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.
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
Marketing a city, state, country, area or region to consumers and trade.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
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
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
Equity
A landlord's financial interest in a property. Equity is the difference between the fair market value of the property and the amount still owed on it's mortgage and other liens.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
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
Family Member
Includes Traveling Companion's dependent, spouse, child, spouse's child, son/daughter-in-law, parent(s), sibling(s), brother/sister, grandparent(s), grandchild, step-brother/sister, step-parent(s), parent(s)-in-law, brother/sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, guardian, Domestic Partner, foster child, or ward.
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
Financial Insolvency
Means the total cessation or complete suspension of operations due to insolvency, with or without the filing of a bankruptcy petition, whether voluntary or involuntary, by a tour operator, cruise line, airline, or other supplier of travel services which is duly licensed in the state(s) of operation other than the person, organization, agency or firm from whom you directly purchased or paid for your Covered Trip.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association