STR News.

Hochatown, OK, is suing Airbnb, alleging the platform has misdirected tax revenue intended for the town to neighboring Broken Bow. This legal action highlights ongoing disputes over tax collection and distribution in popular STR destinations.

Hopkins City Council voted to deny a proposed ordinance change that would have allowed short-term rentals in neighborhood zones. This decision maintains existing restrictions and impacts hosts hoping to operate STRs within residential areas.

Small European Airbnb hosts face higher effective fees than advertised. The 15.5% stated Airbnb fee can actually reach 18.4%-19.1% due to VAT calculations, impacting profitability. Understanding this VAT mechanism is crucial for accurate financial planning.

Airbnb's 15.5% fee can be up to 23% for non-VAT registered hosts in Europe due to VAT on service fees. This impacts payout calculations and competitiveness. Hosts must understand their VAT status to price effectively.

Municipal District (MD) land use bylaw updates in Lac des Arcs now permit short-term rentals, marking a shift in local regulations. This change allows homeowners in the area to operate STRs, potentially impacting the local housing market and tourism.

iGMS and Safely have partnered to offer integrated insurance and enhanced risk management solutions for short-term rental hosts. This collaboration aims to streamline host operations and provide greater peace of mind.

Airbnb's French strategy focuses on rural revitalization and national heritage, leveraging the Tour de France and "paid vacations" anniversary. This approach aims to build social license and increase rural supply in France, Airbnb's second-largest market.

A Utah family discovered a distressing photo in their California Airbnb, raising guest privacy concerns. This incident highlights the critical need for hosts to ensure thorough pre-rental inspections and secure personal items.

New short-term rental policies are emerging in Porto and Aspen, alongside an EU resolution. PriceLabs is tracking these regulatory shifts, which will impact hosts globally. Stay informed on compliance requirements and market changes to adapt your hosting strategy.

Porto now has direct Airbnb data integration, and Pitkin County's STR supply has dropped 29% due to non-transferability rules. The EU is shifting towards tourist dispersal to combat overtourism.

Sustainable holiday home bookings in Europe have more than doubled since 2020, reaching 29.5% in 2025. Italy leads with 40.1% sustainable bookings, driven by growth in solar panels and recycling. This trend reflects increased homeowner investment in eco-friendly features.

Decatur is exploring ways to increase hotel tax revenue, signaling potential interest in taxing STRs. While specific proposals are pending, cities often look to STRs as a new revenue source. Hosts should monitor local discussions for potential regulatory changes.

Escapia, Expedia Group's property management software, has appointed Joel Schoen as General Manager. Schoen's experience aims to drive platform modernization and user experience improvements for vacation rental operators.

Interhome reports a significant surge in bookings for sustainable holiday homes across key European markets this summer, more than doubling previous figures. This trend highlights growing guest demand for eco-conscious travel options.

This article emphasizes the critical role of customer service skills in the Airbnb business. It highlights that excellent communication and problem-solving can significantly boost guest satisfaction, leading to better reviews and repeat bookings, which are vital for host success.

Folly Beach City Council is actively scrutinizing its short-term rental ordinance. This ongoing review suggests potential changes to local STR regulations. Hosts should monitor Folly Beach's legislative proceedings for updates that could impact their operations.

A lake community near Jackson has delayed a vote on short-term rentals following legal counsel's involvement. This delay indicates potential regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges for STRs in the area.

A recent survey highlights that 85% of Malaysians highly value respectful homestay guests, indicating a strong guest expectation for considerate behavior. This underscores the importance for hosts to clearly communicate house rules and for guests to adhere to them for a positive experience.

A family's recent Airbnb stay in Oceanside took a bizarre turn when they discovered a personal photograph of themselves already hanging inside the rental. This incident raises questions about guest privacy and the unexpected personal items hosts may leave behind, highlighting potential issues for future guests.

Listing quality, not just price, drives STR demand. Poorly described amenities cause lost bookings. Tools like Beyond's Listing Lens and VayKLife help optimize listings to showcase guest experiences and boost revenue.

A federal court has upheld Hood River's short-term rental ordinance, solidifying local regulations on STRs. This decision impacts hosts by confirming the enforceability of local rules, setting a precedent for other municipalities.

UK hosts can choose from various Airbnb management companies, each with different commission rates, coverage, and included services. Understanding these options is crucial for maximizing profitability and reducing operational burden.

Capital firms face scrutiny over STR regulations. One side argues for 'separate markets,' while others raise 'encroachment concerns.' This highlights an ongoing debate about institutional investment in the short-term rental sector.

Gunfire erupted at a Dallas short-term rental party, prompting neighbor complaints and police response. This incident highlights potential issues with guest behavior and community impact, urging hosts to prioritize safety and compliance.