VRMA : Arrival: Industry News

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.

New Orleans Short-Term Rentals Limited to One per Square Block, but Council Also Passes Exceptions

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27

After months of debate, New Orleans City Council passed a pair of new short-term rental (STR) laws, limiting STRs to one-per-square-block in residential areas and imposing stricter penalties on STR owners who violate the city’s rules.

Maui Vacation Rental Supply and Unit Demand up From 2022, but Down From Pre-pandemic Levels

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27

Data from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism show that Maui’s vacation rental supply, unit demand, and occupancy in February remained down double-digits from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 but were up from last year.

All Unauthorized Airbnb Listings in Quebec to Be Removed From App, Company Says

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27

After a fire ravaged a building in Old Montreal that included units available for rent on Airbnb, the company says it plans to remove all Quebec listings that have not been authorized by the provincial government.

Reliance Plans to Develop Short-Term Rentals in Gujarat

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27

Indian multinational conglomerate Reliance Industries Limited, owned by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, is set to foray into the hospitality industry under its new arm Reliance SOU, engaging in hotels, resorts, and service apartments that will provide short-term lodging facilities.

Short-Term Rental Investment Funds to See More Action This Year

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27

In October last year, luxury vacation rental brand Wander launched what it called the industry’s first vacation rental real estate investment trust (REIT).

Sonder Expands Business Travel Segment

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27

Sonder is expanding its business travel segment to include group bookings and partnering with HelmsBriscoe, a global player in meetings procurement and site selection.

The 'Airbnbust' Proves the Wild West Days of Online Vacation Rentals Are Over

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27

Rumors of an "Airbnbust" have spread online among short-term-rental (STR) hosts facing empty booking calendars, stiff competition for guests, and falling earnings. But talks of a downturn ignore the fact that the STR industry is bigger than ever, and some operators are thriving like never before.

AirDNA: Travelers Secure Spring/Summer Stays in Europe Boom

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 27

New data from AirDNA on the European short-term rental market show strong growth in demand and changing trends in seasonality. February saw a 47.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019 and 26.6 percent higher than last year, despite being a typically low demand period.

Memphis to Require Permits for Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

The city of Memphis, Tenn., will soon require short term rentals (STRs) to obtain a permit and will set parameters for how those rentals can lose those permits. The ordinance, approved on its final reading on March 21, will makes changes to the city's STR law that dates to 2016.

As Vote Nears, New Orleans City Council's Stomach for Strict Short-Term Rental Caps Unclear

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

The New Orleans City Council is set to finalize a new short-term rental law on March 23, amid signs of wavering in the four-member majority that previously voted for strict caps on tourism housing in neighborhoods.

AirDNA: STR Demand and Supply Accelerate in the U.S.

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

The U.S. short-term rental market experienced a surge in demand, supply, and rates in February 2023, AirDNA reports.

Arkansas House Committee Considers Bill to Bar Certain Local Regulations Against Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

A committee in the Arkansas House of Representatives on March 15 heard testimony on legislation to limit local government restrictions on short-term rentals, but delayed a vote so sponsors could file an amendment.

Dallas Short-Term Rental Debate Closes In on May City Election

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

Years of debate over short-term rental homes in single-family Dallas neighborhoods is approaching conclusion with just weeks to go before a city election.

Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Group Appeals Ruling to Supreme Court

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

The Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association wants the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of short-term rental regulations in Clark County, Nev.

Operto Raises US$25 Million in Series B Financing Round

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

Operto Guest Technologies has secured US$25 million in a Series B funding round, led by specialized growth equity firm Centana Growth Partners. Proceeds will be used to further fuel Operto's expansion in the global short-term rental market.

Vacasa Turnaround Exec Cites the Need for a Vacation Rental Reset Post-COVID

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

T.J. Clark, Vacasa’s new chief commercial officer, is charged with reversing unacceptably high rates of homeowners leaving the platform and increasing sales after the company laid off up to 300 sales and marketing staff and 1,000 field personnel in January.

Short-Term Rentals Can't Rely on Tech to Solve Its Labor Shortages — Yet

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

Technology cannot address the short-term rental industry's labor shortages at present. “I don't see human workers getting out of the picture for at least another 10 years,” explained Guy Westlake, founder of property management software vendor Lavanda.

