News
Stay updated with the latest STR industry news and regulations
The 2026 Workforce Wake-Up Call: How Engagement and Retention Will Define Business Success
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.
Why Debt Funds May Be the Millionaire Shortcut You’re Overlooking
This article from BiggerPockets discusses the potential of debt funds as an investment strategy, particularly for building wealth and generating predictable income. It outlines a 'Wealth Compounding Plan' and suggests that hosts could use debt funds to stabilize income and provide a foundation for other investments. While not directly about STRs, hosts could use the concepts to diversify their investment portfolios.
Zillow Faces a New Major Lawsuit Over an Alleged Monopoly
Zillow is facing lawsuits over alleged anti-competitive practices in the rental market, potentially leading to increased advertising costs for property managers, which could then increase rental costs for guests. Hosts should be aware of these market dynamics and consider alternative marketing strategies to avoid dependency on a single platform.
AI Could Take Your Job, But It Can’t Take Your Real Estate
This article from BiggerPockets discusses the potential impact of AI on various jobs and highlights real estate as a way to safeguard income. It suggests that owning assets like real estate can provide financial security in an uncertain economic landscape. Hosts can consider real estate as a hedge against potential job displacement by AI.
This is How “Hard Money” Loans Work (Banks for Investors) (Rookie Reply)
This BiggerPockets article discusses hard money loans for real estate investors, offering insights into loan terms and strategies for making offers more competitive. Hosts can learn about how hard money lenders operate and what factors can make their offers more attractive when buying a property. The article also touches on the importance of asking the right questions of lenders.
Near Death Valley National Park, a vacation rental owner is out $250,000 because of new rules - SFGATE
A vacation rental owner near Death Valley National Park lost $250,000 due to new regulations. This highlights the financial risks associated with regulatory changes in the STR industry, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and compliant with local laws.
RealTimeRental Assembles Industry Veterans to Drive Innovation in NewEra of Vacation Rental Technology - VRM Intel
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.
Vacation rental re-registrations could cost owners thousands - Aloha State Daily
This article warns that vacation rental owners may face significant costs due to re-registration requirements. Hosts should investigate local regulations and prepare for potential fees to avoid penalties.
Vista reports surge in short-term rental registrations, tax revenue - The Coast News Group
This article reports on a surge in short-term rental registrations and tax revenue in Vista. Hosts in Vista should be aware of this trend and may want to evaluate their business performance in light of these changes.
This Housing Correction Could Last Years
This article discusses a housing correction, defining it as a period of slower growth and modest price declines, contrasting it with a crash. Hosts should understand the difference between nominal and real prices, and adjust investment strategies accordingly, as the market cools down.
Short-term rental regulation confusion: Here’s how one town cleared it up - The Berkshire Eagle
This article discusses how one town clarified its short-term rental regulations. Hosts should stay informed about their local regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties. Review your local ordinances to understand the specific rules for STRs in your area.
Duluth’s vacation rental boom prompts call for licensing freeze - Northern News Now
Duluth, MN is considering a licensing freeze for short-term rentals due to a boom in vacation rentals. This could impact your ability to operate or expand your STR business in Duluth. Hosts should monitor local news for updates and understand potential regulatory changes.
Passive Real Estate Investments Can Be Risky—These are the Red and Green Flags to Look For
This article from BiggerPockets discusses the risks of passive real estate investments and how to identify red flags. For STR hosts considering investing in real estate, understanding these risks and looking for positive indicators can help make informed decisions. Pay close attention to debt terms, expertise of the operator, and market conditions to avoid potential pitfalls.
Foreclosure Starts Are Up in Key States—What Do Early-Stage Filings Mean For Investors?
Foreclosure filings are up in several states, including Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina. This increase could indicate more distressed properties available for acquisition, potentially offering below-market opportunities for hosts. Consider tracking foreclosure data in your area to identify potential investment opportunities.
America’s Renters Are Constantly on the Move—Here’s How Landlords Can Keep Them Longer
Tenant churn is high, with nearly 40% of renters moving within two years. To retain tenants, hosts should consider offering flexible renewal incentives and investing in the tenant experience through property upgrades and responsive maintenance, as this can translate to longer stays and reduced costs.
10 Things You NEED as a DIY Landlord (Self-Managing Rentals)
This article from BiggerPockets discusses 10 essential tools for DIY landlords, emphasizing the importance of property management software, vendor lists, and project management systems. Hosts should consider adopting these tools to streamline operations, improve guest communication, and scale their businesses, while also highlighting the importance of avoiding the common mistake of thinking managing a rental is simply collecting rent.
How Much Do You Need to Invest to Replace Your Income with Rentals?
This article discusses how to achieve financial freedom through real estate investing, with a focus on house hacking and buying cash-flowing properties. It highlights the potential for achieving financial independence in 5-10 years, particularly in affordable markets. Hosts should consider aggressive investment strategies, like house hacking, to reach their financial goals faster.
Simpsonville approves updated short-term rental ordinance: City Council notes - Greenville Journal
The city of Simpsonville has updated its short-term rental ordinance. Hosts in Simpsonville should review the new regulations to ensure compliance.
Maui’s Vacation Rental Ban Just Cracked Wide Open - Beat of Hawaii
This article discusses a potential change in Maui's vacation rental ban. Hosts in Maui should stay informed about the evolving regulations to ensure compliance.
Ellicottville vacation rental company expands portfolio as vacation rental market heats up - The Business Journals
This article discusses the expansion of a vacation rental company's portfolio, indicating a growing market. Hosts should pay attention to market trends and potentially consider expanding their own portfolios or optimizing their listings to capitalize on increased demand.