Glossary of Vacation Rental Insurance Terms
Vacation Rental Insurance policies can contain technical industry terms that make reading a challenge. To avoid confusion, CSA has created the following list of definitions for a number of industry terms and phrases.
The following definitions are provided for informational purposes only. Please refer to your Vacation Rental Insurance Policy or Certificate of Insurance for definitions and coverages specific to your Policy/Certificate.
24-Hour Assistance Services
These services offer on-the-spot and immediate assistance for unexpected problems that can arise during your trip. The hotline operates 24/7 for help anytime, any place while traveling. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Accident
A sudden, unexpected, unintended and external event, which causes Injury. See also: Travel Insurance, Vacation Rental Insurance (Origin: CSA Travel Insurance)
Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
If you become sick or are accidentally injured while on your trip, we will pay for necessary emergency medical, surgical, and dental care costs. This coverage is excess over any other health, medical, dental, or accident insurance coverage you may have available to you. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
After Hours
Managers and Owners provide service during long hours, but most are not open 24 hours a day. Calls, assistance and other services provided outside of normal business hours are referred to as after hours. (Origin: Industry)
After Hours Fees
Charges to Guests or Owners for services provided after hours. Essential services such as loss of water, power or heat are usually provided free of charge. After hours calls for non-essential services usually bear a fee. (Origin: Industry)
AHMA - American Hotel & Motel Association
A trade association that offers benefits and services to hospitality properties and suppliers. It propses legislation affecting hotels, sponsors seminars and group study programs, conducts research, and publishes Lodging magazine. (Origin: AHMA.org - Link: AHMA.org)
Air Flight Accident
Provides coverage for loss of life or limbs in the event of an accident while traveling as a ticketed passenger on a certified passenger aircraft provided by a regularly scheduled airline. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Amenities
The features and benefits associated with a property such as furniture, equipment, furnishings, resort priviledges and so forth. Amenities widely between types of accommodatons such as hotels, motels, cabins, bed and breakfasts; and also between one unit and another. (Origin: Industry)
Amenity Fee
A certain amount paid to an owner or property complex above and beyond the rental rate that allows the renter access to certain amenities (golf, tennis, beach chairs etc.) (Origin: Industry)
Arrival Date
The date at which a guest arrives or is allowed to arrive and use a property. In lodging this also usually includes a time before which the guest is not allowed access. (Origin: Industry)
Attractions
General all-inclusive term travel industry marketers use to refer to products that have visitor appeal, like museums, historic sites, performing arts institutions, preservation districts, theme parks, entertainment and national sites. (Origin: Industry)
Availability Calendar
An online calendar which can be updated to allow renters see the dates open for a certain property. (Origin: Industry)
Back to Back
When one booking immediately follows another booking without a day between them, that is referred to as a back to back. In that case, cleaning must be done between when one guest checks out and the next checks in. (Origin: William May)
Baggage and Personal Effects
Luggage, personal possessions and travel documents taken by you on the Covered Trip. Coverage provided for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal effects. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Baggage Delay
Baggage that is delayed for 24 hours or more is considered delayed. Most Travel insurance carriers reimburses for the cost of reasonable additional clothing and personal articles purchased by the travel if baggage is not received within 24 horus of arrival. Some airlines will reimburse passengers for toiletries, clothing, and other essentials if the arrival airport is away from the passenger's home area. Most airlines will deliver delayed baggage to the passengers home or hotel for no charge See also: Travel Insurance, Vacation Rental Insurance (Origin: CSA Travel Insurance & wikipedia)
Bed & Breakfast
A small inn or lodge that provides a room and a breakfast. Often a B&B is in a residential home setting and/or a historic building converted to a quaint lodging facility. B&B's are not Vacation Rentals. (Origin: Industry)
Bed Tax
City or county tax added to the price of a lodging facility. (Origin: Industry)
Best Practices
Those policies and procedures that best suit an industry and lead to satisfied customers, good vendor relations and success for business owners. In lodging, best practices are many and varied. In short they can be summarized as being good neighbors with good customer service. (Origin: William May)
Blocked (Booking)
When an Owner reserves use of their own home the booking is referred to as a Block or Blocked. This word is used in the Computer Booking system. See also: Abandoned, Aborted, Cancelled, Confirmed, Order, Hold, Incomplete, In Error, Out of Service, Quoted, Unblocked (Origin: William May)
Blue Ribbon Inspection
A lodging unit that has been inspected and meets the standards of the Vacation Rental Industry Association (VRIA). Designated as "Blue Ribbon" and "Inspected Vacation Rental (IVR)" These include rules for outfitting, cleanliness, maintenance and truthful advertising, The terms Blue Ribbon and IVR are trademarks owned by the Vacation Rental Industry Association. See also: IVR, Inspected Vacation Rental, VVR, Vertified Vacation Rental (Origin: VRIA, VRMG)
