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    LA City Council Approves Law Requiring STR Hosts to Get Police Permits

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 30
    The Los Angeles City Council approved a law that will require short-term rental (STR) hosts and hotel operators to obtain a police permit, in a bid to crack down on party houses and properties that draw illicit behavior.

    Maui Mayor Proposes Bill Amendment to Make STRS Available for Displaced Wildfire Survivors

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 30
    Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen submitted a bill to amend a section of the County Code in an effort to immediately increase the inventory of housing available to survivors of the August wildfires.

    Officials and Residents Discuss Future of Short-Term Rental Policy in Ithaca

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 29
    The City of Ithaca, New York, recently held an open house to inform residents about plans to implement legislation to boost short-term rental (STR) regulations. Residents who will be impacted by the legislation submitted comments during the open house.

    Fayetteville Short-Term Rental Ordinance Extended

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 29
    The City Council of Fayetteville, Arkansas, extended the sunset provision allowing short-term rentals (STRs) for another year. Allowing the STR of single-family homes is a complicated and controversial topic, city attorney Kit Williams said during debate on the ordinance.

    Rentals United Debuts Channelizer Tool

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 29
    Barcelona-based channel management solution Rentals United launched the Channelizer to help property managers discover the best channels for their properties.

    Paris Seeks Tougher Short-Term Rental Rules Ahead of Olympics

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 29
    Paris authorities said that they would seek tougher restrictions on short-term rentals in the run-up to the 2024 Summer Olympics. Currently in Paris, only main residences can be freely rented as furnished tourist accommodation.

    OYO to Add 500 Holiday Homes to Dubai Portfolio in 2024

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 29
    Indian hospitality chain OYO aims to add 500 holiday homes to its portfolio in Dubai in 2024.

    Why Stars Are Renting Out Their Homes for Dirt Cheap

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 29
    Celebrities including Martha Stewart, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Mariah Carey are putting their estates or penthouses up for short-term stays on rental sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

    Canada Tax Rule Curbs STR Deductions

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 22
    In a bid to boost housing availability, Canada on Tuesday introduced tax measures that would limit income tax deductions on short-term rentals (STRs).

    Mexico City Government Proposes Fresh Rental Legislation

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 21
    New legislation affecting digital short-term rental (STR) platforms was proposed by the government in Mexico City. The move comes as Martí Batres, the mayor of Mexico City, is seeking to require STR hosts to register their listings on an online database.

    Lawsuit Argues Santa Fe County Broke Law with Short-Term Rental Ban Extension

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 21
    A new lawsuit argues that Santa Fe County Commissioners broke New Mexico state law when they tried to extend a temporary ban on some short-term rentals.

    Airbnb Names Klain, former White House Chief of Staff, as Chief Legal Officer

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 21
    Airbnb has named Ron Klain as its chief legal officer. Klain was U.S. President Joe Biden’s chief of staff during his first two years in office.

    Minut and Partners Unveil Host Happy

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 21
    Minut, with its partners, unveiled the Host Happy platform, dedicated to delivering insights, sustainability tips, and interesting stories within the vacation rental industry.

    Deal on Improving Transparency in the EU Short-Term Rental Sector

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 21
    European Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on new rules on collection and data sharing on short-term rentals.

    Lodgify Appoints Chief AI Officer and New CTO

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 21
    Lodgify announced that co-founder Marco De Gregorio, who had served as chief technology officer (CTO) since the company’s inception in 2012, has been promoted to the first-time role of chief AI officer.

    Welcome to Hochatown, the Town Created by Airbnb

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 21
    The town of Hochatown in Oklahoma was created exactly one year ago, almost entirely thanks to Airbnb.

    VRMA 2023 Video: TRACK CEO Ryan Bailey

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    Ryan Bailey, CEO of TRACK Hospitality Software, speaks at the 2023 VRMA International Conference, discussing the company’s additions to its tech and distribution system, its strategy for growth over the coming years, and the key challenges and opportunities facing the global rental sector.

    Isle of Palms Residents Vote Against Limiting Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    Residents voted against a proposal to limit short-term rental licenses in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. The referendum was prompted by a petition signed by more than 30% of the city’s registered voters.

    Short-Term Rental Bylaw Proposals Defeated at Special Town Meeting in Nantucket

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    For the fourth straight town meeting, voters in Nantucket, Massachusetts, failed to find a consensus on how or whether to restrict short-term rentals, rejecting a pair of bylaw proposals.

    Dubai Sees Sharp Rise in Number of Holiday Homes

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    The number of registered holiday homes in Dubai increased by 45% year-on-year, according to property consultancy Asteco. The report noted that some residential units that were previously offered to tenants on annual contracts have transitioned into short-term rental properties.

    HomeToGo Unwraps Trending Destinations for Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    HomeToGo revealed its latest trend report, showing that more than half of U.S. travelers are planning visits to holiday markets and winter festivals.

    How Property Data Will Unlock AI and Shape Short-term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    Jeremy Gall, co-founder and CEO of Breezeway, writes that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the short-term rental industry has so far been "siloed." He says, "Think dynamic pricing algorithms, virtual assistants, chatbots and smart property automation.

    QIAS / Quality in Tourism Release STR Sustainability White Paper

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    Quality International Assessment Services (QIAS) / Quality in Tourism have released a global short-term rental sustainability white paper, revealing the findings from short-term rental industry associations and their initiatives to drive industry best practice for sustainability.

    VRMA 2023 Video: bnbfinder CEO Eric Goldreyer

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    Eric Goldreyer, CEO of bnbfinder, speaks at the 2023 VRMA International Conference about the customer painpoints that the company is looking to address and the key challenges and opportunities facing the global short-term rental sector.

    VRMA 2023 Video: Hostaway CEO Marcus Räder

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    Marcus Räder, co-founder and CEO of Hostaway, speaks at the 2023 VRMA International Conference. He discusses the company’s $175 million raise in May, what customers want most in the market, and key challenges and opportunities facing the global short-term rental sector.

    Expedia Group, Booking Come Together with “One Voice” to Support Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 15
    Executives from Booking.com and Expedia Group agree that now is the time for their companies and other stakeholders to come together to address the concerns about short-term rentals being surfaced by regulators and to collaborate to help the industry grow.

    Your Next Rental Host Could Be a Private Equity Firm

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    Private equity giant TPG has started buying single-family homes in Florida vacation markets, where it is renting them out nightly as alternatives to hotels and short-term rentals offered in platforms like Airbnb.

    Property Owners Sue Breckenridge in Effort to Invalidate Short-Term Rental Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    A nonprofit representing Colorado property owners has filed a lawsuit against the town of Breckenridge challenging ordinances that have set limits and imposed other regulations on the short-term rental market.

    Colorado Hears Arguments on Tax Hikes for Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    Colorado’s legislative committee on finance and oversight held a public hearing on Oct. 31 to discuss a proposed bill that will impact short-term rentals in the state.

    New Rules for Rentals Will Rein in Bad Actors, St. Louis Mayor Says

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones signed bills into law on Monday that will, among other things, ban single-night short-term rental stays and bring into force a new permitting system.

    Touch Stay Releases Guest Communication Study

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    Touch Sta released its Guest Communication Study, which compiled the findings from a company survey of 2,024 US adults who have stayed in vacation rentals.

    Vrbo and Jurny Join Forces to Automate Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    Hotel and short-term rental management platform Jurny integrated with vacation rental site Vrbo, allowing hosts to set up and manage listings on Vrbo’s site through Jurny’s centralized dashboard.