Can Subscription Services Work for STRs?

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 22

Phocuswright analyst Robert Cole suggests a subscription model could work for short-term rentals (STRs), assuming they can offer something not available anywhere else.

El Paso Chamber Opposes City Regulating Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

The El Paso Chamber's board of directors voted to formally oppose possible short-term rental regulations.

Plano City Council Might Consider Temporary Short-Term Rental Ban

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

The Plano City, Texas, Council wants to consider a temporary ban on short-term rentals (STRs). At a recent City Council meeting, several members floated the idea after a discussion about the legality of a prospective short-term rental ordinance in Plano.

Sen. Gu Co-sponsors Bills to Let Cities/Towns Regulate Short-Term Rentals in Rhode Island

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

Rhode Island state Sen. Victoria Gu and Rep. Lauren H. Carson have introduced legislation that would allow municipalities to regulate short term rentals within their borders. Under current law, the state prohibits cities and towns from restricting short-term rentals.

Nearly 1,500 NYC Buildings Ban Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

About 1,500 landlords have signed up to ban short-term rental listings in their New York City buildings, four days after the city opened a registration portal meant to regulate hosting through rental platforms.

New Orleans Council Puts Pause on New Short-Term Rentals in Mixed-Use Areas

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

New Orleans City Council placed a year-long moratorium on new commercial short-term rental (STR) permits in certain historic, mixed-use zones, a move aimed at stemming investors from scooping up properties as the city overhauls its rules governing rentals in residential areas.

Swiss City Lucerne Votes to Restrict Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

The Swiss city of Lucerne voted to limit short-term rentals to a maximum of 90 days a year. Just over 64 percent of voters in the city were in favor of the restriction, tabled by the Social Democrats.

Australia's Rental Vacancy Rate at Lowest Level Since Before COVID-19 Pandemic

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

The percentage of rental properties available in Australia is at its lowest level since before the start of the pandemic, with data showing the rental market has tightened significantly in capital cities and regional parts of the country.

Short-Term Rentals Test Sustainability as an Accreditation Standard

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

The short-term rental industry can be sustainable, writes Skift columnist Srividya Kalyanaraman, but not without support and structure. "As it currently stands, there are few institutional incentives and considerable regulatory obstacles to make sustainability a universal priority," he writes.

New Condo Boom Feeds Off Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

Condominiums purposely built for short-term rentals were established in Miami just a few years ago but have quickly become a huge part of the new condo construction boom.

Luxury Vacation Rentals Market Is Flying High

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

The U.S. luxury vacation rental segment will see both average daily rates and length of stay double by December 2023 compared to January 2022, from $492 to $854, estimates short-term rental data provider KeyData.

Silicon Valley Bank Collapse – What It Means for the STR Sector

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 14

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) could have far-reaching implications for the companies that deposited their money with the bank or took a loan from it, including start-ups in the short-term rental sector.

Lexington Moves Forward on Regulating Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 8

A Lexington, Ky., council committee passed a proposal on March 7 that would regulate short-term rentals in Fayette County.

Property Owners Form Group to Oppose Chattanooga’s Proposed Vacation Rental Rules

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 7

Chattanooga property owners have united to oppose more restrictive rules for short-term vacation rentals up for approval at the City Council's meeting.

Empowered Leaders: Female Forces in Hospitality and Real Estate

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 7

The International Hospitality Media editorial team selected 22 female leaders in hospitality and real estate to mark International Women’s Day 2023. Among them are Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe, co-hosts, Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals Podcast.

Chattanooga City Council Gives Initial OK to New Vacation Rental Rules With Larger Buffer Zone

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 6

The Chattanooga City Council approved on first reading Tuesday new rules for short-term vacation rentals that include an expanded buffer zone in certain residential areas.

New Orleans City Council Starts Rewriting Short-Term Rental Rules

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 6

The New Orleans City Council has passed the first measure in in a series of reforms to the city’s residential short-term rental rules as it rushes to meet a court-imposed March 31 deadline.