Booking Disclosure
After confirming a guest's dates, rates and charges it is necessary to reference the basic terms which govern the order and to secure the guest's approval prior to accepting payment. That is done by reading a disclosure statement and marking it complete in the booking system. See also: Booking, Terms and Conditions (Origin: Sunspots)
Booking Fee
An additional charge assessed by owners and managers for completing paperwork, handling credit cards, arranging housekeeping and coordinating a lodging property rental. (Origin: Industry)
Business Travel
Travel for commercial, governmental or educational purposes with leisure only as a secondary motivation. (Origin: Industry)
Cancellation Policy
The terms and basis on which a lodging property owner or manager will or will not accept cancellations. Also dependent on the terms on which the guest booked the property. Usually stated as a number o days prior to first date of occupancy on which a guest may request a cancellation. Fees may apply to cancellations or cancellations may be denied altogether. See also: "Guarantee Reservation" and "Advance Loding Reservation" (Origin: Industry)
Carpet Cleaning
Usually performed periodically by a vendor using specialized steam or other equipment to clean wall-to-wall carpeting. (Origin: Industry)
Central Reservations
An office which receives phone calls, answers quest inquiries and arranges bookings of lodging facilities and other types of travel services See also: Front Desk (Origin: Industry)
Chambers of Commerce
Typically, a Chamber of Commerce will specialize in local economic development that can include tourism promotion. (Origin: Industry)
Check-In
The process by which guests arrive and check into a lodging property. Check In may be accomplished at a front-desk office, by meeting a representative at the property or by a telephone phone in requirement. These vary by the requirements of the owner or manager. (Origin: Industry)
Check-Out
The process by which guests arrive and check out of a lodging property. Check Out may be accomplished at a front-desk office, by meeting a representative at the property or by a telephone phone in requirement. These vary by the requirements of the owner or manager. (Origin: Industry)
Cleaning
See Housekeeping See also: Out Cleaning (Origin: Industry)
Cleaning Fee
See Housekeeping fee See also: Cleaning, Housekeeping, Out Cleaning (Origin: Industry)
Collision Damage Waiver
Provides primary coverage if the car you rented while on your trip is damaged due to a collision, fire, flood, theft, vandalism, windstorm, or hail. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Common Carrier
Any land, water or air conveyance operated under a license for the transportation of passengers for hire, not including taxicabs or rented, leased or privately owned motor vehicles. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Concierge
An person whose job is to serve as the guest's liaison with the owner or lodging manager and arranging activies, attractions, facilities and services. Services are sometimes performed via phone contact. (Origin: Industry)
Conditions
See Terms & Conditions See also: Terms & Conditions (Origin: Industry)
Configuration
The arrangement of furniture, equipment and other features of a property including the specific layout and location. (Origin: Industry)
Confirmation
The document usually sent to guests confirming that they have entered into a contract for the occupancy of a lodging unit such as a hotel room, vacation rental home, condo or similar lodging. (Origin: Industry)
Confirmed (Booking)
An oral or written statement by the manager that they have received the guest's order and will honor a booking providing the guest honors their obligations, such as paying timely or arriving on time. Confirmed bookings may be Guaranteed or Advance Lodging Guarantee. Used in software as a Booking Status See also: Abandoned, Aborted, Blocked, Cancelled, Hold, Incomplete, In Error, Order, Out of Service, Quoted, Unblocked (Origin: Industry)
Convention and Visitors Bureau
These organizations are local tourism marketing organizations specializing in developing conventions, meetings, confrences, and visitations to a city, county or region. (Origin: Industry)
Cosmetics
Improvements to a home such as installing a new fireplace that are relatively inexpensive and make a big difference to the look of the home. (Origin: Industry)
Cover
Each diner at a restaurant. (Origin: Industry)
Covered Trip
A period of round-trip travel away from Home to a destination outside your city of residence; the purpose of the trip is business or pleasure and is not to obtain health care or treatment of any kind; the trip has defined departure and return dates specified when the Insured enrolls; the trip does not exceed 180 days. (Origin: Vaction Rental Insurance)
CVRM - Certified Vacation Rental Manager
Managers of lodging who study for and pass a test about their competence to manage vacation rental lodging are awarded a CGM - Certified Guide Manager designation. The course of study includes awareness and a pledge to maintain properties that are properly outfitted, clean, maintained and truthful in advertising. The term CVRM is a trademark owned by the Vacation Rental Industry Association. See also: CVRO, VRIA, IVVR, VVR (Origin: Vacation Rental Managers Guild - Link: VRMG.org)
CVRO - Certified Rental Owner
Owners of lodging who study for and pass a test about their competence to manage vacation rental lodging are awarded a CVRO - Certified Rental Owner designation. The course of study includes awareness and a pledge to maintain properties that are properly outfitted, clean, maintained and truthful in advertising. The term CVRO is a trademark owned by the Vacation Rental Industry Association. See also: CVRM, CVRI, VRIA (Origin: VROA)
Damage Deposit
