News

OwnerRez, a vacation rental software company, has launched a new podcast called "Walk 'n Talk" where they discuss the business of vacation rentals. The podcast covers topics like building, scaling, and running a successful vacation rental business. Hosts can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for insights into the industry and OwnerRez's development.

This article from BiggerPockets outlines the importance of having a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for maintenance requests. It highlights the benefits of a clear system, including consistency, time savings, and improved tenant experience, and provides a step-by-step example using RentRedi's platform.

This article emphasizes the importance of time management for real estate investors, including STR hosts. It advises hosts to analyze how they spend their time and delegate tasks that are low-value, freeing them up to focus on high-return activities such as securing deals and improving their strategies.

This article profiles DoorCo Vacations, a Wisconsin-based STR company, and their use of OwnerRez. Hosts can learn how a successful operator uses automation and a central platform to manage reservations, finances, communication, and workflows while scaling their business.

Mid-term rentals (stays of 1 month to a year) are becoming popular, offering more predictable income and fewer turnovers. This article provides a guide to attracting, hosting, and managing mid-term guests, including tips on property suitability, pricing, and automation, and warns of the need for a separate rental agreement.

The real estate market is shifting, with increased rental demand but economic uncertainty. This impacts STRs through evolving regulations, increased competition, and the need for flexibility. Hosts should diversify lease terms, optimize technology, and focus on tenant retention to maximize cash flow.

The VRMA International Conference honored industry leaders in marketing, community impact, and operational excellence. Hosts can learn from the award winners, such as those with successful marketing campaigns and efficient housekeeping operations. Consider incorporating best practices in marketing, community engagement, and operational efficiency based on the award winners.

Stacy Wesson has won the 2025 "Pay It Forward" award, which provides a complimentary conference registration. Hosts should note the importance of industry networking and peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities within the vacation rental sector.

This article from BiggerPockets discusses the three most common landlord insurance claims: weather-related damage, water damage, and theft/vandalism. Hosts should take preventative measures like regular inspections, security systems, and tenant screening to avoid costly claims and protect their investments.

Airbnb is expanding its anti-party AI technology to combat rule-breaking guests during Halloween. Hosts should be aware of this enhanced monitoring to understand the platform's efforts in preventing disruptive behavior and potential impacts on their listings.

This article emphasizes the importance of using bookkeeping software for rental properties to save time, reduce stress, and avoid common accounting mistakes. Hosts should consider automating their accounting process with tools like TurboTenant to streamline tax preparation and make better financial decisions.

This interview with Zzzing, a hospitality brand in Malta, reveals how they scaled rapidly from 40 to nearly 500 properties while maintaining a focus on guest experience. They leveraged technology, including AI, to automate tasks and free up their team to focus on guest interactions and personalization.

Rental fraud is on the rise, with scammers using AI to create falsified documents and steal identities. Hosts, especially those with smaller operations, should be vigilant and consider steps like in-person viewings and using third-party verification services to protect themselves.

This article emphasizes the importance of "generative" leadership, or mentorship, in the STR space. It suggests that fostering a mentorship culture within your team can lead to more engaged staff, better guest experiences, and leadership development. Consider implementing mentoring activities within your team.

RealTimeRental, a vacation rental software platform, is launching RealTimeRental 2.0 with a focus on modernizing operations and meeting rising guest expectations. This next-generation platform promises enhanced flexibility, enterprise-grade financial capabilities, and scalability for hosts. Hosts should consider checking out this platform, especially if they are looking for software that can handle the complexities of growing their business.

This article discusses the importance of employee engagement and retention in 2026, highlighting the need for creating a culture of belonging, prioritizing manager capability, designing flexible work models, investing in growth and purpose, and measuring what matters. Hosts should consider how these principles can be applied to their teams and how to retain excellent staff, as this directly affects the guest experience.

This article announces the formation of a company, RealTimeRental, by industry veterans to drive innovation in vacation rental technology. Hosts should pay attention to new technology developments as they can improve operations and potentially increase profitability.