is key, especially for time-sensitive issues like cancellations, refunds, or property concerns.

The Bottom Line

The Vrbo cancellation policy may seem complex at first, but being familiar with the basic terms and knowing how to communicate with hosts can simplify the process. Whether you're adjusting travel plans, handling emergencies, or just looking for more flexibility, it's important to be aware of your refund options and the cancellation timeline. Always review the listing’s policy before booking and act early if your plans change. Vrbo offers various types of cancellation policies—from strict to relaxed—so it’s important to select one that suits your travel preferences.