A payment customers make to property owners or managers to pay for any damage or overage fees they may incur. Not common in hotels or motels but very common for vacation rental cabins, condos and homes. If a guest incurs such charges they are subtracted from the deposit prior to its return. Sometimes called a Security Deposit. See also: Security Deposit (Origin: Industry)
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 unitentional damage up to a certain threshhold if reported to the owner or manager prior to departure. Does not cover intentional damage, charges due to guest failure to follow booking contract or amounts of the limit (Origin: Industry)
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: Industry)
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: Industry)
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: Industry)
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: William May)
Discrimination
Restricting renters on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or national origin as under the Fair Housing Act. (Origin: Industry)
Domestic Partner
A person who is at least eighteen years of age and you 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 Insurance)
Elective Treatment and Procedures
Any medical treatment or surgical procedure that is not medically necessary including any service, treatment, or supplies that are deemed by the federal, or a state or local government authority, or by us to be research or experimental or that is not recognized as a generally accepted medical practice. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
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 hopsitalization 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)
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: Industry)
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: Industry)
Family Member
Includes you or your 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 Insurance)
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 Insurance)
FIT (Free Independent Travel)
Individual travel in which a tour operator has previously arranged blocks of rooms at various destinations in advance for use by individual travelers. These travelers travel independently, not in a group, usually by rental car or public transportation. (Origin: Industry)
Front Desk
An office, accessible to guests during certain hours, where they can arrange the booking of lodging facilities and other types of travel services. And where, if a booking has been pre-arranged, where they may Check In to receive keys and guest isntructions as well as Check Out. See also: Central Reservations, Check In, Check Out (Origin: Industry)
Furnishings
All furniture, equipment, appliances, artwork and other assets located inside a lodging property or on its grounds. (Origin: Industry)
Geographic Area
Also known as a Geographic Area. Can be a small or large area, from a building or destination up to a state of country. Used in conjunction to with describing real estate. See also: Geographic Area (Origin: Industry)
Gratuities
The formal term for leaving money for those who serve such as wait staff, housekeepers and others. Not common in all countries or for all jobs. Waitstaff are tipped in most places. Gratuities for Housekeepers are less common. (Origin: Industry)
Guaranteed Reservation
An option for guests who wish to have their lodging property held for their use regardless of time of arrival, or failure to arrive. In that case the guest is always charged. After one night of no show, the owner or manager may elect but is not obligated to rent the property to another party. (Origin: Merchant Account Terms)
Guest
A person or persons who rents a real estate property for a short stay. As opposed to a "Tenant" who rents a property for a longer period. The difference between a Guest and a Tenant is usually determined by local governing bodies such as states, counties, cities or home owner associations. Many jurisdictions consider guests as those who stay for 30 days or less. Tenants and Guests have different rights of use for the property. See also: Tenant (Origin: Industry)
Guest Obligations
As common courtesy, guests have an obligation to treat people and property with respect and within normal and usual reason. For vacation rental units those obligation include common sense items, such as turning off lights when not in use, taking care with fireplaces and barbecues, not creating noise or nuisance. (Origin: Industry)
Guest Survey
A mailed, or in unit, email or online survey inviting guests to rate and comment on the property they have occupied. Questions include guest satisfaction on cleanliness, furnishings, customer service and other factors which reflect on the property. (Origin: Industry)
High Dymaic Range (HDR) Photos
Digital photos taken and processed to produce the most life-like quality and colors possible. Used extensively for quality architectural and lodging photographs. Techniques that allow a greater luminances between light and dark so they more accurately the wide range of real scenes. (Origin: Wikipedia - Link: Wikipedia.com)
Hold Over
When a guest stays longer than their pre-arranged booking or reservation period of time. If with approval of the owner or manager there is usually additional rent. If without approval a stay over usually results in penalties as well as rent for inconvenienced charged to other guests and employee. (Also known as a Stay Over) (Origin: Industry)
Holiday House
A fully furnished home offered for rent on a nightly, weekly or long basis but essentially for short-term use. The same as a Vacation Rental but used in parts of Europen, Australia and other parts of the world. See also: Vacation Rental. Holiday Let (Origin: William May)
Holiday Let
A house, condo or other living unit used for short-term rental, usually in a resort or recreational area and having sleeping quarters, bath and kitchen. Also known as a Vacation Rental. See also: Vacation Rental (Origin: Industry.)