Denver Short-Term Rental Licenses Up Higher Than They Were at the Start of the Pandemic

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 6

For the first time since the pandemic started, Denver's Department of Excise and Licenses reports that short-term rental licenses are higher than they were in March 2020. At that time, there were 2,570 active short-term rental licenses. That dropped by hundreds shortly after.

Business Ministers Approve EU Data Collection Legislation

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 6

EU business ministers have approved new rules for short-term rental booking platforms across the European Union.

How Tech Is Helping Vacation Rentals Prevent Disturbances

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 6

Technology for noise control can play an important role in allowing responsible short-term rental (STR) owners to operate in locations considering tighter restrictions.

Short Stay Summit 2023 Program Highlights Revealed

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 6

The program highlights and some of its speakers and panelists for this year’s Short Stay Summit, being held on April 27 in London, have been revealed.

UK Tax Authority Launches Crackdown on Holiday Let Owners

By: VRMA Administrator | Mar 1

HM Revenue & Customs has launched a crackdown on the UK short-term lettings market by initially targeting about 1,000 property owners that it suspects have not paid enough tax.

Vacation Rentals Licensing Plan Opposed at Hearing in Mount Desert, Maine

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

Mount Desert, Maine, Planning Consultant Noel Musson and the Land Use Zoning Ordinance (LUZO) committee heard negative opinions on a proposed short-term rentals licensing ordinance at a public hearing on Feb. 21.

Halifax Approves New Short-Term Rental Regulations Starting in September

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia, Canada, has approved regulations for short-term rentals and are giving residents until Sept. 1 to adjust.

Santa Fe County Commission Weighs Extending Short-Term Rentals Registration Deadline

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

The Santa Fe, N.M., County Commission is considering extending the timeframe for licensing and registering short-term rentals under an ordinance that has drawn concerns over its application process.

Gary Enacts Regulations for Short-Term Rental Properties

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

The Gary, Ind., Common Council has voted to adopt an ordinance establishing a regulatory framework for short-term rentals. The ordinance requires that a short term rental property that is not its owners’ primary residents receive a special use or zoning variance in order to operate.

El Paso Airbnb Owners United in Opposing Possible Short-Term Rental Regulations from City

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

Dozens of owners of El Paso short-term rentals have voiced their opposition to further regulation and taxation during several public meetings.

Maui County Sees Largest Vacation Rental Supply, Average Daily Rate in the State

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply and average daily rate of all four of Hawaii's counties in January, according to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s Hawaii Vacation Rental Performance Report.

Four Stars for Peeling Paint and Broken Doors? What’s Behind High Airbnb Ratings

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

The average rating for U.S. homes on Airbnb, excluding room rentals, was 4.74 stars in 2022, with nearly identical or identical averages in 2021 and 2019, according to AirDNA data.

Booking.com looks to Expand Vacation Rental Options

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

In Booking.com’s Super Bowl commercial, actress Melissa McCarthy was used to drive the point that the brand is delving further into the alternative accommodation space.

Arizona Short-Term Rentals Caused Few Issues During Super Bowl

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

Residents filed just 50 complaints against short-term rentals across the five largest Valley cities in Arizona during the recent Super Bowl, amid a recent clampdown on the industry. Combined, there are about 9,100 short-term rentals in those communities.

AirDNA: Supply in Europe Reaches Pre-pandemic Levels

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 27

European short-term rental demand had a strong January, with 18.1 percent more nights stayed than January last year and a huge 28 percent more than in 2019, according to data from AirDNA. This extended seasonality pushed occupancy up 5 percent from last year and 6 percent above pre-pandemic levels.

Parts of Short-Term Rental Ordinance Ruled Unconstitutional

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 23

A Clark County, Nev., District Court judge has ruled that portions of a county ordinance regulating short-term rentals are unconstitutional.

Dallas Says Decision on Short-term Rentals Not Coming Before Spring

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 23

Dallas officials say the earliest the City Council would make a decision on what to do about short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods is the spring. The council is tentatively scheduled to be briefed April 4 on the latest recommendations to regulate properties listed on platforms.

AirDNA: Strong start to 2023 for US short-term rental bookings

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 23

Data from AirDNA show US short-term rental occupancy in January stabilizing just 1.3 percent lower than last year.

