STR News.

CDC issues guidance for vacation rental owners on reducing Legionella risks, emphasizing water system maintenance. Hosts should flush water systems in infrequently used units to prevent bacterial growth and protect guest health.

Hazel Park has paused new short-term rental license applications following a fatal shooting at a licensed property. This decision highlights the potential risks associated with STRs and underscores the need for strict regulatory oversight.

Airbnb hosts are urging the City Council to reject a proposed short-term rental tax. The tax aims to generate revenue but hosts argue it could negatively impact their businesses and the local tourism economy.

Women influence 82% of travel decisions, yet the industry often uses lazy demographics like 'women 35-54' instead of true strategy. This approach misses the mark on understanding traveler preferences.

Hazel Park has enacted a moratorium on new short-term rental licenses following a fatal shooting. This decision highlights the growing concerns and regulatory responses to STRs driven by safety incidents, potentially impacting future STR development in the area.

Expedia's ad strategy targets travelers who have already booked, offering a unique advantage over competitors like Google and Meta. This 'real bookings, not intent' approach aims to capture high-intent customers for ancillary products.

Companies in Brussels face a €28,000 fine for operating Airbnb rentals without the necessary licenses. This ruling emphasizes the strict regulatory environment for STR hosts in European cities and highlights the importance of compliance.

Airbnb invests $550,000 CAD in soccer infrastructure across four Ontario communities for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ legacy. This initiative aims to benefit local tourism and showcase Ontario culture, extending tournament reach beyond the pitch.

The Times reports that Airbnb is being urged to intensify its crackdown on 'out of control' short-term rentals in London's West End. This follows concerns about the impact of unregulated STRs on local communities and housing availability in popular urban areas.

Hazel Park has implemented a 6-month moratorium on new short-term rental licenses. This temporary halt aims to allow the city to review and potentially revise its STR regulations. Hosts in or looking to operate in Hazel Park should be aware of this development.

Airbnb is expanding its offerings beyond private homes to include hotels, signaling a significant shift in its business model. This "everything app" bet aims to capture a broader travel market and increase user engagement on the platform.

Marriott's VP of Data reveals their AI strategy hinges on a connected 'intelligence layer' for 9,900 properties. This foundational approach makes new AI tools smarter and integration cheaper, unlike siloed 'point solutions' that accumulate technical debt.

Rockingham County, VA, has opened applications for short-term rental permits. This marks a significant regulatory step, requiring hosts to obtain official permission to operate legally within the county. Hosts should verify specific requirements to ensure compliance.

OwnerRez co-founders discuss the "feel" of software in vacation rentals. Key insights include balancing simplicity with features, the importance of pruning, and designing layered experiences for new and veteran users. This approach refines the user experience to be intuitive and often goes unnoticed, improving product usability over time.

Guesty has launched an AI agent platform to streamline short-term rental operations. This new tool aims to automate tasks and enhance efficiency for hosts managing multiple properties.

Guesty launches 'Agent Center', an AI system for STR operations. It automates tasks in revenue, guest communication, and more, enabling operators to scale portfolios without proportional headcount growth. The platform also introduces MCP server for external AI integration.

Guesty is launching an AI-powered Property Management System (PMS) featuring coordinated AI agents. This 'Agentic Revolution' aims to automate complex tasks and enhance operational efficiency for STR hosts.

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.

SCALE UK is hosting its annual event this June 9-10 in Brighton, featuring a debut SCALE With AI show. The AI event offers practical insights into leveraging AI for STR businesses, including guest communication and discovery tools. The main conference covers diversification, branding, tech stacks, and regulation.

An Airbnb host is suing a US startup for allegedly using their rental property to test a humanoid robot without permission, raising concerns about host privacy and property usage. This highlights potential risks of unauthorized activities in STRs.

Hundreds of San Diego County vacation rental owners are evading taxes, costing the county an estimated $10 million annually. This widespread non-compliance highlights significant revenue leakage and potential enforcement challenges for local authorities.

Airbnb is expanding its offerings to include FIFA World Cup Experiences and boutique hotels, alongside new travel services. This move aims to diversify its portfolio beyond traditional STRs and cater to a broader range of travelers.

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.

Airbnb hosts are receiving tax notices due to income discrepancies, indicating increased scrutiny from tax authorities. Hosts must ensure accurate reporting to avoid penalties. This highlights the growing importance of diligent financial record-keeping in the STR industry.