Home
A person's primary or secondary residence. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Home Owners Association (HOA)
Association responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and financial management of common areas in certain complexes and neighborhoods. (Origin: Industry)
Hospital
An institution, which meets all of the following requirements: 1. it must be operated according to law; 2. it must give 24-hour medical care, diagnosis and treatment to the sick or injured on an inpatient basis; 3. it must provide diagnostic and surgical facilities supervised by Physicians; 4. registered nurses must be on 24-hour call or duty; and 5. the care must be given either on the hospital's premises or in facilities available to the hospital on a prearranged basis. A Hospital is not: a rest, convalescent, extended care, rehabilitation or other nursing facility; a facility, which primarily treats mental illness, alcoholism, or drug addiction (or any ward, wing or other section of the hospital used for such purposes); or a facility which provides hospice care (or wing, ward or other section of a hospital used for such purposes). (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Hot Tub
A smalll pool often outdoors and accommodating 2 to 12 people who can sit in and enjoy the hot water usually 100 to 104 degrees fahrenheit. Usually self contained including pumps, air jets, covered when not in use and treated with chlorine or similar chemical to keep the water sanitary. Also called a spa. See also: Spa (Origin: Industry)
Housekeepers
Those wonderful folks who clean lodging properties after guests and invitees depart. A thank less job for which gratuties are not always given but always appreciated (Origin: Industry)
Housekeeping
The task of cleaning lodging properties after guests and invitees have departed. Includes washing linens, cleaning all rooms, vaccuuming and return the property to its condition prior to the guests arrival. (Origin: Industry)
Housekeeping Fee
A charge to guest's account for an Out, Interim or Excessive cleaning of a vacation rental or hotel unit. When quoted fees are usually a minimum meaning guests will be charged for cleaning that is beyond normal and usual usage. See also: Interim Clean, Out Cleaning, Housekeeping (Origin: Industry)
Identity Theft Resolution Services
A service that provides assistance when your identity has been compromised while traveling on your vacation. This safeguard is automatically included for a full 180 days starting on your scheduled departure date. Identity Theft Resolution does not provide assistance for thefts involving non-U.S. bank accounts. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Incentive Travel
Travel offered as a reward for top performance and the business that develops, markets, and operates these programs. (Origin: Industry)
Inclusive Tour
A tour program that includes a variety of features for a single rate (airfare, accomodations, sightseeing, performances, etc.) (Origin: Industry)
Injury
Bodily harm caused by an Accident which: 1. occurs while your coverage is in effect under the plan; and 2. requires examination and treatment by a Physician. The Injury must be the direct cause of loss and must be independent of all other causes and must not be caused by, or result from, Sickness. (Origin: Vaction Rental Insurance)
Inspection
The act of the owner or manager entering and inspecting a roperty for the purpose of a guest's compliance with the booking agreement, terms and conditions and following of rules. Also includes housekeeping and maintenance entrace to a unit to accomplish their tasks related to the unit. Unlike long-term tenancies, owners, managers and staff are allowed, by law to enter units for such purposes upon reasonable need and without long notice. (Origin: Industry)
Insured
An Eligible Person who arranges a Covered Trip and pays any required plan payment. (Origin: Vaction Rental Insurance)
Interim Clean
When a guest occupies a vacation rental home for an extended period of usually a week or more, interim cleans may be warranted during the stay. Usually there is a fee for such cleans. See also: Out Clean, Housekeeping, Cleaning (Origin: Industry)
Invitees
People who are invited to use a lodging property by the Guest, who is the person who actually rents the property. (Origin: Industry)
Issues
A general term describing matters brought to the attention of a lodging proeprty owner or manager. May include questions, complaints or even compliments but an issue not necessarily resolvable if the cause or solution is beyond capability to be solved (Origin: Industry)
IVR - Inspected Vacation Rental
A lodging unit that has been inspected and meets the standards of the Vacation Rental Industry Association (VRIA). Designated as "Blue Ribbon" and "Inspected Vacation Rental (IVR)" These include rules for outfitting, cleanliness, maintenance and truthful advertising, The terms Blue Ribbon and IVR are trademarks owned by the Vacation Rental Industry Association. See also: Blue Ribbon Rental, VVR, Verified Vacation Rental (Origin: VRIA,)
Linens
All bedding, towels and other fabric products used in a lodging facility to comfort to owners, family and guests. See also: Bedding (Origin: Industry)
List Rate
The price that a lodging provider expresses as his price to the wholesaler. Usually the wholesaler receives a discount off the list rate. (Origin: Industry)
Location
A geographic description of where properties are located. Locations are located within Destinations, which are located within States, which are located within Countries. 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: Destination, State, Country (Origin: William May)
Lock Out
A room or additional rental area which can be separate from the main rental area of hotel, motel or vacation rental unit. (Origin: Industry)
Lost & Found
Most owners or managers have a location at which articles found in a lodging property are kept for a short period of time. Owners and managers do not take responsibility for lost and found items nor offer guarantee that such items will be located after a guest's departure. (Origin: Industry)
Low Season
The season when guest occupancy and rates are lowest. See also: Travel Seasons, Peak Season, Shoulder Season (Origin: Industry)
Maintenance
The act of maintaining and providing services to a property. Sometimes rutine matters such as changing furnace filters, or changing locks. Generally differentiated from work necessary to correct damages. See also: Repairs (Origin: Industry)
