News
Stay updated with the latest STR industry news and regulations

TikTok is selling a portion of its U.S. operation to American investors, potentially impacting how travel brands, and by extension, STR hosts, market their listings. This shift may alter the algorithms and discovery on the platform, affecting reach and visibility for your listings, so keep an eye on marketing trends.
Watauga, TX, is now requiring short-term rental registration. Hosts in Watauga need to register their properties to remain compliant.

This article discusses Disney's investment in AI and its potential impact on their travel business, including parks and cruises. While not directly about STRs, it highlights the growing importance of AI in travel, which could influence future guest experiences and operational efficiency in the hospitality industry. Hosts should pay attention to how AI is used in the travel sector, as these technologies may eventually become relevant to STR operations.
This article discusses a framework for multifamily investors to review their financial performance, operational health, and market position quarterly. While not directly targeted at STR hosts, the emphasis on market data and understanding local conditions, especially using tools like WDSuite, offers valuable insights into making informed decisions about pricing, occupancy, and property valuation in the short-term rental market.
This article emphasizes the importance of understanding hyperlocal real estate markets for STR success, moving beyond city-level analysis. It outlines three market personalities (appreciation, cash flow, and hybrid) and provides actionable steps for evaluating markets based on factors like DOM, price-to-rent ratio, and local wages, helping hosts make informed decisions about their investments and strategies.
Lisbon, Portugal is easing short-term rental restrictions to improve housing affordability and support sustainable tourism. This change may impact how hosts operate in Lisbon, potentially opening up new opportunities or requiring adjustments to comply with the new regulations.
Lisbon overturned short-term rental rules because they failed to reduce housing costs. Hosts in Lisbon should monitor local regulations and consider how future policy changes might impact their STR business.
Deckard Technologies' research revealed widespread noncompliance with short-term rental regulations, leading to governments recovering millions in tax revenue. Hosts should review local regulations and ensure compliance to avoid penalties. Consider using tools to monitor and manage your properties' compliance status.
This week's news highlights changes in STR regulations, including Lisbon rolling back restrictions, Spain fining Airbnb, and Maui finalizing a vacation rental phase-out. Hosts should stay informed about these evolving regulations and their potential impact on their businesses.
A top real estate agent in Manhattan is rejoining Douglas Elliman. While not directly about STRs, understanding market trends and the luxury market can inform hosts about pricing and potential opportunities in their area. No direct action needed, but observe the market.
This article provides a 90-day action plan for new investors looking to purchase a rental property, breaking down the process into manageable steps from market selection to closing. Hosts should use this as a guide to avoid analysis paralysis and navigate the complexities of purchasing a rental, focusing on structured steps to make the process more manageable.
This article from BiggerPockets discusses the importance of forming an LLC when renovating your short-term rental property. It explains how an LLC can protect your personal assets from liability claims arising from renovation work, such as contractor injuries or property damage. Hosts should consider forming an LLC to mitigate risk and protect their personal finances, especially when managing renovations themselves.
According to Realtor.com's 2026 forecast, emerging markets in the Northeast and Midwest, such as Hartford, CT and Rochester, NY, are projected to have strong real estate growth, offering potential for landlords due to affordability compared to rental income. Hosts should research these markets for potential investment opportunities, but also conduct thorough due diligence and manage expectations, as the market is not without its risks. Consider consulting local experts and underwriting deals for cash flow, not hype.
This article discusses the ongoing debate in Santa Barbara regarding short-term rentals, focusing on neighborhood noise and housing concerns. Hosts in Santa Barbara should monitor local regulations as these issues could lead to new restrictions.

This article discusses the trend of travel brands becoming less distinctive and more generic. While not directly about STRs, it highlights the importance of creating a unique brand identity and guest experience to stand out in a competitive market.

The rapid growth of AI and data centers is putting a strain on the renewable energy supply, which could lead to increased energy prices. This could indirectly impact STR hosts by affecting the cost and availability of resources necessary for operations, as well as influencing overall economic conditions.
This article discusses the shift in homeowner search behavior towards AI, which necessitates adaptation from vacation rental managers. Hosts need to stay informed on AI-driven tools to effectively manage their listings and stay competitive.
Lisbon overturned short-term rental rules because they failed to reduce housing costs. Hosts in Lisbon should monitor local regulations and anticipate potential policy shifts related to STRs. This situation highlights the importance of staying informed about and adapting to changing regulatory landscapes.
A recent study of Airbnb listings reveals that poor listing quality significantly impacts visibility, guest trust, and ultimately, revenue, even in professionally managed portfolios. Hosts should prioritize clear and consistent listing content across photos, descriptions, and amenities to improve their ranking and booking conversion. Consider the Listing Optimizer tool for identifying content gaps.

This article discusses the "hotelization" trend in commercial real estate, where office spaces are designed with hotel-like amenities and services. The HQ by Rove concept in Dubai is highlighted as a model that integrates hospitality principles into workspaces, offering flexibility, wellness-focused design, and community-building features. Hosts can consider this as a source of design/amenity inspiration and a signal of changing guest expectations.