    The 10 Best Places to Buy a Vacation House in the U.S.: Evolve

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    Vacation rental company Evolve released its ranking of the best places to buy a vacation house, using a combination of proprietary and public data and three key metrics.

    RedAwning to Debut as an Accommodation Provider for Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    RedAwning announced a collaboration with Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt.

    US Second Home Sales Slide in Pandemic-era Vacation Hot Spots

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    U.S. vacation home sales have fallen by nearly three-quarters from their pace three years ago, data from mortgage services firm Optimal Blue show.

    Focus Is Now on Faster Growth Fueled by Years of Tech Work: Expedia’s Kern

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 8
    With its tech migration and OneKey launch accomplished, Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern said the company is now well positioned to drive even “faster and more profitable growth” in 2024.

    2023 VRMA International Conference Insights and Takeaways

    By: VRMA Administrator | Nov 2
    More than 2,600 professionals from the short-term/vacation rental industry gathered for the 2023 VRMA International Conference.

    Italy to Raise Taxes for Owners of Multiple Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    Italy plans to hike taxes on short-term rentals by people letting out more than one flat, according to a draft of the 2024 budget.

    Bangor Legalizes STRs With a List of Rules

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    Bangor, Maine, has set new rules to regulate the more than 130 short-term rentals that were previously operating illegally in the city.

    Alabama Supreme Court Sides With City of Auburn in Short-Term Rental Lawsuit

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    The Alabama Supreme Court sided with the city of Auburn on Friday in a lawsuit contesting the city's ordinance regulating short-term rentals.

    Michigan Homeowners Fight Short-Term Rental Ban Before Appeals Court

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    The City of New Buffalo, Michigan, violated property owners' constitutional rights when it required permits to rent their homes on a short-term basis and then ultimately banned the rentals outright, homeowners argued on Oct. 26 at the Sixth Circuit.

    Airbnb Says South African Host Revenue Is 25% Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    People who listed short-term rentals and vacation rentals in South Africa on Airbnb generated revenue of $211 million last year, a 25% increase from 2019. South Africa is Airbnb's major foothold in Africa, with nearly half of its listings across the continent located there.

    Google Vacation Rentals Adds Price Comparisons Four Years After Debut

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    Google Travel is starting to show booking links and nightly rates from multiple companies for each listing rather than from just one. The new feature enables travelers to compare prices from various vendors under the same listings rather than having to navigate to multiple websites.

    Airbnb Turns to AI to Help Prevent House Parties

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    Airbnb introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) powered software system to help prevent unwanted house parties.

    Shoulder Season Sees Boom for European STR Market

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    The latest monthly review of the European short-term rental market from AirDNA shows that September started the shoulder season with a 19.7% increase in demand and a 1.5% growth in occupancy compared to last year, as guests not limited by school holidays enjoyed traveling out of season.

    U.S. STR Industry Rebounds in September

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    AirDNA data show that autumn travel started strongly as September marked a notable uptick in the U.S. short-term rental market after a slower August.

    Vrbo Kicked Out ‘a Large Number’ of Hosts for Cancelling Guest Bookings

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 30
    Vrbo has recently cut ties with “a large number” of its vacation rental hosts who have cancelled too many guest bookings without valid reasons, according to Tim Rosolio, vice president of vacation rental partner success at Expedia Group.

    Canada Targets STR Platforms

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    Canada will take action in the coming weeks to ease a rental-unit shortage exacerbated by short-term rental (STR) platforms, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Oct. 17. Freeland said the government is examining options to ensure more STRs become available as long-term rentals.

    Bozeman Votes to Ban Some Short-Term Rentals, Grandfathers Others

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    The Bozeman, Montana, City Commission on Oct. 17 voted to increase restrictions on short-term rentals (STRs) listed on booking platforms.

    Tennessee Supreme Court Delivers Partial Win for STRs in Legal Disputes with HOAs

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    A Nashville doctor cannot rent his home in a lake resort community on sites short-term rental (STR) platforms, the Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled, even as it delivered a potential win for STRs in communities where homeowners associations (HOAs) limit properties to "residential" uses.

    St. Louis Lawmakers Pass Bills Regulating Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    St. Louis lawmakers have passed legislation to set up a citywide permit system for short-term rentals, which now goes to St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones for her signature. The move came after significant debate in the community, with some saying the rules didn't go far enough.

    Vacation Rental Markets Return to Pre-Pandemic Booking Trends, and Search Data Reveals Shifts in Demand

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    Beyond published its latest market trends report on the vacation rental industry.

    Air Miles Announces Vacation Rental Partnership With Expedia

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    Loyalty program operator Air Miles has announced an exclusive partnership for vacation rentals and hotels with Expedia Group as part of its newly launched travel booking platform. The partnership will allow Air Miles customers to access its 700,000 hotels and vacation rentals worldwide.

    HomeToGo Partners With GetYourGuide

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    HomeToGo is partnering with GetYourGuide to integrate experiences in its vacation rental marketplace.

    Expedia, Others Unite to Fight Fake Reviews

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    Major online firms, including Booking.com, Expedia, and Tripadvisor, have united to fight fake reviews, reports BBC News (Oct. 10, Vallance).

    Preventing a New Vacation Rental Listing From Being a Dud — AirDNA’s New Tool for Home Buyers

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    AirDNA has launched a feature to help home buyers and investors decide whether to list a home for short-term rent.

    Track Expands Hospitality Software Portfolio to Reduce Tech Footprint for Short-Term Rental Companies

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 25
    TravelNet Solutions (TNS) announced several enhancements and extensions to its flagship Track Property Management System.

    Madison County Eases Vacation Rental Regulations to Foster Tourism and Investments

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    Madison County, North Carolina, leaders are relaxing rules for vacation rental operators.to foster tourism and investments. Commissioners voted to approve changes to the county's land use ordinances.

    Turkish Rentals Face Tougher Rules

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    Turkey is preparing to impose stricter regulations on short-term rental (STRs). Under a bill submitted to Turkish Parliament by the governing AK Party, landlords would be required to obtain permits from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for STRs.

    B.C. Plans Strict New Short-Term Rental Rules

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    British Columbia, Canada, is proposing new rules to regulate short-term rentals (STRs), including requiring hosts to register with the province, giving municipalities the ability to raise fines for those that don’t, and creating a team to enforce the proposed legislation.

    The Top 20 U.S. States Where Investors Are Buying More Homes

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    Data show that investors are increasingly buying single-family homes, particularly in Sun Belt markets.

    Short-Term Rentals in Mexico City Skyrocket

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    The number of short-term rentals in Mexico City increased 17.5% since the start of this year. According to Inside Airbnb, entire homes for rent in Mexico City through Airbnb increased from 14,118 in January to 16,590 in October.

    Interview: Generative AI to Enhance Vacation Rental Software at Lodgify

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    In this interview, Lodgify co-founder and CEO Dennis Klett discussed how the vacation rental software company is implementing generative artificial intelligence (AI).

    Booking Adds Sustainability Badge for Short-Term Rentals Vetted by Sustonica

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    Sustonica, which evaluates and certifies short-term rentals based on sustainability criteria, has partnered with Booking.com to help bring more visibility to properties on its platform.

    HomeToGo Receives Best Customer Service in Vacation Rentals Award from Newsweek and Statista

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    HomeToGo SE announced it has been named to the America's Best Customer Service 2024 list by Newsweek and Statista. HomeToGo received the first place award in the vacation rentals category for its excellent guest relations.

    BabyQuip Joins Forces With Hostaway and Other Strategic Partners to Advance the Family Travel Industry

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    BabyQuip announced new partnerships across the travel sector and has launched a new Brand Partnership Program, forging strategic alliances with prominent brands within the baby and parenting sector.