Missed Connection
If you miss your cruise or tour departure due to a flight delay of more than 3 hours but less than 24 hours, your insurer will reimburse you for the unused, prepaid nonreundable expenses that you paid for your trip and for the additional transportation costs to join your cruise or tour. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Night
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: Day (Origin: Industry)
No Pets
When a lodging facility disallows pets of any kind at the property. If No Pets are specified then pets are not welcome on the grounds, in the vacinity or inside the buildings. See also: Pet Friendly (Origin: Industry)
No Show
A customer with a reservation at a lodging facilty who fails to show up and does not cancel. (Origin: Industry)
No Smoking
In most jurisdictions, guests are not allowed to smoke in properties or anywhere inside the buildings. Usually there are rules that prohibit smoking within a certain distance of the building or its entrance ways or that prohibit smoking anywhere on the grounds. Most owners of lodging facilities prohibit smoking anwhere on the grounds or in the building See also: Smoking Penalty (Origin: Industry)
Non-Cancelable
When a booking for lodging property use is non-cancelable it means the guest must pay for and is not entitled to a refund even if they request a cancellation. This is similar to non-cancelable bookings for airfare and other travel services. See also: Re-Sellable (Origin: Industry)
Occupancy
A percentage indicating the number of nights sold (compared to number available) in a hotel, resort, motel, or vacation rental facility or destination. (Origin: Industry)
Occupant
An person of any age who enters a lodging unit at any time; or enters the property or restort on which it sits. Includes overnight guests but also drop-in visitors. (Origin: Industry)
Order (Booking)
When a guest makes a booking online it is referred to as an Order until such time as a staff member accepts and confirms it. The software uses this word as a Booking Status. See also: Abandoned, Aborted, Blocked, Cancelled, Confirmed, Hold, Incomplete, In Error, Out of Service, Quoted, Unblocked (Origin: William May)
Other covered events
Means the events other than Sickness, Injury and death that are covered under the policy for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption. (Origin: Vaction Rental Insurance)
Other valid and collectible group insurance
Means any group policy or contract which provides for payment of medical expenses incurred because of Physician, nurse, dental or Hospital care or treatment; or the performance of surgery or administration of anesthesia. The policy or contract providing such benefits includes group or blanket insurance policies; service plan contracts; employee benefit plans; or any plan arranged through an employer, labor union, employee benefit association or trustee; or any group plan created or administered by the federal or a state or local government or its agencies. In the event any other group plan provides for benefits in the form of services in lieu of monetary payment, the usual and customary value of each service rendered will be considered a Covered Expense. (Origin: Vaction Rental Insurance)
Out Cleaning
Vacation rental homes are usually cleaned after the guest departs, this is referred to as an Out Clean. Usually there is a one time fee for this service. See also: Out Cleaning Fee, Interim Clean, Housekeeping (Origin: Industry)
Overages
Charges to the Guests for additional rent, activities, services, housekeeping or repairs that are greater than appeared on the guest's original estimated charges. (Origin: Industry)
Owners Closet
A space with a lock in which a property owner stores assets not to be accessed by guests. Although the word closet is commonly useed, the space may be closet, room or just a drawer. (Origin: Industry)
Package
A fixed price travel product that makes it easy for a traveler to buy and enjoy a destination or several destinations. Packages offer a mix of elements like transportation, accomodations, restaurants, entertainment, cultural activities, sightseeing and car rental. (Origin: Industry)
Patient & Family Lodging
Traditional hotel or other facility that provides lodging to patients receiving care in the area or to their families. (Origin: Industry)
Peak Season
The primary travel season when occupancy and rates are the highest See also: Travel Seasons, Low Season, Shoulder Season (Origin: Industry)
Pet Deposit
Should a lodging facilty allow for pets they may require the guest to pay a significant deposit to cover any damage or excessive cleaning necessitated by the pets occupancy. Pet Deposits are usually refundable if no damage or effect occurs See also: Pet Fee, Pet Friendly, No Pets, Pet Penalty (Origin: Industry)
Pet Fee
If a lodging property allows guests to bring pets, they may charge a fee, usually daily, for that priviledge. Generally guests are also responsible for any damage they may cause. See also: Pet Friendly, No Pets, Pet Deposit, Pet Penalty (Origin: Industry)
Pet Friendly
A lodging unit which allows pets in the facility and on the grounds. There is often a deposit and/or a daily fee for allowing pets. See also: No Pets (Origin: Industry)
Pet Penalty
When a guest brings a pet to a facility designated as No Pets, a penalty fee is charged. To discourage unapproved pets, pet penalties are usually signifcant and utilized to retreat a room to counteract the presence of the pet and provide additional cleaning. See also: Pet penalty, Pet Friendly, No Pets (Origin: Industry)
Phsician
A person licensed as a medical doctor by the jurisdiction in which he/she is resident to practice the healing arts. He/she must be practicing within the scope of his/her license for the service or treatment given and may not be you, a Traveling Companion, or a Family Member of yours. (Origin: Vaction Rental Insurance)
Pool Fee
A certain amount above and beyond the rental rate charged to renters wishing to use the heater on your pool or hot tub. (Origin: Industry)
Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver
May apply to specific coverages. Certain requirements apply. Please refer to the Policy/Certificate of Insurance for details. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Pre-exsiting condition
