FAQ

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

For Guests

How do I book a Wanderlust Cohost vacation rental?
You can book directly on our website at wanderlustcohost.com/properties using the "Book Now" button on any listing. Booking direct is typically 10–15% cheaper than booking the same property on Airbnb or Vrbo because you avoid platform service fees. You can also call our reservations team at (760) 760-2437 if you'd like help selecting a property.
Why is booking direct cheaper than Airbnb or Vrbo?
Wanderlust Cohost is the exclusive rental agency for our properties, so we set the rates ourselves. Airbnb and Vrbo charge guests a service fee of 14–16% on top of the nightly rate. When you book direct at wanderlustcohost.com, you pay the same nightly rate without that platform fee — typically saving $50–$200 per stay depending on length and price tier.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM for all Wanderlust Cohost properties. Early check-in and late check-out are available for an additional fee when the property's calendar allows, but we can only confirm availability within seven days of your stay. To request flexibility, call (760) 760-2437 before your arrival or departure date.
Is housekeeping included in my stay?
Yes. Every Wanderlust Cohost property is professionally cleaned before your arrival and after your departure, and the cleaning fee is included in your booking total. Mid-stay cleanings are available for stays of seven nights or longer for an additional fee, with at least 48 hours' notice. Call (760) 760-2437 to schedule.
Can I add extra days to my reservation?
Yes, if the dates are available. Contact our reservations team at (760) 760-2437 and we'll check the calendar and provide updated rates. Extending earlier in your stay gives you the best chance of securing additional nights since Palm Springs vacation rentals book quickly, especially during festival weekends and the high season from January through April.
Is there really a no-outdoor-music rule in Palm Springs?
Yes, and it is strictly enforced. Palm Springs and most surrounding Coachella Valley cities prohibit amplified music outdoors at vacation rentals at any time of day. Music inside the home is fine with doors and windows closed. Violations can result in fines for the property and immediate termination of the reservation, so we ask all guests to follow this rule carefully.
What is the maximum occupancy for your properties?
Occupancy varies by property — most Wanderlust Cohost homes accommodate six to eight guests. Palm Springs municipal code limits overnight occupancy at vacation rentals to two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, with a maximum of twelve total. Daytime guest counts are also capped. Each property listing on wanderlustcohost.com/properties shows the specific maximum.
Are pets allowed at Wanderlust Cohost properties?
Pet policies vary by property. Pet-friendly homes are clearly marked on the property listing page, and most pet-friendly properties charge a one-time pet fee of $100–$150. Service animals are accommodated at all properties in compliance with the ADA.
What is your cancellation policy?
For bookings made directly on wanderlustcohost.com, we offer a full refund minus a 10% processing fee on cancellations. For bookings made through Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, or other online travel agencies, we follow that platform's cancellation policy as set on the listing — terms vary by property and are shown at checkout on each platform. If you're unsure which policy applies to your reservation, call us at (760) 760-2437.
Do you have properties for monthly stays?
Yes. Several Wanderlust Cohost properties accept stays of 28 nights or longer at discounted monthly rates, typically 30–40% below nightly pricing. These are popular with snowbirds, remote workers, and anyone visiting Palm Springs for an extended period. Filter by monthly stays on wanderlustcohost.com/properties or call (760) 760-2437 for current availability.

