VRMA

    Powered By:

    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.

    Skift Research Identifies Top 250 Short-Term Rental Companies

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 7
    Skift Research unveiled the Skift Short-Term Rental 250, a free-to-download map of 250 of the most prominent short-term rental companies currently operating.

    Louisville Might Temporarily Stop New STRs From Opening

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 1
    A moratorium on new short-term rentals in Louisville, Ky., is moving forward. Last week, the city's planning and design department published a list of recommendations meant to close loopholes in the city's current legislation.

    LA City Council Introduces Motion Targeting Illegal Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Jun 1
    Four Los Angeles City Council members introduced a motion on May 30 to address illegal short-term rental listings on home-sharing platforms.

    Finnish Cities to Start Requiring Permits for 'Professional' Rental Hosts

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 31
    Finland's largest cities and a number of municipalities around the country have drawn up a list of new rules for the letting of short-term accommodation through property platforms.

    Plano Appoints 20 Members to Short-Term Rental Task Force

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 31
    The Plano City Council approved 20 members to the city's short-term rental (STR) task force, bringing the Texas city closer to a decision on how STRs will be governed. Discussions regarding a task force began April 10 during a Plano City Council pre-meeting.

    Airbnb Says New Orleans’ New Data-Sharing Rules Are Unconstitutional

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 31
    Airbnb in a letter in May told the city of New Orleans that new data-sharing requirements recently approved by its City Council to crack down on illegal short-term rentals violate the U.S Constitution and the federal Stored Communications Act.

    Blueground Buys a Rival Housing Platform to Help Launch a Partner Network

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 31
    Property manager Blueground has acquired Germany-based Nestpick in an equity-based deal. Nestpick’s platform lists month-to-month rentals of furnished accommodation.

    Avantio Wins Best Vacation Rental Software Provider and Best Channel Manager at Shortyz Awards 2023

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 31
    Avantio was recognized as the Best Property Management System and the Best Channel Manager at the recent Shortyz Awards 2023.

    HostGPO Raises $6 Million Round, Led by Navitas Capital and OMNIA Partners

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 31
    HostGPO has closed a $6 million round of financing, its first outside capital to date. Navitas Capital led the round alongside OMNIA Partners.

    Greensboro Approves Short-Term Rental Ordinance

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    The Greensboro, N.C., City Council passed an ordinance that lays out guidelines for short-term rentals. The ordinance is similar to other cities like Asheville and Wilmington but it includes an exception that could be challenged.

    Holiday Accommodation Owners in Portugal Protest New Draft Law for Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    Short-term rental (STR) owners in Lisbon have protested in front of the Parliament, raising concerns over new legislation that would cut down on STRs.

    Erie County, N.Y., Eyes Applying Hotel Tax to Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    The Erie County, N.Y., Comptroller's Office is considering an overhaul of its taxing system for hotels to include "non-traditional short-term and vacation rentals."

    New Orleans Short-Term Rental Law Back in Court

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    New Orleans' short-term rental (STR) regulations are back in federal court, as plaintiffs in ongoing litigation have filed a fresh class-action complaint aiming to strike down the city’s new rules.

    California Proposes New Tax to Help Newsom Fulfill Central Campaign Promise

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    The California legislature is expected to hear a bill about implementing an occupancy tax on short-term rentals to provide assistance to low- and middle-income housing construction.

    Galveston's Short-Term Rental Operators Await Long-Promised Software

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    Short-term rental operators in Galveston, Texas, are wondering when the Park Board of Trustees will roll out property-tracking software meant to provide a data-driven roadmap for guiding officials’ decisions about governing the rental market.

    Short-Term Rental Industry Witnessing a Widening Digital Divide

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    While 70.5 percent of property managers plan to add to their technology offerings this year, a surprisingly high number are still failing to tap into basic solutions to streamline their business, according to Breezeway’s fourth annual Property Operations Report.

    Ranked by AirDNA Series to Support U.S. Market Investor Choices

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    The new Ranked by AirDNA series provides monthly rankings for U.S. markets to equip investors with revenue-maximizing strategies.

    How Expedia Is Thinking About Growth in Vacation Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 24
    During the recent Short Stay Summit, PhocusWire spoke to Tim Rosolio, vice president for vacation rental partner success at Expedia Group, about inventory pressure, technology gaps, and the "next norm" for the short-term rental industry.

    Chattanooga City Council Passes Short Term Vacation Rental Changes on Final Reading

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 17
    The Chattanooga City Council approved on final reading short term rental (STR) changes that officials said "will reform and streamline short term vacation rental rules, simplifying compliance while toughening enforcement."