An illness, disease, or other condition during the 180-day period immediately prior to your effective date for which you or your Traveling Companion or Family Member is scheduled or booked to travel with you: 1. received, or received a recommendation for, a diagnostic test, examination, or medical treatment; or 2. took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. * Item 2 of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180-day period before coverage is effective under this Policy. (Origin: Vaction Rental Insurance)
Pre-exsiting condition exclusion
May apply to specific coverages. Please refer to the Policy/Certificate of Insurance for details. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Property
A hotel, motel, inn, lodge, vacation rental or other accomodation facility. (Origin: Industry)
Property Manager
A person or company who manages real estate including commercial, residential and other properties. Also an alternate term for a person who owns a local vacation rental company in a geographic location, that is a member of the Sunspots Network. See Network Member. See also: Network Member, Networker, Manager, Network Operator (Origin: William May)
Property Survey
A periodic inspection of a property, usually twice a year but can be more or less often. The purpose is to determine what housekeeping, repairs or maintenance a property should have completed. These include high priority items for safety purposes, to preferred maintenance for guest comfort to recommended improvements that might increase rates or occupancy. See also: Maintenance, Repairs, Housekeeping (Origin: William May)
Rack Rate
The rate accomodations quote to the public. Group rates, convention, trade show, meetin and incentive travel rates are negotiated by the hotel and program organizers. (Origin: Industry)
Re-Sellable
When a booking for lodging property is non-cancelable it may instead, be re-sellable. In that case, an owner or manager agrees to attempt to resell a guest's booked dates and, if successful refunds the guests payment usually less a fee for the resell process. (Origin: Industry)
Referral
A booking that results from the referral of a friend, neighbor, or past renter. (Origin: Industry)
Refund
A payment to the guest for amounts paid toward lodigng property bookings and after charges for rent, services, fees or other charges. A common type of refund is for the return to guest of a security and damage deposit they have paid. (Origin: Industry)
Registration
The process during which a guest checks into a lodging unit and registers as being in occupancy. Also the form used during the registraiton process. (Origin: Industry)
Rent By Owner
A property that is rented directly from the owner, rather than through a property management firm. Also refers to websites which offers homes directly from owners. (Origin: Industry)
Repair
The work necessary to return property, equipment or amenities to their original condition to do damage caused by owner, guest or other situations. Usually charged to the person responsible for the damage. See also: Maintenance (Origin: Industry)
Rescheduling
When a guest or the loding provider reschedules already booked dates for lodging or other travel services. The travel provider may not always be capable of changing dates and to do so may be limited or prohibited by the prior booking contract. If allowed, often there is a fee for rescheduling. (Origin: Industry)
Reservation Deposit
A certain amount of money collected upon the booking that validates the rental contract. The reservation deposit can convert automatically into a damage deposit. (Origin: Industry)
Reservation Systems
Computerized systems leased to travel agencies offering airline, hotel. Car rental and selected tour availability and bookings. Systems are affiliated with major carriers, including American (Sabre), United (Apollo), Eastern (System One), TWA (PARS), and Delta (DATAS II) and feature flight schedules of the sponsoring and other carriers, plus additional travel products. (Origin: Industry)
Room
Commonly referred to a sleeping space usually with a single room unless otherwise specifically indicated. (Origin: Industry)
Room Blocks
Several rooms held for a group. (Origin: Industry)
Scheduled Departure Date
The date on which you are originally scheduled to leave on your Covered Trip. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Scheduled Return Date
The date on which you are originally scheduled to return to the point where the Covered Trip started or to a different final destination. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Scheduled trip departure city
The city where the scheduled trip on which you are to participate originates. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Security Deposit
A payment guests make to property owners or managers to pay for any damage or overage fees they may incur. Not common in hotels or motels but very common for vacation rental cabins, condos and homes. If a guest incurs such charges they are subtracted from the deposit prior to its return. Sometimes called a Damage Deposit. See also: Damage Deposit
Self Catering
A term sometimes used for vacation rentals in Europe, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Also applies to furnished apartments without an onsite cook. (Origin: Industry)
Seniors
Travelers over a certain age, usually 55, who receive certain benefits not afforded to the general public, such as discounts, early entry or other priviledges. (Origin: Industry)
Service Order
When guests or owners request maintenance, additional housekeeping or other services from managers or other vendors. Owners may choose to purchase services using this system. If for essential services there is usually no charge to guests. But charges apply to non-essential services (Origin: Industry)
Short-Term Rental
Synonymous with Vacation Rental, Holiday Let, Holiday Home. A cabin, condo, apartment, house or villa available for rent on a nightly, weekly or occasionally longer basis. Usually fully furnished. See also: Vacation Rental, Holiday Let, Holiday Home (Origin: WilliamMay)
Shoulder Season
The perid between peak and low periods when business is stronger, but has room from growth. See also: Travel Seasons, Peak Season, Low Season (Origin: Industry)
Sickness
An illness or disease of the body which: 1. requires examination and treatment by a Physician; and 2. commences while the plan is in effect. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Site Inspection
An assessment tour of a destination of facility by a meeting planner, convention or trade show manager, site selection committee, tour operator, whoesaler or incentive travel manager to see if it meets their needs and requirements prior to selecting a specific site for an event. After site selection, a site inspection may be utilized to make arrangements. (Origin: Industry)