New Orleans City Council Will Wait Until After Mardi Gras to Discuss New Short-Term Rental Rules

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

The New Orleans City Council will wait until after Mardi Gras to discuss new rules governing short-term rentals, according to a statement released by the office of council president JP Morrell. The council will hold its next public meeting on the new regulations in early March.

NC Appeals Court Urged to Throw Out Chapel Hill’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

A lawsuit filed at the N.C. Court of Appeals challenges Chapel Hill’s short-term rental ordinance, arguing that the town had no authority to put the ordinance in place. The brief urges appellate judges to reverse a trial court order favoring the town.

Bill Would Make Local Bans on Short-Term Rentals Illegal in S.C.

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

A measure introduced this year in the South Carolina State House would make imposing local bans on short-term rentals illegal.

Are Regulations Needed to Keep Short-Term Rentals Accountable? Pensacola, Fla., Wants More Data

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

Pensacola, Fla., City Council members largely agreed that they wanted more data on short-term rentals in the city before formulating any regulations.

Youngstown, N.Y., Looking at Short-Term Rental Regulations

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

The Village of Youngstown, N.Y., is considering regulations for short-term rental properties. During a recent Board of Trustee’s meeting, Deputy Mayor Kyle Heath said the village has been working on coming up with a framework for regulation.

More Changes Could Come for Atlanta Short-Term Rental Hosts

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

Residents of Atlanta, Ga., who rely on the money from having multiple short-term rentals in Atlanta told city council members on Feb. 20 that red tape makes it hard for them to stay afloat.

VRMA Is Working to Oppose HB84 in Hawaii, a Bill That Targets Legal STRs

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

VRMA is aware of the below measure, HB84, and is working alongside industry partners to oppose this bill as it moves through the legislature. Hawaii State Rep. Sean Quinlan introduced the measure, which would allow counties to change the zoning of short term rentals.

It’s a Richcession, Not a Recession

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

Most economic downturns hit lower-income Americans hardest, but current economic uncertainty is hitting the wealthy as well, as data on short-term rentals reflect.

getawayGoGo and Happy.Rentals Partner for European Distribution

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 21

Online travel marketplace getawayGoGo has partnered with European property management company Happy.Rentals for the distribution of more than 2,500 properties across 11 countries.

Council Votes to Keep Short-Term Rentals in Residential Areas Illegal

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 15

The Fort Worth City, Texas, Council approved a new ordinance for short-term rentals. Council members voted unanimously to continue to allow short-term rentals only in mixed-use and commercial areas.

Best Places to Invest in U.S. Vacation Rentals in 2023: AirDNA

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 15

AirDNA, has released its 2023 Best Places to Invest report, highlighting cities in the Midwest and Northeast as surprising hotspots.

Where Have All the Short-Term Renters Gone? To the Desert

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 15

For the past year, short-term rental booking demand in U.S. deserts has been particularly hot, data from AirDNA show. Arizona’s Phoenix and Scottsdale area has seen a 41 percent year-over-year increase in booking demand as of December 2022.

Vancouver's Tourists to Pay New Tax Until 2030 to Cover FIFA World Cup Costs

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 14

Visitors to Vancouver, Canada, now have an extra fee tacked on to their short-term rental bills to cover the costs the city will pay for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Vacasa Chief Commercial Officer Exits, COO Role Elevated

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 14

The looming departure of Vacasa's Chief Commercial Officer Craig Smith has prompted a new executive reshuffling, as a filing with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission indicates he will leave after March 13.

Breezeway Launches Digital Welcome Book for Rental Providers

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 14

Breezeway has announced the launch of Breezeway Guide, a fully-integrated digital welcome book for guests.

Expedia Gives Optimistic Outlook for Travel Bounceback in 2023

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 14

Expedia Group executives harbor a positive outlook for travel demand in the current quarter, following lower-than-expected fourth-quarter results. While sales climbed 15 percent to $2.62 billion last quarter, they fell short of the average analyst's estimate of $2.7 billion.

Airbnb to Make ID Verification Mandatory for Reservations

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 14

Airbnb will soon mandate that guests provide verification from a valid government-issued ID or a legal address at the time of booking. Airbnb's Tara Bunch said the requirement is designed to boost safety, and was made at hosts' requests.