    Quebec Tables Bill to Tighten Screws on Short-Term Rental Platforms

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 17
    The provincial government of Quebec has presented legislation that, if passed, will short-term rental platforms to crack down on illegal listings, under threat of major fines. Bill 25 was introduced on May 9 at the National Assembly by Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx.

    New Association Seeks to Protect Short-Term Rentals in Rhode Island

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 17
    The Rhode Island Short-Term Rental Association (RISTRA) was recently launched as a way to unify the voice of homeowners.

    Plano, Texas, Passes Temporary Ban of New Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 17
    The Plano, Texas, City Council passed a temporary ban on new short-term rentals (STRs) at a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission, effective May 15.

    Rules for Short-Term Rentals Advance in St. Louis

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 17
    The city of St. Louis has laid the groundwork for its first-ever regulations for the short-term rental (STR) industry.

    Doinn Launches SaaS Solution for Hospitality Market

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 17
    Portuguese startup Doinn launched its software-as-a-service solution for the cleaning and hospitality markets at last week's Vitur Summit in Málaga, Spain. The tool will enable clients to automate task management, job assignment, cleaning track, and process optimization, all on a single platform.

    Vacasa Says Travelers Are More Fickle in Vacation Rental Bookings

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 17
    Higher prices and unpredictable weather have made rental booking patterns less predictable, executives said during Vacasa’s first-quarter earnings call.

    HomeToGo to Launch Modes with Inaugural AI Mode

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 17
    HomeToGo is launching its first mode, powered by Generative AI. With AI Mode, travel planners will be able to describe exactly what they’re looking for and receive highly personalized recommendations. The tool is currently in beta testing with plans to roll out to travelers soon.

    Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbia, Mo., Survey Receives Backlash

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 10
    A majority residents in of Columbia, Mo., oppose short-term rental (STR) regulations, according to a survey conducted by the City Planning and Zoning Commission.

    Nantucket Residents Vote Down Proposed Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 10
    Residents of Nantucket, Mass, have voted against a proposal to limit their ability to rent out their homes at the tourist destination.

    Short-Stay Homes Not to Blame for Noosa Housing Shortage, Affordable Housing Lobby Group Says

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 10
    The greater Sunshine Coast area of Australia, which includes the resort area of Noosa, has an estimated 10,000 short-term rental (STR) properties and triple the number of people and families waiting for social housing.

    Urban Living Insights: Short-Term Rentals Review

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 10
    ShortTermRentalz held its second Urban Living Insights: Short-Term Rentals event on April 26, focusing on the growth and investment into urban and holiday rentals.

    Kansas City Approves New Regulations on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 10
    The Kansas City, Mo., Council passed two ordinances on May 4 that will add a number of new regulations on short-term rentals (STRs). One of the biggest changes is that new non-resident STRs will not be allowed in neighborhoods zoned as residential.

    Complaints Pour In as San Diego Begins Crackdown on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 10
    San Diego has just begun enforcement of new licensing requirements for short-term rentals (STR), but the city has given out fewer licenses than it had expected.

    Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Require Short-Term Rental Registry, Limits in Alaska

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 8
    A bill that would make short-term rental (STR) registration a requirement and limit operators to just one unit per person in Alaska was introduced in the state House of Representatives.

    Florida Lawmakers Fail to Reach Deal on Vacation Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 8
    Florida lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a plan to address vacation-rental properties.

    2023 Shortyz & Short Stay Summit Interviews: Tim Rosolio, Expedia Group

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 8
    Tim Rosolio, vice president of vacation rental partner success at Expedia Group, discusses Expedia and Vrbo’s support for the Shortyz Awards and why events such as the Shortyz and the Short Stay Summit are important for the growth of the industry.

    Booking Holdings Sees Next-Gen AI as Advancing the Connected Trip

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 8
    Booking Holdings intends to build on its long experience of using artificial intelligence (AI) to make the most of recent advances in the field and apply them to online travel.

    Short-Term Rental Startups, Investors Talk Market Growth

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 8
    Startups in the vacation rental market continue to draw interest from investors. Whimstay, for example, recently announced $10 million in fresh funding, while Sextant Stays added $14 million and Kindred and Holiday Swap took in $15 million.

    Bill Before State Lawmakers Proposes Regulating Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 3
    A bill before state lawmakers in New York aims to boost the regulation of short-term rentals.