Smoking Penalty
The fee charged to guests for smoking in a No Smoking lodging facility. Usually the fee is significant due to the costs associated with cleaning facilities sufficiently to return them to a no smoking condition; and to deter unauthorized smoking. See also: No Smoking (Origin: Industry)
Sold Out
When a destination, location or unit has no available dates left for sale, it is tempting to refer to those as Sold Out. However, it is virtually impossible for us to be sold out. We always have availability somewhere in a different unit, location or destion. So users are forbidden from using the term Sold out. See also: See Noso (Origin: William May)
Spa
(1) A smalll pool usually indoors and accommodating 2 to 12 people who can sit in and enjoy the hot water usually 1oo to 104 degrees fahrenheit. Usually self contained including pumps, air jets, covered when not in use and treated with chlorine or similar chemical to keep the water sanitary. Also called a hot tub. (2) A busines which offers health and therapeutic treatments such as massage, facials and exercise. See also: Hot Tub (Origin: Industry)
Spa Hot Tub Cleaning Fee
A certain amount above and beyond the rental rate charged to renters wishing to use a hot tub. (Origin: Industry)
Spouse Program
Special activities planned for those who accompany an attendee to a convention, trade show or meeting. Note that programs today are not simply for women, but rather for men and women, spouses and friends. Programs must be creatively designed to interest intelligent and curious sudiences. (Origin: Industry)
Stay Over
See Hold Over. (Origin: Industry)
Sundries
Incidental supplies provided along with rent of a lodging property such as paper goods, soaps, salt/pepper and other kitchen basics. Many managers provide a started supply of such things. Most do not provide an unlimited stash. (Origin: Industry)
Sunspots Resorts
Company which provides lodging services to the Sunspot Network. Those members provide management services to Inns, Resorts & Vacation Rentals in various geographic areas. The Sunspots Resorts name is promoted to consumers to establish a national and international brand name. See also: Sunspots Network (Origin: William May)
Supplier Bankruptcy or Default
Bankruptcy or default of an airline, cruise line or tour operator resulting in a complete cessation of travel services which occurs more than 14 days after your policy's effective date. To qualify for coverage you must purchase the insurance prior to or within 24 hours of making your final trip payment. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Tariff
Rate of fare quoted and published by a travel industry supplier (i.e. hotels, tour operators, etc.) Usually an annual tariff is produced in a booklet form for use in sales calls at trade shows. (Origin: Industry)
Tenant
A person or persons who rents a real estate property for an extended stay. As opposed to a "Guest" who rents a property for a short stay. The difference between a Guest and a Tenant is usually determined by local governing bodies such as states, counties, cities or home owner associations. Many jurisdictions consider tenants to be those who stay for more than 30 days.Tenants and Guests have different rights of use for the property. See also: Guest (Origin: Industry)
Terms & Conditions
The list of conditions, usually in writing and often printed on a website, that govern a contract or order. They spell out how payments are handled, what the policies and procedures are, what happens in the case of certain events. They govern the customer's comportment and obligate them to other rules and regulations. See also: Rules, Regulations (Origin: William)
Terrorist act
An act of violence, other than civil disorder or riot, (that is not an act of war, declared or undeclared) that results in loss of life or major damage to property, by any person acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organization which is generally recognized as having the intent to overthrow or influence the control of any government. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurnace)
Time-Shares
Homes divided in ownership or use on the basis of time periods, most often one or two week each year. (Origin: Industry)
Tip Envelope
Housekeepers leave in rooms indicating their name and date cleaned. Usually includes subtle reminder that tips are not required but gratefully appreciated. (Origin: William May)
Tour Operator
Develops, markets and operates group travel programs that provide a complete travel experience for one proce and includes transportation (airline, rail, motorcoach, and/or ship), accomodations, sightseeing, selected meals and an escort. Tour operators market directly to the consumer, through travel agents and are beginning to be listed on computerized reservation systems. (Origin: Industry)
Tour Wholesaler
An individual or company that sells tour packages and tour product to travel agents. Tour wholesalers usually receive a 20% discount from accomodations, transportation companies and sttractions and pass on a 10 to 15% discount to the retail agent. (Origin: Industry)
Tourism
Where consumers undertake leisure travel. As opposed to travel for business purposes See also: Traveler, Tourist, Visitor (Origin: Industry)
Tourist
Traveler how moves from place to place to enjoy and experience different locations. Differs from business travel who comes for business purposes. See also: Traveler (Origin: Industry)
Transient
A Guest who arrives without an advance reservation or pre payment. Contrary to representations to those opposed to Lodging, guests with reservations are NOT transients. (Origin: Industry)
Travel
Leisure and other travel including travel for business, medical care, education, etc. All tourism is travel, but not all travel is tourism. (Origin: Industry)
Travel Accident
Provides coverage for loss of limb or life in the event of an accident while traveling, or within 180 days after the accident due to the direct result of that accident. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Travel Agent
An individual who arranges travel for individuals or groups. Travel agents may be generalist or specialists (cruises, adventure travel, conventions, and meetings.) The agent receives a commission form accomodations, transportation companies and attractions for coordinating the booking of travel. They typically coordinate travel for their customers at the same of lower cost than if the customer booked the travel on his/her own. (Origin: Industry)