    Rentals are Gaining Ground Over Hotels: AirDNA

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 18
    A new report from AirDNA and hotel data provider STR shows that short-term rentals (STRs) are closing the gap with hotels in the United States, especially in less populated areas.

    Neighborhood Group Sues to Overturn Lakeshore Township’s Short-Term Rental Ban

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    A group of more than 100 residents is suing Park Township, Michigan, for its newly enacted ban on short-term rentals in residential areas of the lakeshore community.

    Marco Island's Single-Family Home Rental Registration Program Tossed Out

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    Marco Island, Florida, single-family homeowners who rent their properties less than 30 days at a time no longer have to register with the city or be subject to the rules of an ordinance approved in 2022.

    St. Louis Aldermanic Panel Advances New Rules for Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    A St. Louis aldermanic committee on Oct. 3 endorsed a package of regulations on short-term rental units, moving the issue to the full Board of Aldermen after five years of discussion at City Hall.

    Dallas’ New Short-Term Rental Rules Unconstitutional, Lawsuit Alleges

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    A group of Dallas short-term rental (STR) operators is suing the city, arguing that new regulations banning STRs from single-family neighborhoods are unconstitutional and violate property rights.

    Beyond Confirms Official Integration With Airbnb

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    Beyond has announced its official integration with Airbnb. “To truly thrive and grow in today’s vacation rental market, hosts and property managers need access to the world’s leading revenue management technology," Beyond CEO Julie Brinkman said.

    New Tax Laws, Increased Enforcement Challenge Online Lodging Marketplaces

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    The recent spate of state and local tax regulations aimed at the lodging industry has short-term rental (STR) owners grappling with the complexities of compliance.

    Casago More Than Doubles Footprint in Two Years

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    Casago has revealed that it has more than doubled its territories across the United States and Mexico in the last two years.

    bnbfinder's Book Direct Approach Now Available for Professionally-Managed Vacation Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    bnbfinder, the book direct marketplace, announced today that professional property management companies can now list vacation rentals on its platform.

    Online Platforms Set New Monthly Records for Short-Term Stays in the EU

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    Online booking platforms continued to exceed pre-COVID levels in the European Union during the second quarter of 2023, data from Eurostat show, with reservations for short-term stays jumping 15.8% and setting new monthly records.

    Castle Hospitality Group Appoints Matt Bailey as President & CEO

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 10
    Castle Hospitality Group has selected Chief Operating Officer Matt Bailey to succeed Alan Mattson as president and CEO.

    As HOAs and Homeowners Spar Over STR Rules, Tennessee Supreme Court Will Weigh In

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    A Tennessee homeowner has taken a short-term rental (STR) dispute with his homeowners association (HOA) to the state's Supreme Court.

    NSW Approves 60-day Short-Term Holiday Rental Cap in Byron Bay

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    The Byron shire council has been given the green light by the New South Wales, Australia, government to cap short-stay rentals at 60 days per year in line with advice from the state’s independent planning tribunal.

    Richmond Places Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    Richmond, Virginia, has finalized its plan to address its short-term rental requirements. The decision comes after a months-long delegation from the city’s planning and zoning department ultimately ruled in favor of a dozen new regulations.

    Decision on New Orleans Short-Term Rental Law Faces Another Delay

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    A federal judge on Sept. 27 said he wanted more information on how short-term rentals (STRs) impact affordable housing and rent prices before ruling on the fate of New Orleans' latest rules governing the industry, putting off a decision in a lawsuit to early November.

    As HOAs and Homeowners Spar Over STR Rules, Tennessee Supreme Court Will Weigh In

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    A Tennessee homeowner has taken a short-term rental (STR) dispute with his homeowners association (HOA) to the state's Supreme Court.

    Wildfire Impacts Result in Decrease in Maui Vacation Rental Supply, Demand for August

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    The Maui wildfires that occurred in Lahaina on Aug. 8 led to many vacation rental units in West Maui becoming unavailable for the rest of August, resulting in dramatic decreases in unit night supply and unit night demand in the West Maui area.

    Airbnb and Ukraine Sign MoU to Support Post-war Tourism

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    Airbnb and the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support incoming tourism in the post-war period.

    Hyatt to Launch Vacation Rental Platform, Homes & Hideaways

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    Hyatt announced that it plans to launch a short-term vacation rental platform called Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt.

    Asian Vacation Rental Bookings Surge 84 Percent in a Year

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    Asian vacation rental bookings jumped 84 percent on 2022 pacing levels, according to global travel media startup Trip101.

    Minut Launches 24/7 Call Assist Service

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    Minut has launched Call Assist, a 24-hour service that enables operators to call guests to resolve noise issues in short-term rental properties. Call Assist will provide round-the-clock access to phone operators who will reach out to guests in case of excessive noise.

    Inspirato Names New CEO

    By: VRMA Administrator | Oct 4
    Inspirato has appointed Eric Grosse as its new CEO, A current board member, he will take over from Brent Handler, Inspirato’s founder and its CEO for the past 13 years. Grosse is a former president of Expedia Worldwide and was the co-founder and president of Hotwire.

    Rhode Island Panel Exploring Short-Term Rental Options

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    A state study commission held its first meeting on Sept. 20 to discuss potential further regulation of short-term rentals (STRs) in Rhode Island.

    Phoenix Cracks Down on Short-Term Rentals with New Ordinance

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    The Phoenix, Ariz., City Council on Sept. 20 voted to change the city code, allowing for additional regulations through a short-term rental (STR) permit process.

    Pittsburgh City Council Approves Legislation That Requires Rental Permits

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    The Pittsburgh City Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday to legislation that would require the owners of both short- and long-term rentals to obtain a permit from the city.

    Short Stay Industry Slams Victorian Holiday Rental Tax

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    A plan by the government of the Australian state of Victoria to tax short-term rentals has been confirmed by Premier Daniel Andrews. ON Sept. 20, Victoria became the first Australian state to tax short term renters, who will be hit with a 7.5 percent levy.

    Hostaway Names New CFO to Steer Next Growth Phrase

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    Hostaway has named Ashley Milton as CFO as it transitions to the next phase of its growth. Milton’s previous experience has included CFO roles at the Tellant Group, DAZN, Stats Perform, and WPP.

    Airbnb Says It’s Cracking Down on Fake Listings and Has Removed 59,000 of Them This Tear

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    Airbnb is using artificial intelligence (AI)to crack down on fraudulent listings. The company says it has removed 59,000 fake listings and prevented another 157,000 from joining the platform this year.

    Expedia Group’ EG Labs Will Let You Test New AI Products

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    Expedia Group is launching a new program called EG Labs to give consumers early access to tests for its Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo products.

    Buying a Second Home First Could Be the Answer

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    With mortgage rates and home prices rising, the share of houses purchased by investors nationally has remained relatively stable for two years, according to real estate analytics firm CoreLogic. Investors purchased 24 percent of all single-family houses in July 2021 and 26 percent in June 2023.

    HomeToGo Reveals Its 2023-2024 Autumn Winter Travel Forecast

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 26
    HomeToGo released its 2023/24 Autumn Winter Travel Forecast, revealing the trends that are shaping vacation plans for US and European travelers. About 72 percent of travelers surveyed are planning trips for this autumn and winter, compared to 55 percent in 2022/2023 survey.

    HomeToGo Appoints Thielmann as Chief Investment Director

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 20
    HomeToGo has appointed Bodo Thielmann as its first-ever chief investment director. He joins the company from his previous role as CEO of Destination Solutions GmbH [HRS Group], one of HomeToGo's partners.

