At RentalWise, we’ve built our property management software to make managing your short-term rentals effortless, and our iCal integration is a key feature that boosts your local property management capabilities. By syncing availability across platforms, our iCal functionality helps you avoid overbookings and stay organized, all while integrating seamlessly with RentalWise. In this article, we’ll explore what iCal is, how to use it within our platform, and its practical applications for property managers. Let’s unlock the power of iCal to enhance your vacation rental operations!
What is iCal and How Does It Work in Our Property Management Software?
iCal (short for iCalendar) is a file format that allows you to share and sync property availability across different platforms, such as OTAs, listing websites, or personal calendars. In our software, iCal is a one-way connection that updates every 30 minutes, ensuring your property’s availability is reflected accurately without the risk of real-time sync issues. Note: We strongly advise against two-way iCal connections, as they can lead to double bookings due to delayed synchronization. Also, iCal only syncs availability, not rates, making it ideal for managing bookings but not pricing.
With RentalWise, you can import iCal links from external platforms or export your property’s availability to share with partners, external CRMs, or tools like Google Calendar. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for property managers looking to streamline operations across multiple systems.
How to Use iCal in RentalWise
Our platform makes importing and exporting iCal links intuitive, ensuring you can manage availability with minimal effort. Here’s how to do it:
Exporting an iCal Link
Share your property’s availability with external platforms or tools by exporting an iCal link from our software.
1. Access the Distribution Tab: In the Property Menu, navigate to the Distribution Tab and select Export Calendar.
2. Choose Export Type: Decide between:
Full Unavailability: Includes all blocked dates (e.g., owner stays, maintenance, bookings).
Bookings Only: Only includes confirmed guest bookings.
3. Copy the Link: Once selected, copy the generated iCal link and integrate it with any of our partners or external tools.
Importing an iCal Link
Bring external availability data into RentalWise to keep your property’s calendar aligned.
1. Go to Import Calendar: In the Distribution Tab, click on Import Calendar.
2. Enter Details: Provide a name for the calendar, paste the iCal URL, and save.
3. Sync Complete: The calendar will sync every 30 minutes, updating availability in our system.
These steps ensure your properties stays in sync with external platforms, reducing the risk of overbookings.
Practical Use Cases for iCal in Property Management
Our iCal integration is versatile, supporting a range of scenarios to enhance your workflow. Here are the key use cases:
Composite Units: Manage availability for properties with multiple units (e.g., a house with separate apartments) by exporting a single iCal link to reflect combined availability.
Listing on Non-API Platforms: For websites like PlumGuide or Homestay that lack API integration with us, export your calendar (using Bookings Only) to share accurate availability and list your property seamlessly.
Google Calendar Integration: Connect your iCal to Google Calendar for customized reminders, such as cleaning schedules or guest check-ins, keeping your personal and professional calendars aligned.
External CRM Automation: Sync iCal with your preferred CRM to automate tasks like sending guest follow-ups or scheduling maintenance, boosting efficiency in your property management.
These use cases make iCal an essential tool for property managers who want to expand their reach while maintaining control over availability.
Why Choose Our iCal Integration? 
Our iCal functionality is designed with property managers in mind, offering:
Seamless Channel Management: Sync availability across OTAs, listing sites, and personal tools without manual updates.
Reduced Overbooking Risk: One-way sync and clear export/import options minimize booking conflicts.
Flexibility: Works with non-API platforms and external CRMs, giving you freedom to choose your tools.
User-Friendly Interface: No tech expertise needed—just copy, paste, and sync!
By leveraging iCal within RentalWise, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and enhance your guests’ booking experience.