STR News.

A vacation rental startup founded by former Airbnb employees has secured $18 million in Series A funding. This investment suggests growing investor interest in the STR market. Hosts should pay attention to new companies and technologies that emerge from this funding as they could provide opportunities.

Airbnb's 2023 Winter Release introduces features aimed at increasing guest value and host competition. The platform is enhancing search and discovery, potentially leading to more bookings but also increased market pressure for hosts.

New evidence suggests banning Airbnbs can lower rental prices. A study indicates a correlation between STR bans and decreased rent in affected areas. This impacts housing affordability and potentially the STR market itself.

Airbnb's introduction of Guest Favorites suggests a shift in how the platform highlights popular listings. This update aims to help guests easily identify and book highly-rated properties. Hosts may benefit from understanding how the Guest Favorites program works and optimizing their listings to gain this distinction.

Airbnb's Winter Release introduces Guest Favorites, a curated collection of 2 million of the most-loved homes on the platform. This update highlights properties based on guest reviews, potentially increasing visibility for high-performing listings. Hosts should assess their listing's performance and consider strategies to achieve Guest Favorite status.

Airbnb's November 2023 release introduces 'Guest Favourites,' a new feature designed to highlight highly-rated listings. This update aims to help guests identify top-quality stays easily and improve host visibility. It's an opportunity for hosts to enhance their listings and leverage positive guest reviews.

This article discusses what has happened to Airbnb. Hosts should care about understanding platform changes and their impact on the market. Review the article to stay informed about industry trends.

An Airbnb guest stayed in a property rent-free for 575 days, highlighting the potential risks of problematic tenants. Hosts should carefully screen guests and understand local landlord-tenant laws to protect their properties.

This article discusses a legal dispute where a guest stayed in a Brentwood Airbnb for 570 days without paying rent. Hosts should review their local regulations and contracts to ensure they are protected from similar situations, particularly regarding tenant rights and long-term stays.

This article discusses a problem guest who lived rent-free in a property. While not explicitly STR related, it highlights the potential risks of tenant-related issues. Hosts should be aware of tenant screening, lease agreements and legal protections.

This article details a "tenant from hell" who overstayed their welcome in an Airbnb for nearly two years. While this situation is extreme, it highlights the potential risks hosts face from problematic guests and the importance of having proper legal protections in place.

This article discusses a tenant in Los Angeles who stayed in an Airbnb rental for over 500 days without paying rent. Hosts should be aware of the potential risks of long-term stays on their short-term rental and the importance of thorough tenant screening.

This article discusses a tenant who stayed in a Los Angeles home for 570 days before leaving. For hosts, understanding tenant-related legalities and potential conflicts is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring compliance. Review your lease agreements and local regulations to clarify expectations.

This article discusses the use of artificial intelligence to identify and crack down on party houses in Anna Maria, FL. Hosts should be aware that AI is being utilized to monitor their properties, potentially impacting their ability to host if they are found to be in violation of local regulations.

This podcast episode recaps the VRMA (Vacation Rental Managers Association) conference in Orlando, highlighting the large attendance growth and positive outlook for the industry. Hosts can learn from the experiences of other managers and the value of networking and staying updated on industry tech.

This article discusses key takeaways from the VRMA Orlando conference, including guest experience, AI tools, and hotel lobbyist challenges. It also promotes several episodes of the "Get Paid For Your Pad" podcast discussing revenue management, CEO strategies, and comparing hotel versus short-term rental revenue management. Hosts should consider the insights shared about revenue management routines and CEO focus.

This podcast episode discusses findings from an analysis of 1.49 million Airbnb searches across 29,000 properties, revealing insights into ranking factors. Key takeaways include the importance of Instant Book and Superhost status for visibility on the platform.

This article discusses insights into Airbnb listing strategies based on a study of 29,000 properties. It highlights the importance of high-quality photos, suggests that strict cancellation policies don't necessarily hurt ranking, and reveals that later check-in times (4 pm) and earlier check-out times (10 am) are common among top-ranking properties. It also challenges the assumption that allowing pets boosts ranking. Hosts should consider these findings to optimize their listings and improve their Airbnb ranking.

Property owners in Breckenridge, Colorado are suing the town in an attempt to invalidate the existing short-term rental regulations. This legal action could impact the ability to operate short-term rentals within Breckenridge. Hosts in Breckenridge should stay informed of the lawsuit's progress and potential outcomes.

This article discusses Airbnb's vision to transform its app into a comprehensive travel agent. Hosts should stay informed about platform updates, as these changes could impact how they manage listings and guest experiences.

Airbnb highlights the achievements of its top hosts in Africa, recognizing their exceptional hospitality and contributions to the platform. This spotlight showcases diverse hosting styles and successful strategies implemented across the continent. Discover the innovative approaches these hosts have used to excel and what factors contributed to their outstanding guest experiences.

Landlords in New York City are suing Airbnb and tenants, claiming they are violating new home-sharing restrictions. Hosts in NYC should familiarize themselves with local regulations to avoid legal action and potential fines.

Columbia, Missouri is proposing new regulations on short-term rentals listed on Airbnb and VRBO. The city is seeking public input on the proposed regulations, and this is an opportunity for local hosts to voice their concerns or support. These changes could impact existing and future STR operations within Columbia.

A VRBO host reported guests trashed their property after hosting a large Halloween party. This incident highlights the risks of unregistered events and the importance of enforcing house rules to prevent property damage and ensure guest accountability.