    Bangor Is Getting Closer to Cementing Rules for Unregulated STRs

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 20
    Bangor, Maine, city councilors reviewed the latest version of the city’s proposed rules for short-term rentals (STRS) on September 18, nearly two months after city staff first proposed rules to the public.

    At Workshop on STRs in Augusta, Officials Say They're Not Posing a Problem

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 20
    The Augusta, Ga., Commission held a workshop on Sept. 18 on short-term rentals (STRs) and decided not to take action, as it saw no problems.

    Kansas City Short-Term Rental Fight Continues in Front of Zoning Board

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 19
    The legal fight for short-term rentals in Kansas City, Missouri, continued in front of the city's Board of Zoning Adjustment on Sept. 12, as a group of property owners and hosts voiced their opposition to the city's process of approval.

    Clark County’s Short-Term Rental Laws Challenged as Unconstitutional

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 19
    A non-profit legal group is challenging the constitutionality of Clark County’s (Nev.) laws on short-term rentals.

    New York City Cracked Down on Airbnb. What Happens Next?

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 19
    New regulations in New York City, which went into effect on September 5, mean as many as 10,800 listings for short-term rentals will likely no longer be available, according to a city estimate from the end of March.

    Vrbo Raises Guest Protection and Bolsters Premier Host Reputations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 19
    Vrbo has announced a series of new policies and program changes to enhance guest protection and bolster the reputations of its “premier” hosts.

    PriceLabs Unveils Breakthrough Release

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 19
    PriceLabs, a provider of revenue management solutions for the hospitality industry, has unveiled its Breakthrough Release.

    South Africa to Launch Short-Term Rental Register

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 19
    South Africa’s ministry of tourism and Airbnb have announced a partnership to regulate the country’s short-term rental industry. The initiative will include the introduction of a voluntary national registration system to help the South African government understand the rental business better.

    US STR Market Sees 17 Percent Revenue Drop

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 19
    The US short-term rental market saw a 17 percent decline in revenue per available rental (RevPAR) in June, July, and August, according to analysis by data provider Key Data.

    New Vacation Rental Law Will Help Keep Cancun Tourists Safe

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    New regulations are coming to vacation rentals in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, bringing vacation rental properties and the digital platforms that offer them in compliance with the State Tourism Law that hotels and resorts in the area must follow.

    New Orleans City Council to Potentially Ban Residential Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    The New Orleans City Council on Sept. 7 introduced new legislation that, if passed, would effectively ban all non-commercial short-term rentals in the city. This comes after an attorney filed a temporary restraining order against the council’s current short-term rental policy.

    Podcast: Why India Is a Priority Market for Airbnb

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    Overall nights booked on Airbnb in India increased by nearly 70 percent last year as compared to pre-pandemic levels, while domestic nights grew by 110 percent.

    Oyo India CEO and Europe Head Quit to Start Own Ventures

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    Ankit Gupta, the India CEO of hospitality technology platform Oyo, and Mandar Vaidya, the head of Oyo’s European operations, have departed the company.

    UQ Report Finds Little Evidence Short-Term Accommodation Causes Rental Rises

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    There is little evidence that short-term rental (STR) providers are to blame for worsening rental affordability in the Australian state of Queensland, according to a University of Queensland report commissioned by the Queensland government.

    AirDNA Launches 'Ultimate Platform Revamp'

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    AirDNA unveiled a new product designed to simplifying data access for all, including an intuitive platform and a subscription model tailored to user needs.

    Do STRs Make Housing Less Affordable in SLO County? New Study Says No

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    A new study on short-term rentals (STRs) in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, California, found that they are not responsible for driving up overall local rental rates and housing prices.

    Sonder Holdings Appoints Katherine Potter as General Counsel

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    Sonder Holdings announced has appointed Katherine Potter as general counsel. “Katie brings seasoned executive leadership to the Sonder team," said Francis Davidson, co-Founder and CEO of Sonder.

    Breezeway Becomes Official Airbnb Partner

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    Property maintenance and cleaning software platform Breezeway has become an official Airbnb Software Partner.

    SkyRun Sees Record Year of Growth

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 13
    Colorado-based SkyRun Vacation Rentals has recorded a record-breaking year of development since becoming a multi-location operation in 2009. Since the start of the year, the company has welcomed 13 new franchisees to its system, reflecting a 46 percent year-on-year rate of growth for the brand.

    Colorado Mountain Town Homeowners Fight Back Against Short-Term Rental Restrictions

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 7
    Property owners are fighting back in Colorado mountain communities after two years of local leaders vying to ease a shortage of worker housing by imposing new caps, regulations, and taxes on short-term rentals.

    Hosts Sue Burlington Over Short-Term Rental Rules

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 7
    Hosts of short-term rentals (STRs) that are now banned in Burlington, Vermont, are suing the city over an ordinance designed to crack down on their operations.

    Effort to Regulate Short-Term Rentals in Arizona Will Resume

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 7
    Stakeholders and lawmakers in Arizona say that they will renew efforts in the next legislative session to increase municipalities’ ability to restrict short-term rentals (STRs).

    New Orleans Short-Term Rental Upheaval Continues as Judge Blocks New Rules

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 7
    A federal judge ordered the city of New Orleans to temporarily halt enforcement of its new short-term rental rules, again upending the City Council's efforts to regulate the industry and allowing more than 900 homeowners to continue operating under permits that were set to expire.

    NYC Short-Term Rental Enforcer to Provide Early Reprieve From New Registration Rules

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 7
    A search on short-term rental platforms for stays in New York City after the Sept. 5 deadline mandating that local hosts be registered will still turn up numerous options that seemingly flout new rules.

    Neighbor Departs Inspirato Chief Strategy Officer Role

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 7
    Webster Neighbor, chief strategy officer and former chief financial officer (CFO) at luxury travel subscription brand Inspirato, has left the company.

    Low Demand Results in More Available Vacation Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 7
    There was a larger supply of vacation rentals in Hawaii in July compared with the same month in 2022, but demand and occupancy decreased, according to a report from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

    Short-Term Rental Crackdown Starts to Bite Some Hosts

    By: VRMA Administrator | Sep 7
    Legal and regulatory hurdles for people offering their homes for short-term rental are upending the industry and helping reshape the market. Property owners in some cases are pushing back in court, arguing the regulations violate their constitutional rights.

    Vienna to Tighten Short-Term Rental Rules Next Summer

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    As the number of visitors flocking to the Austrian capital of Vienna approaches pre-pandemic levels, the city is moving to exert tighter control over short-term rentals.

    Melbourne Moves Towards Limiting Short-Stay Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    The City of Melbourne Council on August 29 voted in-principle for new regulations on short-stay rental accommodation, including a days-per-year cap and an annual registration fee by February.

    Minut Integrates With Streamline for Smarter Management

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    Property monitoring company Minut has announced its integration with all-in-one vacation rental software Streamline.

    Battle Over Short-Term Lets as Licensing Deadline Nears

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    The Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association says nearly two-thirds of Scottish bed and breakfast owners are considering shutting their doors over restrictions on short-term lets (STLs), having urged First Minister Humza Yousaf to delay the rules.

    Short-Term Rental Owners Seek Halt to New Permitting Rules in New Orleans

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    Plaintiffs in a longstanding federal lawsuit against New Orleans over its short-term rental rules filed for a temporary restraining order in US District Court.

    Airbnb Sues Boulder Over Taxation of Guest 'Service Fee'

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    Airbnb is suing the city of Boulder, Colorado, arguing the service fee the platform charges to guests and hosts should not have been taxed in recent years.