Whimstay CEO David Weiss Explains the Surest Way to Get a Deal on a Vacation Booking

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 14

Vacation rental business Whimstay, with its emphasis on "last minute" travelers, operates on the idea that the cheapest time to buy or rent is when the market is not crowded.

Florida's Gulf Coast Fights to Rebound After Hurricane Ian

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 14

Communities on Florida's gulf coast are struggling to recover following Hurricane Ian, with Sanibel Island Mayor Holly Smith recently stating, "There's no spring break here."

How Much Will it Cost to Stay in the Phoenix Area for Super Bowl Weekend? (Hint: Much More Than Last Weekend)

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

According to short-term rental analytics firm AirDNA, the average booked rate in Glendale, Ariz., in advance of Super Bowl weekend was around $740 per night, compared to last weekend, when travelers could book a short-term rental in Glendale for closer to $225 per night.

Hoover City Council Approves Ordinance Restricting Certain Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

The Hoover City, Ala., Council passed an ordinance that will restrict certain short-term rentals in the city.

Albuquerque to Consider Capping Vacation Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller says he wants to cap the number of vacation rentals in the city at 1,200 and, for the first time, regulate how many an individual owner can have.

El Paso Short-Term Rental Property Owners Voice Their Concerns on Regulations

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

The City of El Paso, Texas, held a community meeting regarding a proposed permit fee and hotel occupancy tax for short-term rental (STR). Other proposals include a 500 feet requirement between each rental property and maximum occupants and minimum parking requirements.

Guesty Launches Direct Reservations Solutions With Guesty Websites

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

Guesty has launched its Direct Reservations Solutions, offering Guesty Websites, Guesty Booking Engine, Manual Reservations, customer relationship management capabilities, and revenue management for direct reservations.

Heritage Travel Can Unlock Tourism Benefits for EU Communities

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

Airbnb Regional Director for EMEA Emmanuel Marill was scheduled to present to members of the European Committee of the Regions and meet with the European Parliament Cultural Heritage Intergroup to champion the benefits of heritage travel for tourism dispersal in Europe.

Vacation Rentals Trending in Montana

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

While already a growing trend, the pandemic saw a surge in the number of short-term rentals, including in Montana.

Saudi Arabia Set for Surge in Demand for Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

Saudi Arabia is set for an increase in demand in short-term rentals. With citizens now allowed to operate property rentals after a new rental platform was announced last month, the sector is expected to grow quickly.

A Strong Dollar Has U.S. Buyers Flooding Overseas Housing Markets

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

Ninety-two percent of high-net-worth Americans actively looked at real estate overseas in 2022, according to survey data from Coldwell Banker Global Luxury’s 2022 Trend Report.

As Super Bowl Looms, Valley Homeowners Prepare to Rent Out Luxury Homes

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 8

Phoenix-area short-term rental owners are preparing their properties for the influx of visitors coming to watch Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Starting a Successful Vacation Rental: Tips from the Experts

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 7

VRMA recently lent its thoughts to an industry blog on strategies for short-term rental business owners.

Airbnb and Expedia Turn Customer Cash Into Profit, Aided by Rising Interest Rates

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 1

Short-term rental companies like Airbnb, Expedia Group, and Booking Holdings invest billions of dollars of their customers' money for their own profits, and thanks to rising interest rates, returns on these investments are at record levels.

Vacation Rental Bookings Rise in January 2023

By: VRMA Administrator | Feb 1

Data and insights platform Key Data found a major increase in the number of vacation rental reservations made in January 2023. As the data partner of the VRMA, Key Data compared U.S. and U.K. reservations made on Airbnb and Vrbo during the first three weeks of January to the same period in 2022.

Folly Beach Builder Files Lawsuit over Pause on Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

Builder Michael Riffert with Folly East Indian Co., LLC has filed a lawsuit against the city of Folly Beach, S.C., claiming the city’s pause of short-term rentals is unconstitutional.

Airbnb Warns a Puerto Rico Bill Would Essentially Ban Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

Carlos Muñoz, Airbnb’s director of public policy and communications for Central America and the Caribbean, said pending legislation in Puerto Rico that would limit the use of short-term rentals in residential areas is a “defacto prohibition."

