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Instant Booking for Hosts: Requirements, Setup & FAQ

Instant Booking helps travelers quickly identify properties that are ready to receive reservation requests. When Instant Booking is enabled, a ribbon appears on your listing letting travelers know the property supports Instant Booking requests.

Once a traveler submits a reservation request for an eligible Instant Booking property, the request is automatically approved and the reservation is confirmed. No additional action or approval is required from the host.

How Does Instant Booking Work?

When Instant Booking is enabled:

  • An Instant Booking ribbon appears on your listing.

  • Travelers can easily identify properties available for immediate booking.

  • A traveler can submit a reservation request for their desired stay.

  • The reservation is automatically approved and confirmed.

  • The host receives a notification of the confirmed reservation.

  • No manual host approval is required.

Because reservations are automatically approved, it's especially important to keep your listing information, pricing, and calendar availability accurate and up to date.

How to Enable Instant Booking

To enable Instant Booking for your property:

  1. Sign in to your Host Dashboard.

  2. Go to Listings → My Listings.

  3. Review the Instant Booking requirements displayed at the top of the page.

  4. Once all requirements are met, locate the property you want to update.

  5. Toggle the Instant Booking On/Off switch next to the listing.

Once enabled, an Instant Booking ribbon will appear on the eligible listing.

Instant Booking Requirements

Before Instant Booking can be enabled, all of the following requirements must be completed.

Your host account must be fully verified.

Identity verification helps create a safer and more trustworthy experience for both hosts and travelers. You'll need to complete the required government-issued ID and selfie verification process.

Your Stripe account must be connected so you can securely receive reservation payouts.

You can manage your payout setup by going to:

Account → Payout Methods

Monthly Pricing Configured

The listing must have a monthly rate set.

Vidle Housing specializes in mid-term stays of at least 30 days, so make sure your monthly pricing is accurate and reflects the amount you're willing to accept before enabling Instant Booking.

Published Listing

Your listing must be published and active. Listings in Draft status aren't eligible for Instant Booking.

Before publishing, make sure all required listing information is complete and current.

Instant Booking Eligibility Is Determined Per Property

Instant Booking requirements apply to each property individually.

If you manage multiple listings, one property may be eligible for Instant Booking while another is not. Each listing must meet all applicable requirements before Instant Booking can be enabled for that property.

How to Review or Update Your Listing for Instant Booking

If you need to complete or update your listing before enabling Instant Booking:

  1. Sign in to your Host Dashboard.

  2. Go to Listings → My Listings.

  3. Locate the listing you want to update.

  4. Click Edit to open the full listing details.

  5. At the top of the page, use Quick Navigation to select the Instant Book tab.

  6. Review the eligibility requirements and complete any missing information.

  7. Once all requirements are met, enable Instant Booking.

After making changes, be sure to publish your listing so your updates are saved and visible to travelers.

What Happens After a Traveler Books an Instant Booking Property?

Once a traveler submits a reservation request for an Instant Booking property:

  1. The reservation is automatically approved.

  2. The booking is confirmed without waiting for host approval.

  3. The host receives a notification with the reservation details.

  4. The confirmed reservation will appear in the Reservations section of the Host Dashboard.

  5. The host and traveler can continue communicating through Vidle Housing messaging.

Since no manual host approval is required, hosts should review new reservation notifications promptly and begin preparing for the traveler's stay.

Why Accurate Pricing and Availability Matter

Instant Booking reservations are automatically approved based on the information shown on your listing at the time of booking.

Before enabling Instant Booking, make sure:

  • Your monthly pricing is accurate.

  • Your calendar reflects your actual availability.

  • Cleaning and pet fees are current.

  • Amenities are correctly listed.

  • House rules and additional requirements are clearly disclosed.

  • Any additional fees or lease requirements are disclosed before booking.

  • Check-in and check-out times are accurate.

Outdated pricing or availability can lead to cancellations, traveler frustration, and missed booking opportunities.

Can I Turn Instant Booking Off?

Yes. You can manage Instant Booking for each eligible property from the My Listings section of your Host Dashboard.

Locate the property and use the Instant Booking On/Off toggle to change the setting.

Turning Instant Booking off will prevent future reservations from being automatically approved. It does not cancel or change reservations that have already been confirmed.

Why Can't I Enable Instant Booking?

If you're unable to turn on Instant Booking, first confirm that all requirements have been completed:

  • Your identity verification is approved.

  • Your Stripe payout account is connected.

  • A monthly rate is set for the listing.

  • The listing is published and active.

You can also open the full Listing Editor and select the Instant Book tab under Listing Editor to review any missing eligibility requirements.

If everything appears complete but you're still unable to enable Instant Booking, contact the Vidle Housing Support Team through the Help Center.

Tips for Using Instant Booking Successfully

To get the most out of Instant Booking:

  • Keep your calendar and availability current.

  • Make sure your monthly pricing and fees are accurate.

  • Keep your notifications enabled.

  • Regularly review your listing information.

  • Clearly disclose house rules, additional fees, and lease requirements before booking.

  • Keep your check-in instructions current.

  • Review confirmed reservations promptly.

Because Instant Booking reservations are automatically approved, maintaining accurate and current listing information is especially important.

Need Help?

If you need assistance verifying your account, connecting Stripe, updating your listing, or enabling Instant Booking, the Vidle Housing Support Team is available 24/7 through the Help Center.

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