    Honolulu Restores Limits Under Short-Term Rental Law

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    The City and County of Honolulu on Aug. 25 lifted its pause of a law mandating a 30-day minimum rental period on vacation rentals.

    Will New York's STR Rules Set Stricter Standard for Travel?

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    Sept. 5 marks the enforcement of new short-term rental (STR) rules in New York City that have already spurred thousands of Airbnb hosts to drop their listings, calling them “extreme and oppressive” and constituting a de facto ban against STRs.

    City Council Votes Against Short-Term Rental Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    The City Council of Albuquerque, New Mexico, opposed two short-term rental regulations on Aug. 21, one of which would have imposed a cap on the number of rentals in the city to 1,800, required a local manager to be on hand to respond to complaints and maintenance requests.

    Feel at Home but with the Comfort of a Hotel

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 30
    Owners of second homes who rent them during the holiday season or throughout the year must implement a system of controls to ensure profitability without falling prey to fraud.

    Texas Sues Booking Holdings For Not Disclosing Junk Fees Upfront

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 21
    The state of Texas filed a lawsuit against Booking Holdings, alleging that the travel technology company violates state law by marketing hotel rates in a deceptive manner because it does not include a variety of fees when it initially displays room prices.

    A New Ordinance Could Affect Short-Term Rentals in Albuquerque

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 21
    Albuquerque, N.M.'s council on Aug. 21 discussed a new ordinance co-sponsored by Tammy Fiebelkorn that could affect short-term rentals in the city.

    More Than 100 Summit County Homeowners Sue Over Crackdown on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 21
    A group of 101 homeowners in Summit County, Colo., filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court to overturn regulations on short-term rentals (STRs) that they allege are excessive and based on "fabricated" justifications by county commissioners.

    AI Insights: Generative AI to Vet Rental Homes

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 21
    Plum Guide CEO Doron Meyassed details the effect of generative artificial (AI) on rental homes and the travel industry, noting his company has been transitioning to mostly AI-led vetting.

    Savoring and Saving: Cooking on Vacation

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 21
    Travelers choosing short-term rental accommodations are increasingly opting to cook on vacation, with Vrbo noting that 65% of users surveyed in its 2023 travel trend report said equipment like barbecues, air fryers, and deluxe coffee machines were more important than destinations.

    Short-Term Rentals Bolster Oklahoma City's Housing Market, Bridging Gap for Travelers and Locals Alike

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 21
    The growing popularity of short-term rentals in Oklahoma City, Okla., is filling a gap for both travelers and locals.

    Americans Seeking a 'White Lotus' Experience Turn to High-End Villa Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 21
    Rental industry professionals say more Americans are renting rustic villas and similar high-end residences in Europe this year, with Oliver's Travels co-founder Oliver Bell attributing the trend to the pandemic.

    Hampton City Council Pauses Short-Term Rental Approvals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    The government of Hampton, Va., has paused approvals of short-term rental applications until at least November while it solicits legal guidance from the city attorney and further investigates the rentals' effect on residential neighborhoods.

    Short-Term Rental Hosts Push for Long-Term Changes in Denver

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    Short-term rental (STR) hosts are lobbying for changes to Denver, Colo.'s policies, with a key focus being the city's definition of a "primary residence."

    Short-Term Rental Lottery Has First Drawing in New Orleans

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    The first drawing of the short-term rental (STR) license lottery was held in New Orleans on the morning of Aug. 14, with the lottery made necessary by the passage of new STR laws after a federal judge deemed the old rules unconstitutional.

    Rentals United Launches AI-Powered Data Platform Elevate

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    Spain-based Rentals United has launched the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Elevate data platform, which enables property managers to access data to get the maximum value out of their listings.

    West Maui Hotels, Vacation Rentals Lead Housing Effort

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    More than 90% of housing for residents displaced by the wildfires in Maui is being provided by the island's lodging industry thus far.

    Coconino County's Short-Term Rental Ordinance Passes

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    The unincorporated parts of Coconino County, Ariz., will be subject to a short-term rental (STR) ordinance after the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on August 8 voted to approve a set of local regulations for STR owners.

    In STR Dispute in Tennessee Mountain Town, Neighbors Head to Court

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    A disagreement over short-term rentals in the Lone Mountain Shores neighborhood in New Tazewell, Tenn., has landed in court and split the community in two.

    Inspirato’s Profit Strategy: Prune Supply, Slash Prices, Strike Partnerships

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    Denver-based luxury hospitality brand Inspirato reported a consolidated net loss of $47 million in the second quarter. It's revenue, totaling $84 million, remained flat compared to last year.

    How Sonder Straddles the Hotel and Short-Term Rental Divide

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    Sonder is seeking to straddle the divide separating short-term rentals from hotels. It's a property manager or management company for a portfolio of properties that is 60 percent apartment-style units and 40 percent hotels.

    Honolulu Suspends Short-Term Rental Law to Aid Wildfire Survivors

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 16
    Honolulu on Friday suspended a law that mandates a 30–day minimum rental period on vacation rentals to accommodate Maui wildfire survivors in need of emergency housing. The suspension is effective immediately and will last through the end of this month, according to a press release.

    Airbnb Lawsuit to Block NYC Law on Short-Term Rentals Is Dismissed

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    A New York judge on Tuesday dismissed Airbnb's lawsuit against New York City over legislation it called a "de facto ban" against short-term rentals.

    Arizona Must Roll Back Ban on Regulating Short-Term Rentals, Gov. Hobbs Says

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    State lawmakers must revisit the 2016 law in which they stripped cities of their authority to regulate vacation rentals, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said in an interview about legislative priorities, citing a lack of affordable rentals for residents in cities like Sedona.

    Regulation Delays Frustrate Clark County Short-Term Rental Owners

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    Attempts to regulate short-term rentals in unincorporated Clark County, Nev., have faced several obstacles, including a judge ruling parts of the county’s proposed ordinance unconstitutional and applicants not having enough time to gather the required paperwork.

    Federal Court Rules Austin’s Short-Term Rental Rules Unlawful

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    Senior US District Judge David Alan Ezra on Aug. 1 issued a ruling that overturns Austin’s short-term rental (STR) ordinance adopted in 2016. The plaintiffs, Robert Anding and his wife, Roberta, filed suit against the city after attempting to register one of their properties as a rental.

    New Bill Targets Hidden Fees in Hotels and Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    A new bill has been introduced by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) that would require anyone advertising a hotel room or short-term rental to clearly disclose all fees in their advertised rates that a customer would pay.

    STR Legislation Amendment Expected in Czechia in 2025

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    The Czech Ministry of Regional Development put forward the plan for an amendment to the country’s Act on Business Conditions in the Tourism Industry, which includes measures for short-term rentals.

    Airbnb Forecasts Upbeat Revenue as International Travel Rebounds

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    Airbnb forecast third-quarter revenue above market estimates on Thursday, as it expects to gain from a rebound in urban and international travel.

    Expedia Group Sees Cause for Optimism in Record Q2 Earnings

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    Expedia Group reported quarterly lodging gross bookings of $19.2 billion, a 7 percent increase year-over-year and revenue of $3.4 billion, a 6 percent increase from the same period last year. Both were company records for the second quarter.

    American Express Travel Piloting a Vacation Rental Program

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    American Express Travel has launched a vacation rental program, Select Homes + Retreats, which is currently in a pilot test and available to a small group of consumer and small business Platinum Card members.

