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.
Domain Names
An internet address such as Amazon.com stated in letters and characters. Each domain leads to a numerical address on the Internet called a IP address such as 92.19..45.1. Domain names are used to make internet addresses more memorable. These names are registered with a controlling body and require fees for annual renewal.
Origin: Redstone Systems
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
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
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
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
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: Vacation Rental Association
Fleece
Another word for towels, wash cloths and math mats
See also: Textiles, linens, towels Origin: May, William
Fractional
Describes a lodging property, usually a vacation home, owned by more than one person or party. Usually organized as an association having multiple owners who share use of the home on a pre-determined arrangement, each getting different times of the year.. In some, but not all, states fractionals are governed by timeshares but operate differently with owners having control over choice of manager, amenities and later sale or disposition of the parties.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
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 instructions as well as Check Out.
See also: Central Reservations, Check In, Check Out Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Furnishings
All furniture, equipment, appliances, artwork and other assets located inside a lodging property or on its grounds.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
FVRMA - Florida Vacation Rental Managers Assoc
Trade Association of Vacation Rental Managers in the State of Florida.
See also: VRIA, VRMA Origin: FVRMA
GDS - Global Distribution Systems
Worldwide computer networks, originally developed to offer lodging, airfare, rental cars and other services to Travel Agents who, in turned booked guests into them using the network. There are four different GDS such as Amadeus Sabre, Galileo & World span,
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
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: Vacation Rental Association
Gite
A French holiday home available for rent on a short term basis. Usually self-catering and fully furnished. Technically the owner must live close by to provide help, assistance, and a warm welcome to guests. Often Gites are old cottages or converted outbuildings and barns close to owners' residence.
See also: Vacation Rental, Holiday Villa, Holiday House, Holiday Let, Self-Catering Origin: Vacation Rental Association