Biloxi Planning Commission Discusses City’s Future With Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

The Biloxi, Miss., Planning Commission is considering the city’s approach with short-term rentals.

Planning Commission Endorses Block Caps for New Orleans Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

The New Orleans City Planning Commission endorsed a one per blockface limit on short-term rentals in residential areas.

Maui County Sees Largest Vacation Rental Supply, Occupancy, Average Rates in State

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply, occupancy, and average daily rates (ADR) of all four of Hawaii's counties last month, according to a recent state report.

Cascade Vacation Rentals Nearly Doubles Portfolio With the Addition of Poplar River Condos at Lutsen

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

Cascade Vacation Rentals added 72 units of the Poplar River Condos at Lutsen in Minnesota to their portfolio. The company now offers 186 properties, located from south of Duluth to the Canadian border and up the Gunflint Trail.

2022 Ends on High Note for European Short-Term Rentals: AirDNA

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

Short-term rentals in Europe ended last year on a high note, with 10.2 percent more nights booked than in December 2019 and 47.4 percent more than in 2021, according to data from AirDNA.

Vrbo Is Cracking Down on Super Bowl Parties in Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

Vrbo is trying to help property managers detect football fans who want to rent homes over the Super Bowl weekend to throw unauthorized parties by tracking factors like length of stay and number of guests.

New Efforts Spotlight Sustainability in Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 31

Owners of short-term rentals (STRs) currently lack an industry-specific standard of sustainability to work toward.

Tripadvisor, Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com Web Traffic Bodes Well for 2023

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 25

Tripadvisor, Expedia, Airbnb and Booking.com enjoyed a large enough increase in visitor traffic on both a yearly and monthly basis to bode well for this year, according to the analysis by digital intelligence platform Similarweb.

Expedia Group Announces First Cohort for Startup Accelerator Focused on Underserved Travelers

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 25

Expedia announced the first group of tech companies taking part in its new Open World Accelerator program. The 12 startups were chosen from hundreds of applicants worldwide focused on building tech products meant to improve accessibility for underserved travelers.

San Bernardino Begins Work on Rules for Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 24

The city of San Bernardino, Calif., plans to begin regulating short-term rentals (STRs). In the coming weeks, city staffers will craft regulations for STRs based on those in other cities and put them before the Planning Commission in February for consideration.

One Vacation Rental Per Block? New Orleans Gets First Draft of New Law

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 24

The latest recommendations for permanent rules on short-term rentals in New Orleans would make key changes to how the units are licensed, limiting the number of permits in neighborhoods to one per each side of a block and requiring the rental operator to live on site.

Lewiston Approves Short-Term Rental Regulations

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 24

The Village of Lewiston in New York has adopted new regulations for short-term rental properties and a limit on how many can operate in its borders. "We are not trying to stop short-term rentals," said Mayor Anne Welch. "We think they’re great for village.

Fort Worth City Council to Vote on Registration Rules for Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 24

The Fort Worth City Council in Texas will later in January vote on rules that would require owners of short-term rentals to register with the city.

Douglas County, Colo., to Hear from Public on Short-Term Vacation Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 24

The Board of Douglas County, Colo., Commissioners was scheduled to convene a town hall meeting on Jan. 25 to discuss short-term rentals. Board members have been hearing from property owners about expanding the market for vacation rentals.

Holiday Home Registration System to Be Simplified in Ras Al Khaimah

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 24

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is set to introduce measures that will simplify the holiday homes system in the UAE emirate, whereby owners and operators access an electronic registration portal to register their residential units on a short-term rental basis.

Guesty Expands C-suite and Management Team

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 24

Guesty promoted Nesya Gilad and Galit Rabby to its C-suite and Tal Sieger to its management team. Gilad is the newly appointed chief marketing officer, after spending the past four years as Guesty’s vice president of marketing.

How Data Sharing Between Platforms and Tax Agencies Affects Short-Term Rental Markets

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 24

The Danish government in 2018 negotiated an agreement with Airbnb about the transmission of data on income earned by users on the platform to the country’s tax agency.