    As Rentals Mature, So Do the Services Surrounding Them

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 10
    As the short-term rental industry matures, a growing number of companies are catering to the services contributing to the professionalization of the sector.

    Sentral Appoints Yeh as President and CEO Slavet Steps Down

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 2
    Full-service residential hospitality company Sentral has announced that its board of directors has promoted Lisa Yeh to president. She also retains her current role as chief operating officer. The promotion comes after CEO Jon Slavet stepped down from his role.

    Scotland’s Crackdown on Short-Term Rentals Leaves Landlords Fearing for Their Future

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 2
    A new law in Scotland requiring landlords to apply for a short-term letting license before accepting bookings was passed last October, with the deadline to apply extended until October 1. Many property owners now fear they will lose their livelihoods when the reforms take effect.

    Short-Term Rental Data — Behind the Complexity and the Nuances

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 2
    Most companies that provide data on short-term rentals source data from integrations with Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, property managers, and individual hosts. They then apply proprietary algorithms.

    The Path to Purchase: Uncovering How Travelers Plan and Book Online

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 2
    Expedia Group has released a new report, The Path to Purchase: Uncovering How Travelers Plan and Book Online, which shows travelers preferences and influences throughout their online shopping journey.

    Richmond Releases Proposed Rule Changes for Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 1
    Proposed changes to the Richmond, Va.’s zoning ordinance relating to short-term rentals (STRs) were introduced at a July 24 City Council meeting and are headed to the Planning Commission for consideration at its next meeting, Aug. 21.

    Bangor’s Illegal STR Listings Could Soon Be Allowed Under New Proposal

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 1
    After not allowing short-term rentals (STRs) for years, Bangor, Maine, city staff drafted a set of proposed rules that dictate where STRs can be in the city.

    Philly Is Cracking Down and Delisting Unlicensed Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 1
    Philadelphia is cracking down on unlicensed short-term rental (STR) operators who host on online platforms. On July 12, the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) announced that the city had directed online platforms to delist properties that lacked the licensing required in Philadelphia.

    Boerne, Texas, Tightens Rules on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 1
    The Boerne, Texas, City Council gave initial approval on July 25 to an ordinance that tightens the city's rules on short-term rental properties.

    Pittsburgh City Council Plans to Revamp Bill to Regulate Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 1
    The Pittsburgh City Council took the first steps on July 26 to revamp proposed regulations for short-term rental properties, shifting toward a permitting process instead of a registry of units. Owners would now have to apply for a permit, contingent upon an inspection.

    South Carolina Vacation Rentals See Record Revenues

    By: VRMA Administrator | Aug 1
    Data released from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) shows demand for vacation rentals in the state has surpassed pre-pandemic figures. According to the SCPRT, revenue per available room is up 35 percent for vacation rentals compared to pre-pandemic levels.

    Walmart Taps Expedia to Power New Travel Offering

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 27
    Walmart has tapped Expedia Group to power its new travel website, WalmartPlusTravel.com.

    Parisians Expect to Cash In with Airbnb During 2024 Olympics Despite Tighter Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 27
    According to a study by Deloitte commissioned by Airbnb and published in April, prices for the Île-de-France (Paris) region will rise 85 percent during the 2024 summer Olympic Games.

    Data is Making Short-Term Rentals a Sophisticated Market

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 27
    The short-term rental market has attracted a hoard of services to support its data ecosystem, including AirDNA.

    City of Del Mar, Calif., Begins Discussing Short-Term Rental Policy

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 25
    The Del Mar, Calif., City Council on July 24 began weighing eight guiding principles for forming a local ordinance to regulate short-term rentals (STRs), including things like maintaining the residential character of neighborhoods and considering the distribution of STRs throughout the community.

    State Planners Grappling With Short-Term Rentals Consider New Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 25
    Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) finished a series of summer community meetings last week as it considers how to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) across its over 10.4 million-acre expanse for the first time.

    Fort Worth Denies Allegations in Short-Term Rental Suit, Asks Judge to Dismiss All Claims

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 25
    The city of Fort Worth denies the allegations published in a lawsuit filed by short-term rental operators (STRs) last month.

    Summer Rental Market Cools Off After Pandemic Boom

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 25
    The pandemic caused people to look locally for vacation spots and reduced rental inventory because people who often rented out their second homes in beach towns were using them instead.

    Khan Calls for Licensing Scheme Introduction in London

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 25
    London Mayor Sadiq Khan is supporting calls for a short-term rental (STR) registration scheme in the capital in the city. He made the announcement as it was revealed that there were more than 81,000 Airbnb listings in London this month, including 50,000+ entire home listings.

    HomeToGo Launches AI Mode

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 25
    HomeToGo has officially launched Modes, with its inaugural AI Mode now available in beta to U.S. and U.K. users through the HomeToGo app.

    How a Once Unpaved Stretch of Highway Became One of Florida’s Hottest Rental Markets

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 25
    The area along Florida's Scenic Highway 30A has seen explosive growth over the past two decades. It has also become one of Florida's hottest short-term rental markets.

    Juneau Assembly Approves Short-Term Rental Registration Program

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    Residents of Juneau, Ala., who run short-term rentals will have to register their businesses with starting this fall, under a program approved by the city's Assembly on July 10.

    Bella Vista City Council Reacts to Lawsuit Involving Short-Term Rental Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    In December 2022, the Bella Vista, Ark., City Council passed an ordinance that places regulations on short-term rental. Shortly after, a group of homeowners filed a lawsuit and restraining order against the ordinance.

    Property Owners Sue Santa Fe County Over Short-Term Rental Ordinance

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    Rules in Santa Fe on short-term rentals (STRs) have spawned a federal lawsuit. “It’s about people of Santa Fe County’s constitutional rights, including property rights, privacy rights, and first amendment rights and rights to due process,” said DomasLaw LLC Lead Attorney Stephen Domas.

    Short-Term Rentals See Value in What They Do for Travel

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    Speaking at the recent Phocuswright Europe 2023 in Barcelona, representatives from Sonder, Awaze, and Interhome said the recent years of thriving short-term rental business have helped them establish their worth for travelers and hosts, as well as the larger community and its economy.

    Albania Isn’t a Hidden Gem Anymore, Its Short-Term Rental Market Is Proof

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    Albania is expecting up to 10 million tourists this year as travelers prioritize budget-friendly destinations. Most foreign visitors to Albania prefer short-term rentals to hotels. According to official tourism statistics, 11 percent of visitors stay at hotels, and only for a night.

    AltoVita Expands Accommodation Network to 7 Million Units

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    Global corporate lodging platform AltoVita has extended its accommodation network from 1 million units to 7 million units.

    AI Insights: Generative AI to Manage Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    In this interview, David Jacoby, president of Hostfully, gives his insights on generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the short-term rental sector and the travel industry as a whole.

    HomeToGo and SQUAKE Partner for 14Trees Project

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    HomeToGo has partnered with SQUAKE, a provider of end-to-end solutions for sustainable travel, on a product that allows travelers to compensate for the carbon emissions associated with their vacation rental stays.

    Lodgify Unveils Summer 2023 Short-Term Rental Industry Report

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    Lodgify has released a seasonal report of the latest trends and forecasts shaping the U.S. short-term rental industry for the summer of 2023.

    Travel Data Leaders Join Forces as AirDNA Acquires Arrivalist

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 18
    AirDNA has acquired Arrivalist, joining two of the travel industry’s leading sources of data and analysis regarding consumer behavior and market trends.

    Flagstaff Council Passes Regulations on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    Short-term rentals (STRs) within Flagstaff, Ariz., will operate under new regulations after the City Council approved a licensing process on July 3. The move came after the state of Arizona dropped a measure that previously prevented cities from regulating such business last year.

