STR News.

An Ontario woman's family vacation was 'ruined' by a 'filthy' cottage booked through Vrbo. The incident highlights the critical importance of property cleanliness and guest experience management in the STR industry.

Toronto is implementing stricter regulations on short-term rentals, mirroring actions taken by New York and Los Angeles. This crackdown aims to address skyrocketing Airbnb and Vrbo rates and implement traveler protection measures, particularly for international guests.

Airbnb and Vrbo guests are facing unexpected issues with bookings, leading to potential rights disputes. Hosts need to be aware of their responsibilities and guest expectations to avoid blindsiding travelers this summer.

A new report indicates 35% of Airbnb and VRBO rentals in Philadelphia are operating without the correct licensing. This highlights a significant compliance issue for hosts in the city and underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to local STR regulations.

Listing on multiple short-term rental sites is crucial for hosts in 2026, as platform shutdowns like FlipKey and Sonder show the risk of single-channel dependence. Diversification protects against calendar gaps and can boost revenue.

FlipKey, a former vacation rental platform owned by Tripadvisor, shut down its booking operations on November 1, 2024. Hosts are advised to diversify listings across multiple active platforms, as relying on a single channel carries significant risk. Key alternatives include Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Furnished Finder for mid-term stays.

Major booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo are shifting from commission-based visibility to paid advertising models. This 'Retail Media Network' approach puts financial risk on hosts, impacting profitability and distribution strategies. Understand the implications for your STR business.

Major OTAs like Airbnb, Booking, and Vrbo are now selling visibility, impacting how listings appear in search results. This shift suggests a move towards a more paid-search model for hosts aiming for top placement.

Vrbo's new sponsored listing program may impact visibility for Premier Hosts. Hosts are concerned about potential dilution of organic search rankings and increased competition, especially for those who have invested in maintaining their Premier Host status. This shift could necessitate adjustments in marketing strategies and budget allocation to maintain bookings.

Vrbo is piloting sponsored listings, shifting from organic rewards to pay-to-play. This change, following stricter Premier Host criteria in Jan 2026, means paid placements will push organic results down, potentially devaluing earned visibility.

Vrbo pilots sponsored listings, Airbnb tests an extended cancellation option, and Glendale, WI, enacts new STR rules including a 7-day minimum stay. Learn about these evolving platform features and regulations.

A Massachusetts family lost $12,000 on a Vrbo booking after a state of emergency was declared in Hawaii, impacting their vacation plans and finances. This highlights the financial risks associated with travel disruptions in popular destinations.

East Rochester village has implemented a new short-term rental registry, requiring hosts to register their Airbnb and VRBO properties. This move aims to bring transparency and oversight to the STR market within the village.

A Massachusetts family lost $12,000 after severe weather forced them to cancel a Vrbo rental in Hawaii. This highlights the financial risks associated with weather-related travel disruptions and the importance of cancellation policies.

Vrbo has introduced sponsored listings, allowing hosts to pay for increased visibility on the platform. This new feature aims to help hosts stand out in competitive markets and potentially boost bookings. Hosts should explore this option to enhance their listing's reach.

Vrbo is piloting sponsored listings, allowing hosts to pay for increased visibility, aiming to boost bookings similar to past promotional strategies. This move signals a growing trend in OTA marketing.

Vrbo is introducing sponsored listings, allowing hosts to pay for increased visibility on the platform. This feature is expected to roll out with potential placements on Expedia.com in the future, impacting how hosts gain visibility and attract bookings.

Richmond officials are unable to identify who paid $5.6 million in outstanding Airbnb and Vrbo taxes. This lack of transparency raises concerns about tax collection and compliance for STR hosts in the area.

Scammers are creating fake rental listings on Airbnb and VRBO, targeting summer travelers. These fraudulent listings often use stolen photos and pricing, leading to financial loss and disappointment. Hosts should be aware of this growing threat and take precautions.

A traveler faced an inaccessible VRBO rental, highlighting the importance of robust support. VRBOCare intervened to resolve the issue, showcasing the value of platform-provided assistance in challenging guest situations.

A Vrbo guest faced an access issue with their rental, highlighting the importance of swift support. VrboCare intervened, resolving the lock-out problem. This incident underscores the need for robust guest support systems and clear communication channels for hosts and guests.

Hudson officials have postponed a decision on new regulations for STR platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, citing the need for further analysis. This delay allows more time to understand the full impact of potential rules on hosts and the community.

OwnerRez rolled out significant May updates: Passkey sign-in, a redesigned guest payment form, and new listing discounts for Airbnb/Vrbo (20%, auto-disabled). Notifications for OwnerRez-powered locks (Schlage, igloohome, Hubitat) are now available, including low battery alerts.

Bakersfield is considering new regulations for Airbnb and Vrbo properties, including a potential permit requirement. These stronger rules aim to address concerns surrounding short-term rentals, potentially impacting hosts operating in the city.