Travel Insurance
Purchased from a carrier who agrees to reimburse guests for some expense if they are forced to cancel their plans due to certain reasons. Usually these include death in the family, personal injury or flight delays. Highly recommended. (Origin: Industry)
Travel Product
Refers to any product or service that is bought by or sold to consumers of trade including accomodations, attractions, events, restaurants, transportation, etc. (Origin: Industry)
Travel Seasons
Travel industry business cycles including:
Peak - Primary travel season
Low - Period when business is slowest
Shoulder - Perid between peak and low periods when business is stronger, but has room from growth. (Origin: Industry)
Travel Trade
The collective term for tour operators, wolesalers, and travel agents. (Origin: Industry)
Traveler
Any person who travels either for leisure or business purposes more than 100 miles (round-trip) in a day or who stays overnight away from his orher primary domicile. (Origin: Industry)
Traveling companion
A person whose name(s) appear(s) with you on the same Covered Trip arrangement and who, during the Covered Trip, will accompany you. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Trip Cancellation
Provides reimbursement for certain unused, non-refundable expenses due to cancellation of your trip caused by a covered reason. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Trip Delay
Provides coverage if you are delayed during your trip for more than six hours due to a covered reason. (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Trip Interruption
Provides reimbursement for certain unused, non-refundable expenses and additional transportation costs due to an interruption of your trip caused by a covered reason (Origin: CSA Travel Protection)
Unit
May refer to a room, suite or living area (such as a condo, cabin or home) which is offered to Guests for lodging use and rent. The unit includes all ameniteis described and associated with the unit including the grounds upon which it rests. (Origin: Industry)
Unwelcomes
When a guest or tenant misuses a property, misbehaves, fails to pay as agreed or violates other conditions of the owner or manager's terms they are referred to as unwelcome and not allowed to rent the property again. See also: Industry (Origin: Industry - Link: Unwelcomes.org)
Use Fee
A proper term for the cost of renting a lodging property. May include rent, housekeeping and other charges. (Origin: Industry)
Usual and customary charge
Those charges for necessary treatment and services that are reasonable for the treatment of cases of comparable severity and nature. This will be derived from the mean charge based on the experience in a related area of the service delivered and the MDR (Medical Data Research) schedule of fees valued at the 100th percentile and the Anesthesia Relative Value Guide. (Origin: Vacation Rental Insurance)
Vacation Rental
A house, condo or other living unit used for short-term rental, usually in a resort or recreational area and having sleeping quarters, bath and kitchen. Also known as a Holiday let. See also: Holiday Let, Holiday Home (Origin: Industry)
Vacation Rental Travel Insurance
A form of travel insurance, purchased from a carrier who agrees to reimburse guests for some expense if they are forced to cancel their travel plans including their rental of a vacation rental home. Covered events usually these include death in the family, personal injury or flight delays. Highly recommended. (Origin: Industry)
Visitor
A traveler who goes to a place other than his home to experience life in a different location. Usually means a stay of a short destination. See also: Traveler (Origin: Industry)
Visitors Center
Travel information center located at a destination to make it easier for visitors to plan their stay; often operated by a convention and visitors bureau, chamber of commerce, or tourism promotion organization. (Origin: Industry)
VRGA - Vacation Rental Guests Assocition
Trade association of guests who frequent vacation rental homes, organized to advocate for the benefit of its members (Origin: VRGA.org - Link: VRGA.org)
VRIA - Vacation Rental Industry Association
Trade organization that promotes the use and advancement of the vacation rental industry. Umbrella organization for VROA - Vacation Rental Owners Association, VRMG - Vacation Rental Managers Guild and VRGA - Vacation Rental Guests Association. The term VRIA is a Trademark owned by the Vacation Rental Industry Associatin. (Origin: VRIA.org - Link: VRIA.org)
VRMA - Vacation Rental Managers Association
The Vacation Rental Managers Association is a trade association of companies that act as sales agents and managers for vacation homes, condos and similar lodging. (Origin: VRMA - Link: VRMA.org)
VRMG - Vacation Rental Managers Guild
The Vacation Rental Managers Guild is a trade association of companies which book and manage vacation rental homes, condos and similar lodging. See also: VRIA, VRMLS, VRMA (Origin: VRMG - Link: VRMG.org)
VRMLS - Vacation Rental Multiple Listing Service
The world's first Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for Vacation Rentals this is an Open-Listing and Open-Distribuiton system. Owner and Manager Members can post properites once and have them distributed to websites around the world. Website Publisher Members can retreive records and display the on their website.
Similar to the MLS's which have server real estate brokerage for decades; VRMLS is owned by the Vacation Rental Industry Association a Not-For-Profit organization. The term "VRMLS" is an owned trademark. See also: VRIA (Origin: VRIA - Link: VRMLS.org)
VROA - Vacation Rental Owners Association
The Vacation Rental Owners Association (VROA) is a trade association comprised of members who own homes and vendors who support them. See also: VRIA, VRMG, VRMLS, VRMA (Origin: VRIA - Link: VROA.org)
VVR - Verified Vacation Rental
A lodging unit that has submitted documenation and been verified as a legitmately owned and operated vacation rental by the Vacation Rental Industry Association (VRIA.org). Designated as "Verfied Vacation Rental (IVR)". Does not include physical inspection as is included in the "Inspection Vacation Rental (IVR)" Program. The term IVR are trademarks owned by the Vacation Rental Industry Association. See also: IVR, Inspected Vacation Rental, Blue Ribbon Rental (Origin: VRIA)
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