    New Asheville Area Airbnb Rules? State Lawmakers, County at Odds; Bill to Nix Local Rules

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    VRMA Staff is currently engaged on this bill. As Asheville home Buncombe County, N.C., consider a crackdown on short-term rentals (STRs), influential state lawmakers are pushing in the opposite direction, proposing a law to strip away many existing local rules.

    Dallas Ban Has Short-Term Rental Owners Facing Tough Business Decisions

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    As short-term rental (STR) owners in Dallas process the city's newly approved restrictions, some say they are moving out of state, while others are considering a legal challenge.

    Property Owners in Turkey Turn to Short-Term Rentals Amid Rent Cap

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    Property owners in Turkey are increasingly turning to short-term rentals (STRs) as a result of the recent extension of the annual rent increase cap, as the figures fall far below market value.

    More Canadians Turn to Short-Term Rentals to Earn Extra Cash Amid High Cost of Living

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    More Canadians are wading into the short-term rental market, with a notable rise in new listings last year, according to Airbnb. Hosts are motivated by different reasons, including the opportunity to earn extra income amid the climbing cost of living.

    Airbnb Wins Privacy Ruling in Vancouver, as Court Quashes Order to Release Host's Home Address

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    Airbnb has won a court ruling that quashes an order from British Columbia’s (BC) privacy commissioner that would have identified hosts and their home addresses in Vancouver.

    Minut Integrates with Avantio for Leaner Operations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    Property monitoring company Minut has announced an integration with property management software provider Avantio. The integration is designed to enable both owners and managers to reach out to their guests with more ease than ever, without the need to constantly switch platforms.

    Rentals United Publishes Channel Handbook for Luxury Property Managers

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    Rentals United has created a downloadable guide to luxury channels that will help property managers navigate the luxury market and maximize their bookings.

    Google and Booking.com Poised for Fallout from EU's 'Gatekeeper' Restrictions

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 12
    Google is among the platforms that have informed the European Union that it meets the definition of being a “gatekeeper” under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), and Booking.com stated that it expects to meet that criteria “at the end of 2023.”

    Nights Booked via Online Platforms: Uneven EU Growth

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 6
    Regional data from Eurostat for 2022 on guest nights spent in short-term rental accommodation booked via Airbnb, Booking, Expedia Group, or TripAdvisor shows that the overall growth of platform tourism since pre-pandemic times is spread unevenly across Europe.

    Bozeman City Commission Passes Provisional Ordinance Regulating Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 3
    The Bozeman, Mont., City Commission voted to pass a provisional ordinance to bring more short-term rental (STR) homes into code compliance. The ordinance would require hosting platforms to provide quarterly lists of all STRs to the city, including each listing’s address and permit number.

    Short-Term Rental Work Group Settles on Bylaw Proposals for Nantucket

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 3
    The Nantucket, Massachusetts, Short-Term Rental Work Group has finalized its proposal for new regulations on short-term rentals (STRs) on the island, agreeing to put forward a series of bylaws for voters to consider at a special town meeting in November.

    VRMA Successfully Thwarts Harmful California Tax Proposal

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 3
    For several weeks, VRMA members, staff, and coalition partners have engaged California lawmakers to oppose Senate Bill (SB) 584. Due to overwhelming opposition and advocacy work from the short-term vacation rental industry, the bill sponsor has converted SB 584 to a two-year bill.

    Big Island Vacation Rental Occupancy for May down 14 Percent From a Year Ago

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 3
    The occupancy for Big Island vacation rentals in May was 43.5 percent, down 14.2 percent from a year ago and 27.8 percent lower than May 2019, according to data from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

    Holidu Introduces ‘Eco Properties’ Search Filter

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 3
    Germany-based vacation rental portal Holidu introduced a new ‘eco properties’ search filter that if activated allows only vacation rentals that meet sustainable criteria to appear.

    Airbnb Disputes 'Collapse’ in Host Revenue, Sees Strong Demand

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 3
    Airbnb said demand for short-term rentals in the United States is strong, rejecting data presented in a viral tweet that suggested revenue for property owners in some cities was down nearly 50 percent.

    Short-Term Rental Occupancy Is Both Up and Down — Depending on the Data

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jul 3
    A recent short-term rental mid-year outlook from AirDNA predicted a 3 percent drop in occupancy this year, while Beyond forecast that occupancy for July was pacing about 5 points below levels in July 2022.

    After Years of Delays, Lexington Poised to Regulate Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 29
    The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council in Kentucky voted on June 27 to move forward with regulations on where short-term rentals can operate.

    Plano, Texas, City Council Postpones Vote on Another Short-Term Rental Ordinance

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 29
    The Plano, Texas, City Council postponed a vote on a short-term rental registration ordinance for a second time.

    Malaysia Consults on Potential Nationwide Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 28
    Malaysia could become the first country in Southeast Asia to implement nationwide restrictions on short-term rental (STR) platforms, shortly after the island of Penang announced in May that it was imposing a partial ban on STR operations.

    Global Short-Term Rental Company Urges Greenville, SC, to Reconsider Development Code

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 28
    The Greenville City Council, SC, has approved a new development code, which will continue to include rules on short-term rentals (STRs) when it becomes effective July 15. Airbnb, meanwhile, is pushing cities to treat short-term rentals policy as a stand-alone set of rules.

    St. Louis City Short-Term Rental Regulation Debated in Public Hearing

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 28
    A bill that would regulate short-term rental (STR) properties in St. Louis, Mo., cleared its next hurdle in a public committee hearing on June 20 but is likely still months away from a final vote.

    Short-Term Rental Operators Sue City of Fort Worth

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 28
    The city of Fort Worth, Texas, has been sued by a group of short term rental operators over regulations, calling them unconstitutional and a "violation of economic liberty and property rights.

    On Cape Cod, It’s the Question of the Summer: Why Are So Many Vacation Rentals Empty?

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 28
    This summer has locals in Cape Cod mystified as to why so many vacation rentals are remaining empty, following years of solid bookings.

    Holiday Rentals in Europe on Track for Strong Summer: AirDNA

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 28
    Data from AirDNA showed a strong start to what could be the European short-term rental industry's strongest summer on record, with over 37 million nights stayed, 32.8 percent more than in 2019 and 22.6 percent more than last year.

    Regulations on Short-Term Rentals Are Not Discriminatory, San Diego Judge Rules

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    San Diego ordinances regulating short-term rentals are not discriminatory, a federal judge ruled on June 13, mostly ending a legal battle between the city and the Short Term Rental Alliance of San Diego over the rules.

    Delaware Realtors Oppose Bill Proposing a Hike in Short-Term Rental Taxes

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    The Sussex County Association of Realtors opposes a Delaware House proposal to raise the tax on short-term rentals (STRs) in the state.

    Dallas Approves New Rules Banning Short-Term Rentals in Single-Family Neighborhoods

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    The Dallas City Council approved new rules on June 14 that restrict where short-term rentals (STRs) can operate and make it mandatory that properties be licensed to allow guests to stay.

    Airbnb Lawsuit Against NYC: A Solitary Effort That Got Results, for Now

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    None of Airbnb’s short-term rental (STR) peers joined in its lawsuit against New York City's STR ordinances.

    Expedia CEO on the STR Industry

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    In this edited interview, Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern speaks about his company, demand for travel, the short-term rental industry, and other topics.

    The Future of Short-Term Rentals: Industry Leaders Look Ahead at Skift Summit

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    Executives speaking at Skift’s Short-Term Rental Summit offered their thoughts about what comes next for their industry.

