News

This article compares two property management systems (PMS) - Guesty and Uplisting - and highlights Hostfully as a strong alternative. It details feature differences, pricing models, and target audience for each, giving hosts insights into selecting the right software to manage their short-term rentals.

This article compares two property management systems (PMS), Lodgify and Uplisting, highlighting their features and target users. It then advocates for Hostfully as a better alternative, emphasizing its broad feature set, integrations, and customer service. Hosts should consider evaluating their current PMS and if they need more direct booking and marketing features, then Lodgify is best. If they prioritize automation and low costs, Uplisting is a good choice, but Hostfully may offer a wider range of services.

According to this article, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" tax code changes will likely cause STR markets to boom in 2026 and 2027 by allowing owners to write off 100% of the purchase price of eligible assets. Hosts should begin planning for depreciation before closing on properties and consult with their CPAs to maximize potential tax savings.

Digital twin technology, using AI to create 3D models of homes, is emerging as a tool to help hosts lower insurance costs in areas with high climate risks. Hosts can use these models to document improvements and potentially negotiate lower premiums. Consider using this technology as it gains prevalence.

Premier Pads, a fast-growing STR management company, acquired Hoste, a Colorado Springs-based vacation rental company, expanding its portfolio. This acquisition highlights the growing trend of consolidation in the STR management space. Hosts considering selling their management business might explore partnership opportunities with companies like Premier Pads.

This article profiles a successful STR host who built their business from one property to seven using OwnerRez. They emphasize the importance of automation features, particularly for managing guest communication, payments, and website hosting, to save time and focus on guest experience. Hosts can learn from her experience and consider automating tasks to scale their business.

This article from the BiggerPockets blog discusses four signs that indicate you're ready to buy a rental property, focusing on financial readiness, avoiding analysis paralysis, and niching down your strategy. Hosts should assess their personal finances, understanding cash flow and debt management, to determine if they're prepared to invest in real estate.

This BiggerPockets article discusses the practical limits of self-managing rental properties, including STRs. It explores when to hire a property manager, based on the number of units and the demands on your time. Hosts should evaluate their current management load and consider the benefits of outsourcing to free up time for asset management.

This article from The Short Term Shop argues that self-managing your STR is often the smarter move, as it saves on management fees and offers tax advantages. It outlines tools and systems for successful self-management, emphasizing the importance of building a reliable local team and automating guest communication, and explains the advantages of being involved in the process yourself.

An Airbnb host's attempt to control energy costs by locking the thermostat was thwarted by a simple guest workaround, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in current smart home setups. This article serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for hosts to anticipate guest creativity when implementing restrictive measures within their properties to maintain guest satisfaction. Learn more about smart home best practices.

Duluth, MN has placed a moratorium on issuing new short-term rental licenses. This means it may be difficult or impossible to start a new STR in Duluth. Hosts should check local regulations for updates.

The Aspen City Council has approved updates to short-term rental rules, but is pausing on the transfer of STR permits. Hosts in Aspen should stay informed about the new regulations.

A Richmond Hill couple faces challenges evicting an Airbnb guest who has refused to pay rent or leave the property. This highlights the potential legal complexities and financial risks hosts can face when dealing with problematic guests. Hosts must understand local laws and eviction processes to protect their investment and ensure guest compliance.

An Airbnb guest's refusal to check out or pay has left a couple in a difficult situation. This highlights the potential risks of hosting, including financial loss and the need for effective dispute resolution. Hosts should familiarize themselves with Airbnb's policies and have a plan for handling problematic guests to protect their income.

This article from the Columbus Commercial Dispatch answers questions regarding a new short-term rental ordinance in Columbus. Hosts operating in Columbus should review the new regulations to ensure compliance.

Kansas City is expecting increased demand for short-term rentals during the World Cup. Local residents are encouraged to learn how to host to meet this demand. This presents an opportunity for hosts to increase occupancy and revenue.

Bar Harbor, Maine, has updated its short-term rental rules, streamlining the inspection process. Hosts in Bar Harbor should familiarize themselves with these new regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues.

Sonder, a major tech-enabled hospitality startup, abruptly shut down operations, impacting guests and employees. The collapse highlights the risks of master-lease models and over-reliance on venture capital in the STR space. Hosts should understand the financial fragility of such models and consider the potential impact on their businesses.