    Airbnb Revamps Site to Ease Tensions Between Guests, Hosts

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 3
    Airbnb is revamping its platform in an effort to ease tensions between guests and hosts. The company is rolling out more than 50 new features and upgrades designed to improve price transparency, checkout procedures, affordability, and more.

    Guesty Adds StaySense to Series of Acquisitions

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 3
    Guesty, has announced the acquisition of StaySense, a technology provider of localized solutions for vacation rental managers. “We are thrilled to welcome the StaySense team and David Angotti to the Guesty family," said Amiad Soto, co-founder and CEO of Guesty.

    Santa Barbara Vows to Take On Illegal Vacation Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 1
    Santa Barbara, Calif., is vowing to crack down on illegal short-term rentals. The City Council unanimously voted on April 25 to put $1.175 million toward a Short-Term Rental Enforcement Pilot Program in an attempt to cope with the issue.

    Short-Term Rentals Play Comparatively Small Part in Vermont’s Housing Crunch, Says Housing Commissioner

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 1
    Vermont continues to see spikes in housing prices, and state officials have been discussing how the growth of short-term rentals (STRs) in the state has contributed to its housing crisis.

    Local Leaders Discuss Future of Short Term Rentals in SC

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 1
    Leaders from across South Carolina were in capital Columbia in late April to talk about the future of short-term rentals in the state.

    North Texas Lawmakers Struggle to Regulate Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 1
    Several North Texas cities, including Dallas, are debating how to regulate short-term rentals (STRs). The Dallas City Council has yet to vote on a proposed ordinance that would restrict STRs to mixed zoning areas after more than three years of discussion.

    Florida Senate Passes Bill That Would Change How Some Cities Police Vacation Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 1
    Florida's Senate has passed a bill regulating short-term rentals (STRs). State Sen. Nick DiCeglie, who sponsored the bill, thinks the bill will give local governments tools to police problem rentals. “It’s not perfect," he admitted. "Nothing up here we do is perfect. We all recognize that.”

    Kaua‘i Had Fewest Number of Available Vacation Rentals in March

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 1
    Vacation rentals across Hawaii reported increases in supply and average daily rate, with lower demand and occupancy, in March 2023 compared to March 2022, according to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

    Vrbo Ads Emphasize Private Rentals That Don’t Require Sharing With Hosts, Others

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 1
    Vrbo released the first of three new ads last week focusing on customer service guarantees instead of the homes themselves. The new campaign highlights how Vrbo looks after customers, where others fall short, through upfront pricing, 24/7 customer support, and booking protection.

    Shortyz 2023 Winners Unveiled

    By: VRMA Administrator | May 1
    Representatives from across the global short-term rental industry gathered in London on April 26 to celebrate the 2023 Shortyz Awards, as 20 new winners were unveiled. The 20 award categories were judged by an independent panel consisting of investors, consultants, and experts.

    NSW’s Most Popular Holiday Spots Divided over Limits on Short-Term Holiday Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 26
    Councils responsible for some of the most popular tourism destinations in New South Wales, Australia, are urging the incoming government to give them the power to further restrict short-term rentals (STRs), in a bid to alleviate a housing shortage.

    One South Carolina Senator Tried but Failed to Quash Short-Term Rental Limits in Charleston Beach Towns

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 26
    A Statehouse proposal to stop South Carolina barrier islands from limiting short-term rentals has been thrown out on a technicality.

    Study: 95 Percent of Nantucket’s Short-Term Rentals Would Be Outlawed By Article 60

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 26
    About 95 percent of roughly 2,200 short-term rentals (STRs) in Nantucket, Mass., listed on public web sites would be outlawed (at least initially) and the town would lose millions in tax revenue each year if voters approve Article 60 at next month’s Town Meeting.

    Beyond Launches Search-Powered Pricing and Insights

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 26
    Beyond has launched a new tool to collect, analyze, and automate actions using real-time consumer search data for the short-term vacation rental industry.

    Short-Term Rental Tech Platform Breezeway Launches AI Tool Using ChatGPT

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 26
    Breezeway has launched Assist AI, a ChatGPT-powered artificial intelligence (AI) tool, within its platform. Assist AI will introduce a series of automation features, including guest messaging, reservations, and property profile.

    Airbnb Adds Starwood to Program Offering Apartment Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 26
    Airbnb is adding Starwood Capital Group and other landlords to a program offering rental properties that are also eligible for short-term stays, part of an initiative aimed at attracting tenants who aim to become hosts themselves.