Japan Likely to Ease Rules on Minpaku Vacation Rentals to Boost Regional Tourism

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 19

The government of Japan is expected toy relax the requirements for management companies operating minpaku lodging businesses that rent properties to travelers, eliminating the requirement that their staff have practical experience or qualifications in the real estate business.

Larimer County, Colo., Seeks Feedback on Latest Draft of Vacation Rental Policy

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

Larimer County, Colorado, is soliciting feedback on the latest version of its vacation rental policy.

Hamilton, Ontario, to Restrict Short-Term Rentals to Owner's Principal Residence with Time Limit

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

Hamilton, Ontario, will impose limits on owners of AirBnb properties to protect its rental housing market and eliminate so-called “party houses.”

Tempe, Ariz., Moves Forward With New Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

Tempe is joining cities in Arizona like Peoria and Scottsdale in requiring property owners to get a license and notify their neighbors.

Kansas City, Mo., Voters to Decide Fate of Short-Term Rental Taxes to April Ballot

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

The Kansas City, Mo., City Council voted to add two ordinances to the April 4 ballot, hoping to expand tax law to include short-term rentals. Due to current city and state laws, Kansas City cannot charge an occupancy fee or a convention and tourism tax as it does on hotels and motels.

Sonder Eliminates Cleaning Fees

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

Sonder has eliminated cleaning fees for guests, rolling out what it calls “zero cleaning fees” in November, although there was no formal announcement.

Nomadness Rentals Purchases Steamboat Office Building

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

Nomadness Rentals has acquired a new office building in Steamboat Springs, Colo. The company announced that the purchase will give Nomadness additional space for its growing team while allowing the company to better serve its customers in the area.

Minut Launches "World First” Indoor/Outdoor Hospitality Sensor

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

Minut has launched a new-generation sensor, described as “the world’s first native outdoor noise monitoring solution built specifically for the hospitality industry." The sensor features new technology called AudioID, which uses machine learning to filter out the wind noise around the sensor.

Greater Price Transparency in Short-Term Rentals Will Catch Fire

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 18

Airbnb's move to provide more price transparency throughout the world outside Europe will ripple across the short-term rental industry, writes Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.

With Residents Divided, Madison, Conn., Explores Ordinance Regulating Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 9

As officials consider an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) in Madison, Conn., debate continues among residents. Since at least 2021, a group of residents has been petitioning the town to ban property rentals of fewer than 30 days in residential districts.

Implementation of New Short-Term Rental Registration in Nantucket Delayed

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 9

Nantucket, Massachusetts, has delayed the implementation of local short-term rental registration while the island's Health Department awaits a new office manager following the retirement of Anne Barrett.

Most Scottsdale Vacation Rentals Are Still Unlicensed, Despite Jan. 8 Deadline

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 9

Thousands of short-term rental (STR) properties in Scottsdale, Ariz., are still in noncompliance with an ordinance adopted in October that requires properties that can be rented for fewer than 30 days to be licensed by the city.

Tybee Alliance Launches Second Lawsuit Against City's STR Ordinance

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 9

The city of Tybee Island, Ga., is facing a second lawsuit from Tybee Alliance, a coalition of property managers and owners who have accused the local government of overreach in their short-term rental (STR) regulations.

Hinchey Introduces Bill to Track and Tax Vacation Rentals in New York

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 9

A new bill aims to create state-level regulation of short-term rentals in New York.

Only Three Sedona Hosts Have Applied to a Program That Would Pay Local Landlords to Rent Homes to Residents

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 9

An effort by Sedona, Ariz., to get short-term rental (STR) property owners to delist their properties is off to a slow start.

Where Are the Most Profitable Winter Vacation Rentals?

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 9

Vacasa examined a year's worth of rental and sales data in 135 U.S. markets where the company or its subsidiaries manage at least 50 units to find the top locations in which to buy profitable winter rentals based on capitalization rate.

Nights Booked Online Up 9 Percent in the Summer of 2022

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 9

Guests spent a total of about 251 million nights in short-term rental accommodation in the European Union during the third quarter through rental platform bookings, an increase of around 24 percent compared with the same period of 2021, according to data from Eurostat.