    Japanese E-Commerce Giant Rakuten Unveils Unmanned Vacation Rentals Model

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    Rakuten, the Japanese e-commerce giant, has unveiled Rakuten STAY, a vacation rentals model in which it will own, manage, and operate its inventory worldwide, with accommodations fully powered by services within the Rakuten eco-system.

    Viadi Group Buys Edge Retreats

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    Switzerland's Viadi Group SA, a growing collection of high-end travel companies, has announced the acquisition of London-based global luxury villa rental marketplace Edge Retreats for an undisclosed sum.

    Sonder CEO Discusses Future Innovation

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    In this interview, Sonder CEO Francis Davidson acknowledges that his company has undergone a lot of changes throughout the years and is poised for more, with the short-term rental operator considering expansions to popular leisure markets.

    Noise Meters Set for Compulsory Installation in Seville Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    A new law that is set to come into effect in the Spanish city of Seville will make the installation of noise meters compulsory in short-term rental properties listed in certain parts of the city’s historic center.

    Generative AI for Vacation Rental Metasearch: Interview with HomeToGo’s Mahendra Roopa

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    Mahendra Roopa, HomeToGo’s director of engineering, offers his thoughts on generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its uses for the travel industry.

    Summer Travel Boosts Short-Term Rentals – Latest Forecast

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 21
    AirDNA's mid-year outlook report stated that strong economic fundamentals and continued enthusiasm for travel have raised the demand growth forecast for 2023 to 10.4 percent year-on-year, up from 5.5 percent.

    Fayetteville Could Reduce Total Number of Short-Term Rentals Allowed by Nearly Half

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    Members of a Fayetteville, Ark., City Council committee want to put pressure on property owners operating short-term rentals (STRs) illegally by lowering the cap on the total number allowed to operate in the city for the rest of the year.

    Austin’s Crackdown on Unlicensed Short-Term Rentals Loses Steam Due to Legal Questions

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    The city of Austin, Texas, is no longer focused on a crackdown of unlicensed short-term rentals (STRs) due to legal questions. In September 2022, city staff said there were about 11,000 STRs in Austin, but only 1,875 were licensed.

    City Staff: Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance Difficult to Enforce and Not the Right Option

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    The Dallas City Plan Commission proposed an ordinance earlier this year that would keep short-term rentals (STRs) out of areas zoned for single family residence. But several city staffers said on June 7 that the ordinance would be difficult and costly to enforce and recommended against it.

    New Orleans City Council Pauses Commercial Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    A temporary ban on new commercial short-term rentals in New Orleans is now in effect.

    Edinburgh Short-Term Lets Plan Ruled Unlawful

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    A plan to regulate short-term rentals in Edinburgh has been ruled unlawful by a judge less than four months before it was due to come into force. Opponents of the scheme took the city council to court last month.

    France’s Le Maire Wants Heavier Taxation for Airbnb Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire proposed higher taxes on Airbnb rentals, bringing them in line with ordinary, non-tourist rentals. In France, rentals of furnished accommodation for tourists, including via Airbnb, benefit from a special tax rebate.

    Short-Term Rental Owners File Lawsuit Over Kansas City’s New Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    Dozens of short-term rental owners and operators are taking Kansas City to court over new regulations that take effect next week. The group says the city is violating their constitutional rights over their properties and contracts with renters.

    Vacation Rental Owners Surprised by Proposed California State Tax

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    California Senate Bill 584 would impose a 15 percent tax on short-term rentals for stays 30 days or shorter. The bill was passed by the State Senate on May 31 and is currently being considered in the Assembly. Locals with a stake in the vacation rental market say they were blindsided by the bill.

    New York City to Delay Enforcing Law Against Airbnb Hosts

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    New York City will delay enforcing a municipal law that could limit the number of people who can host rentals in the city, a court filing showed. The move comes after Airbnb filed a lawsuit against the city over the law, which it called a "de facto ban" against short-term rentals.

    bnbfinder Announces Integration With Streamline Vacation Rental Software

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    bnbfinder has announced a new integration with Streamline.

    Expedia Group and Vacasa Are Making These Short-Term Rental Tech Investments

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    Expedia Group and Vacasa are moving forward with technology investments to compete with other major players in the short-term rental industry. For example, Expedia Group is currently migrating Vrbo’s back-end technology onto the Expedia brand platform.

    Airbnb-Friendly Buildings: Growth in Deals With Landlords for Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 13
    Airbnb's new listing service, where owners of multi-family properties allow tenants to occasionally rent out their units in exchange for a share of the revenue, has seen early growth.

    Why Airbnb Can Survive a ‘De Facto Ban’ in New York City

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 8
    Airbnb last week filed a lawsuit against New York City over a new law that the company is calling a “de facto ban” against short-term rentals (STRs).

    Castle Hospitality Group CEO to Retire

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Honolulu-based Castle Hospitality Group announced that President and CEO Alan Mattson will retire by the end of the year.

    Florence, Italy, Seeks to Ban Rentals from City Center

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Florence wants to ban residential properties in its historic center from being used for short-term rentals in order to free up more homes for local people in the Italian city, according to Mayor Dario Nardella.

    Owner-Occupied Vacation Rentals to Be Allowed in Residential Areas of Niagara Falls, Canada

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Niagara Falls, Canada, will allow owner-occupied vacation rentals in residential areas. During a recent meeting, the City Council directed staff to report back on licensing changes to the bed-and-breakfast bylaw to permit owner-occupied rentals in neighborhoods.

    Short-Term Rental Operators Voice Frustrations With New KC Ordinances

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Shor-term rental operators in Kansas City are expressing frustration with the city’s new restrictions, including a ban on any future non-resident short-term rental applications in residential areas.

    Airbnb Sues New York City Over Limits on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Airbnb has filed suit against New York City to undo new restrictions that limit short-term rentals.

    Frontdesk Acquires Short-Term Rental Operator Zencity

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Alternative accommodation platform Frontdesk has acquired Zencity, a Chicago-based short-term rental operator. The purchase, the first of several planned by Frontdesk, is part of an effort to expand its inventory of furnished apartments.

    Hawaii Vacation Rentals Were Less Than 57 Percent Occupied in April

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Vacation rentals throughout the state of Hawaii were 56.6 percent occupied in April, according to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

    Hostaway Unlocks $175 Million to Expand Its Platform

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Hostaway has raised $175 million in a funding round led by Boston-based PSG Equity. The funding will be used by Hostaway to expand globally, grow headcount, and pursue both organic and inorganic opportunities to expand market share.

    Recent Articles

    LA City Council Approves Law Requiring STR Hosts to Get Police Permits

    Updated 11:45AM EST, Thu Nov 30th, 2023
    The Los Angeles City Council approved a law that will require short-term rental (STR) hosts and hotel operators to obtain a police permit, in a bid to crack down on party houses and properties that draw illicit behavior.

    Maui Mayor Proposes Bill Amendment to Make STRS Available for Displaced Wildfire Survivors

    Updated 11:44AM EST, Thu Nov 30th, 2023
    Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen submitted a bill to amend a section of the County Code in an effort to immediately increase the inventory of housing available to survivors of the August wildfires.

    Officials and Residents Discuss Future of Short-Term Rental Policy in Ithaca

    Updated 2:40PM EST, Wed Nov 29th, 2023
    The City of Ithaca, New York, recently held an open house to inform residents about plans to implement legislation to boost short-term rental (STR) regulations. Residents who will be impacted by the legislation submitted comments during the open house.

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