    Short-Term Rental Demand Outpaced Supply in 2023

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 26
    Data from various sources show that short-term rental supply growth has failed to keep up with demand growth thus far this year.

    U.S. Demand Stronger Than Ever for STRs: AirDNA

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 26
    Data from AirDNA indicate that this summer will be the strongest on record, with booked vacation rental demand in the U.S. already up 10 percent from last year’s highs. March 2023 saw the highest number of nights booked for future travel of any month on record—more than 21 million.

    Some Texas Legislators Want a Task Force on Short-Term Rentals — Reporting Back in December 2024

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 20
    The Texas legislature could call for a study on short-term rentals, but results from that study would not be available until December 2024. Several Texans testified for over an hour at the House Land and Resource Management committee hearing on House Bill 2665.

    Airbnb Shifts Focus by Halting New Experiences Submissions

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 20
    Airbnb has paused its new Experiences submissions so that it can re-divert its focus towards its core platform offerings. The Experiences program initially launched with 500 experiences before that grew to more than 40,000 experiences in 1,000+ cities in 2020.

    Short Stay Summit Preview: Industry Vendors on Tech Innovation

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 20
    Ahead of the upcoming Short Stay Summit on April 27, ShortTermRentals spoke to leading vendors, Hospiria COO Richard Bridger, Operto CEO Steve Davis, and Breezeway CEO Jeremy Gall gave their take on technology trends and innovation in the short-term rental industry.

    St. Louis Board Punts on Short-Term Rental Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 18
    A St. Louis planning board has stalled another attempt to regulate short-term home rentals. The St. Louis Planning Commission agreed to have city staff clarify some of the proposed zoning changes before potentially recommending them to the Board of Aldermen.

    Marin County, Calif., Survey Asks Community for Feedback On Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 18
    Marin County, Calif., is considering an update to its ordinance restricting new registrations and licenses for short-term rental (STR) properties and is asking the community to take part in a survey to collect feedback on the issue.

    In Houston, One Neighborhood Is Pushing to Upend Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 18
    A battle over whether Houston short-term rentals that are not used as residences should be considered hotels is brewing over former Houston Texans player Darryl Sharpton's plan to build a collection of short-term rentals in the trendy neighborhood of Montrose.

    Hamilton County, Tenn., Will Take Up New Rules for Short-Term Vacation Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 18
    Short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated parts of Hamilton County, Tenn., would receive regular inspections under new rules going in front of the County Commission.

    Florida Bill Targeting Short-Term Vacation Rental Rules Advances but Hears Criticism

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 18
    A pair of bills being considered by Florida lawmakers would restrict how cities can regulate short-term rentals.

    Expedia Group’s New Loyalty Program Will Have Fans and Critics

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 18
    Expedia Group, which is combining its Expedia and Hotels.com rewards programs and extending it to Vrbo, hopes its upcoming One Key program will be used by short-term rental users.

    Montreal Has Started Blitz of Inspections of Short-Term Rentals, Mayor Says

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 12
    Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said inspections of short-term rentals (STRs) are underway in the city to ensure they conform to building and fire codes ahead of the busy tourist season. The inspections follow a March 16 fire at Place d’Youville in Old Montreal that killed seven people.

    Nantucket Will Vote on Short-Term Rental Restrictions

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 12
    Warrant Article 60, a measure that would restrict short-term rentals in residential zones of Nantucket, will go to vote at the Massachusetts island's annual town meeting on May 6. A workgroup has been formed to study the situation and make a recommendation.

    New Bill Would Scrap Asheville's Ban on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 12
    A new bill sponsored by N.C. State Senator Tim Moffitt would effectively scrap Asheville's ban on short-term rentals. As the law stands, owners can rent out rooms in their homes, but they can't rent out the entire house for less than 30 days.

    Montana Lawmakers Consider Legislation on Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 12
    About 20 short-term rental hosts came to the Montana State Capitol on April 5 to meet with lawmakers and share their perspective on that growing market.

    2022 EU Nights Booked on Online Platforms Top 2019

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 12
    During the fourth quarter of 2022, guests spent around 97 million nights in EU short-term rentals booked through Airbnb, Booking, Expedia Group, or TripAdvisor, according to Eurostat, the statistical agency of the European Union.

    Opinion: Travel Needs More Leadership to Fight Climate Change

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 12
    As tourism accounts for 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gases and the short-term rental (STR) market is forecast to grow by $84.41 billion between 2022 and 2027, STRs must address their contribution to climate change, writes Bob Garner, founder and CEO of EnviroRental.

