STR News.

OwnerRez rolled out significant May updates: Passkey sign-in, a redesigned guest payment form, and new listing discounts for Airbnb/Vrbo (20%, auto-disabled). Notifications for OwnerRez-powered locks (Schlage, igloohome, Hubitat) are now available, including low battery alerts.

A Portland Airbnb guest was mistakenly sent to collections after paying her bill, highlighting potential system errors. This incident underscores the importance of diligent payment verification and prompt issue resolution to maintain guest trust and avoid financial disputes.

A Portland Airbnb guest faced collections after paying her bill, highlighting potential payment processing issues. This incident raises concerns for hosts regarding financial record-keeping and guest payment disputes, emphasizing the need for robust communication and verification protocols.

A lawsuit alleges an SF startup is testing robots in Airbnbs, leading to damage and claims of "trashing" properties. This highlights potential risks associated with emerging technologies in STRs and the importance of host vigilance regarding guest activities and property condition.

A Portland Airbnb guest was sent to collections despite paying her bill in full. This incident highlights potential platform glitches or administrative errors impacting guest trust and host reputation.

A tech startup's use of an Airbnb host's childhood home to test a 6-foot robot resulted in $22,000 in damages, according to a recent filing. This highlights the risks associated with unauthorized activities on rental properties. Hosts should carefully vet guests and their intended use of the property to protect their investment.

May's Lodgify Lowdown highlights major shifts: TikTok enters vacation rentals, Uber adds Vrbo, Airbnb launches 220+ updates including car rentals & AI tools. EU data rules are live, impacting European hosts.

This article, while seemingly about airlines, could indirectly affect STR hosts due to travel disruptions. If travelers face cancellations, they'll need alternative lodging. This may cause more last-minute bookings. Hosts can also discover AI tools, which can be useful.

An SF startup is allegedly secretly testing robots in Airbnbs, which are being destroyed. The lawsuit raises concerns about unauthorized activity and potential property damage. This may impact host trust and necessitates vigilance regarding unknown technologies in their listings.

A startup led by an ex-Cruise CEO is facing accusations of damaging the Airbnb platform while testing a robot. While the specifics of the damage are unclear, the situation highlights the evolving landscape of technology and its potential impacts on short-term rental platforms and guest experience. Hosts should monitor the situation, as it could impact future guest interactions.

Focus on guest satisfaction for STR success. Tailor properties to audience, use high-quality photos, and set clear house rules. Automate communication & turnover with vacation rental software for a seamless guest experience.

An Airbnb host in San Francisco is seeking $12,000 in damages after a local startup tested a robot in their property, causing significant damage. This incident highlights potential risks associated with allowing third parties, especially tech companies, access to your rental. Hosts need to carefully vet any company and ensure adequate liability coverage.

An Airbnb host is claiming $12,000 in damages after a San Francisco startup allegedly tested a robot in their rental property. The incident highlights potential risks when allowing third-party testing in STRs, even with an agreement.

A new startup, founded by Nat Parker, is leveraging AI to automate Airbnb property management tasks. This innovative approach aims to streamline operations, potentially reducing the workload for hosts. The implications include increased efficiency and the opportunity for hosts to manage more properties with less manual effort.

This Hostfully article details Airbnb's self check-in feature, emphasizing its benefits for hosts like time-saving and increased booking flexibility, alongside the importance of proper setup. The article explores the three primary self check-in methods—smart locks, keypad locks, and lockboxes—and provides guidance on choosing the right method and writing effective instructions. It also delves into automation options through property management software, and real-world examples illustrating the scalability of self check-in.

Syncing Airbnb and Vrbo calendars is essential to avoid double bookings, but iCal syncing has limitations. This article reveals how to sync using iCal links and channel managers, emphasizing the need for two-way syncing. Channel managers offer real-time updates and more comprehensive functionality for those with multiple listings, streamlining operations and boosting revenue.

Vrbo lacks a formal co-host program like Airbnb, offering property manager access instead. Co-hosts typically charge 10-25% of gross bookings, with responsibilities impacting the rate. Multi-property operators often benefit from a Property Management System (PMS) to streamline operations and handle tasks such as automated messaging, task routing, and calendar synchronization.

This article details the unpredictable journey of an Airbnb host, highlighting both the rewarding and challenging aspects of short-term rental management. It touches upon common issues like dealing with problematic guests, including those who smoke marijuana or leave behind fleas. The story also emphasizes the beautiful moments and the ups and downs of hosting.

Airbnb is deploying anti-party technology for Memorial Day weekend to curb disruptive behavior at rentals. This initiative aims to maintain property safety and reduce complaints, potentially improving the overall guest experience. The anti-party tech is a proactive measure to manage risk and enforce house rules, critical for hosts managing properties during high-demand periods.

This article announces an upcoming, undisclosed 'game-changing feature' for Australian Airbnb hosts. The feature's potential impact is significant, promising to alter how hosts operate. Further details are needed to understand the feature's scope and benefits fully.

This article discusses the travel industry's interest in AI agents and Airbnb's desire to control this technology. The shift suggests a potential transformation in how guests interact with booking platforms and manage their stays. Hosts should anticipate changes to guest communication and automation tools. This signals a future where AI may significantly influence the guest experience.

This article, from an Airbnb Platform source, discusses the use of AI. It explores how Airbnb is leveraging AI. The significance is the platform is looking at the technology to improve its platform.

Airbnb is implementing a new anti-party detection system for Memorial Day weekend to proactively prevent disruptive gatherings. This technology aims to identify and flag suspicious bookings, enhancing guest safety and neighborhood peace.

Airbnb is expanding into the hotel industry and enhancing its use of AI for host onboarding and customer support. This strategic move signifies Airbnb's ongoing evolution in the hospitality sector and its commitment to improving the host experience through technology. This expansion suggests a broader approach to lodging, potentially impacting both hosts and guests.