Woodstock's Short-Term Rental Owners Again Ask for Fair Treatment

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

Short-term rental operators in Woodstock, New York, are once again lobbying for more inclusion following Supervisor Bill McKenna reopening discussions of revisions to the town's short-term rental rules.

Peoria, Ariz., Adds New Rules for Vacation and Short-Term Rental Properties

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

Peoria, Arizona, will become the latest city to adopt new regulations for vacation and short-term rental (STR) properties, under which owners must apply for a free permit with the city and adhere to neighbor notification and health and safety requirements.

Short-Term Rental Reform Lobbying Ban Divides Leaders Across Arizona

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

A lobbying suspension pact between short-term rental companies and a statewide organization representing municipalities has split city and town leaders in Arizona.

Toronto Enforcing 180-Night Maximum Allowance for Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

The city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is now enforcing a 180-night maximum allowance for short-term rentals via a bylaw instituted in 2019 to limit short-term rental activity to principal residences.

Philly Starts Enforcing New Rules for Short-Term Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

The new year has brought Philadelphia a new regulatory regime for short-term rental (STR) properties.

Hawaii Island Bill Seeks to Limit Number of Guests in Short-Term Vacation Rentals

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

Heather Kimball and Ashley Kierkiewicz of the Hawaii County Council are sponsoring legislation that would require hosted vacation rentals to register with the county, similar to laws regulating “unhosted” short-term vacation rentals.

NYC Could Lose 10,000 Airbnb Listings Because of New Short-Term Rental Regulations

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

A new short-term rental registration law put forth by the administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams could remove 10,000 Airbnb listings from the market in January.

As Remote Workers Flock to Mexico City, Airbnb and Housing Prices Soar

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

Since the pandemic, Mexico City has become a global hub for foreign remote workers, some of whom are using Airbnb to find long-term rentals, pushing prices for those rentals, and housing in general, higher.

HomeToGo Teases Modes Launch in 2023

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

HomeToGo CEO Patrick Andrae has alluded to the possible launch of the HomeToGo Modes product next year, which he described as offering a “hyper-curated vacation rental browsing experience completely based on unique interests.”

EU Court Rules Airbnb Must Provide Rental Info to Tax Authorities

By: VRMA Administrator | Jan 4

The European Union's top court ruled that Airbnb must provide information in rental contracts to tax authorities and withhold tax under a national regime.

Black Travelers Say Home-Share Hosts Discriminate, and a New Airbnb Report Agrees

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 20

A new Airbnb report appears to confirm Black travelers' suspicions that home-sharing platforms racially discriminate, and details remedial steps it has implemented.

Volusia County Judge Upholds County's Short-Term Rental Regulations Disputed in Lawsuit

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 20

Volusia County, Florida, Judge Kathryn D. Weston ruled on Dec. 12 that the county's code of ordinances bans short-term rentals of less than 30 days in residential zones, but the Vacation Rental Home Alliance (VRHA) of Volusia will file an appeal.

Halifax Council Defers Short-Term Rental Decision

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 20

The Regional Council of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, has opted to defer the matter of deciding on short-term rental regulation until the spring as it gathers more data.

City of San Diego Wants More Short-Term Rental Hosts to Apply for a License

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 20

San Diego, California, will again try to coax short-term rental hosts to apply for a required license under new regulations that come into force on May 1.

A New Reality for Travel and Hospitality: STRz 2023 Predictions

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 20

Short Term Rentalz envisions six predictions for the travel and hospitality industry coming to pass in 2023. "Best in class" technology investment will be driven not for the sake of simply having technology, but by what makes the most sense for property managers' needs and portfolios.

Niche Short-Term Rental Startups Are Saturating the Market: It Can't Last

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 20

The niche short-term rental market is starting to tighten, and startups investing in booking software should prepare accordingly. The post-pandemic boom for these companies will eventually end, and a shakeout is likely when pitted against big platforms like Expedia and Airbnb.

AirDNA Outlook: U.S. Short-Term Rentals Mature with Tempered Growth in 2023

By: VRMA Administrator | Dec 20

The U.S. short-term rental (STR) industry is poised for continued expansion despite a possible recession, according to AirDNA's 2023 outlook report.