    Short-Term Rentals Find an Ally in Build-for-Rent Developers

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 12
    An ease of renting over home-ownership is making developers of build-to-rent projects an ally to the short-term rental industry.

    The Hottest Topics at the 2023 Short Stay Summit

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 12
    The Short Stay Summit, run by the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA), and VRMA, returns on April 27.

    Larimer County Approves New Rules for Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 5
    Larimer County, Colo., commissioners have approved new regulations governing short-term rental properties, which will go into effect June 1. Under the new rules, new and existing licenses can be transferred to immediate family members.

    Clark County Amends Short-Term Rental Ordinance

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 5
    Clark County, Nev., commissioners voted on April 4 to amend upcoming short-term rental regulations that a court previously ruled to be vague and unconstitutional.

    Another Dallas Short-Term Rental Delay After Plan Finally Debated at City Council

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 5
    Four years of debate over short-term rentals (STRs) in Dallas communities finally reached the City Council on April 4, only to result in another delay in a final vote.

    Expedia Wants ChatGPT to Be Your Travel Adviser

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 5
    Expedia is rolling out a new ChatGPT feature in its app that will allow users to plan trips by conversing with a chatbot powered by the technology. Through the feature, which is in its beta-testing phase, travelers can ask for recommendations and book directly off some of the recommendations.

    Flagstaff Considers Adopting Short-Term Rental Regulations

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    A proposed ordinance to regulate short-term rentals in Flagstaff, Ariz., would include an annual licensing fee and other rules for operation. Dozens of people at City Hall in person were joined by more than 50 attendees online on March 27 to learn more details.

    Bill Limiting Local Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals Fails in Arkansas House Committee

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    A bill that aims to limit local government restrictions on short-term rentals in Arkansas has failed to advance from a House panel. The measure was rejected in a voice vote in the Committee on City, County, and Local Affairs.

    Summit County Addresses Short-Term Rental Boom with Data

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    Summit County, Colo., has turned to GIS and data to create long-term policy solutions to issues around short-term rental (STR) properties.

    PriceLabs Introduces Pacing Reports Feature for Operators

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    PriceLabs has introduced new pacing report features designed to provide up-to-date analysis on local markets and comparative insights into performance compared to last year.

    Airbnb Suspends All Bookings in Myanmar

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    Airbnb has suspended hosting at all of its existing listings in Myanmar in response to the implementation of new laws in the country prohibiting foreign tourists from staying at unregistered guesthouses or hotels.

    Online Travel Giants Spent More Than $14 Billion on Marketing in '22

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    Online travel giants Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb, and Trip.com Group collectively spent a record $14 billion on marketing last year, exceeding the amount the four companies spent in 2019 by about $500 million.

    Hotels Playing Up Services to Push Strongly Into Short-Term Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    Santa Fe, New Mexico hotel La Fonda’s move to branch into short-term rentals to accommodate the demand for hotel guests is yet another affirmation in the world of blended travel. Jeremiah Gall, founder and CEO of Breezeaway, said that rental guests expect hotel-like hospitality now.

    HomeToGo Considering Further Acquisitions but Prices Remain High

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    HomeToGo announced that revenue last year increased 55 percent to €147 million year over year while booking revenue increased by almost one-third to €164 million versus 2021.

    Vacation Rentals Sector Stays Fragmented: When Will It Consolidate?

    By: VRMA Administrator | Apr 4
    Consolidation is coming to short-term rentals, writes Skift columnist Srividya Kalyanaraman. The pandemic has exposed the potential for blending different types of hospitality services, as consumers shape the trend of “bleisure” (business and leisure) travel.

    Hotel-Quality Vacation Rentals, Without the Hotel

    By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 29
    Guests seeking vacation rentals with resort-like amenities have a growing number of properties to choose from.

    Bill Would Change Regulations for Vacation Rentals

    By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27
    A bill that passed in the Florida Senate Committee on Regulated Industries earlier in March would revise regulations for vacation rentals in Florida.

    Recent Articles

    Rhode Island Panel Exploring Short-Term Rental Options

    Updated 3:58PM EDT, Tue Sep 26th, 2023
    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

    Updated 3:57PM EDT, Tue Sep 26th, 2023
    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

    Updated 3:56PM EDT, Tue Sep 26th, 2023
    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.

    2001 K STREET NW, 3RD FLOOR NORTH ● WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006, USA ●Privacy Policy

    PHONE: +1 (202) 367-1179● FAX: +1 (202) 367-2179 ●vrma@vrma.org