For Property Owners

What does a vacation rental co-host do?
A vacation rental co-host manages the day-to-day operations of your short-term rental so you keep ownership and control while someone else handles the work. A full-service co-host like Wanderlust Cohost handles guest communication 24/7, dynamic pricing, listing optimization across Airbnb and Vrbo, cleaning coordination, maintenance dispatch, review management, and monthly owner reporting. You retain full calendar control and use of the home whenever you want, and rental income is paid out directly to you minus the agreed co-hosting fee.
How much does Airbnb co-hosting cost in Palm Springs?
Co-hosting fees in Palm Springs typically range from 15% to 25% of gross booking revenue, depending on the level of service, property size, and operational complexity. Wanderlust Cohost charges within this range with no upfront fees, no onboarding charges, and no minimum contracts. Full-service property management — which includes more hands-on maintenance and capital improvement oversight — typically runs 25% to 35%. We provide a personalized quote based on your specific property at wanderlustcohost.com/contact-us.
What is the difference between a co-host and a property manager?
A co-host operates your listing as your partner — you remain the primary host on Airbnb and Vrbo, you keep direct communication with the platforms, and you maintain full control of your property and calendar. A property manager typically takes over the listing entirely under their own account, controls bookings and pricing decisions, and operates more like a hotel manager. Co-hosting fees are usually lower (15–25%) than full property management (25–35%) because the owner remains more involved in strategic decisions. Wanderlust Cohost operates as a co-host, which works best for owners who want hands-off operations but want to retain ownership of their listings and guest relationships.
Can I still use my property when I want?
Yes. It's your home first, and you maintain full control of the calendar. Block off any dates for personal use through your owner dashboard or by texting our team — no minimum notice required, no questions asked, no fees for owner stays. Most of our owners use their properties 4 to 12 weeks per year while renting the remaining time.
What does Wanderlust Cohost's co-hosting service include?
Our co-hosting service includes 24/7 guest communication and support, dynamic pricing optimization adjusted weekly based on Palm Springs market conditions, listing optimization across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and our direct-booking site, professional cleaning coordination with vetted local cleaners, maintenance dispatch and vendor management, guest screening and security deposit handling, review management and response, monthly owner reports with revenue breakdowns and occupancy data, and assistance with permit renewals and compliance.
What platforms will my property be listed on?
Your property will be listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and the Wanderlust Cohost direct-booking site at wanderlustcohost.com/properties. Listing on multiple platforms typically increases occupancy by 15–25% compared to single-platform listings because each channel reaches a different guest demographic. We synchronize calendars across all platforms in real time to prevent double bookings.
Do I need a permit to operate a short-term rental in Palm Springs?
Yes. Palm Springs requires a Vacation Rental Certificate for every short-term rental property, which must be renewed annually. As of 2026, Palm Springs is one of the few Coachella Valley cities that still issues new vacation rental permits, but it enforces a 20% neighborhood cap that limits permitted rentals to 20% of homes in any given Single Family Residential zone. The cap is currently met or exceeded in many neighborhoods, which means new permits are issued only when an existing permit is surrendered. Wanderlust Cohost helps owners check eligibility and navigate the application process at no cost — contact us.
How long does it take to get a Palm Springs vacation rental permit?
Once submitted, Palm Springs Vacation Rental Certificates typically take 30 to 60 days to process if your neighborhood is below the 20% cap. If your neighborhood is at the cap, you'll be added to a waitlist and processing time depends on when an existing permit is surrendered, which can range from a few months to over a year. We help track waitlist status and prepare applications to move quickly when a slot opens.
What insurance do I need for a Palm Springs short-term rental?
Palm Springs requires a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage per occurrence for vacation rental properties, with proof of coverage required for permit issuance and renewal. We strongly recommend a dedicated short-term rental insurance policy in addition to your standard homeowner's coverage, since most homeowner's policies exclude commercial use. Carriers like Proper Insurance, CBIZ, and Steadily specialize in STR coverage. Wanderlust Cohost can connect you with vetted insurance providers familiar with Palm Springs requirements.
How are damages or guest issues handled?
We document any property damage with photos and written descriptions immediately after departure, then file claims through Airbnb's AirCover, Vrbo's Liability Insurance, or your security deposit, depending on the booking source. Minor repairs are coordinated with our vetted local vendors and completed before the next guest arrival. Major issues are reported to you within 24 hours with a recommended action plan.
How quickly can my property start generating rental income?
A typical onboarding from contract signing to first booking takes 14 to 21 days. The timeline includes initial property assessment, professional photography (2–3 days to schedule and shoot), listing creation across platforms (3–5 days), and platform review and activation (5–10 days, varies by platform). Existing permitted properties move fastest. Wanderlust Cohost handles every step of the onboarding so the only thing required from you is access to the property and basic documentation.
How do I get started with Wanderlust Cohost?
Contact us at wanderlustcohost.com/contact-us or call (760) 760-2437 for a free property assessment. We'll review your property's location, condition, and permit status, then provide a revenue projection and personalized co-hosting quote within 48 hours. There are no upfront fees and no obligation. If you decide to move forward, we typically have new properties live and earning bookings within 14 to 21 days.