News and Articles
 The latest news and articles in the world of Short-Term Rentals.
Maine, Colorado, and Arkansas Updates!
Note: We have a Detailed Overview in our Members' Community under the Government - Restrictions, Regulations, and Rules circle.
 
Maine’s LD 283: A Tax Scare Defeated
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Maine’s LD 283 aimed to redirect 1% of meals and lodging taxes to towns, a “de facto sales tax” per Vacation Rental Professionals of Maine. It risked cutting tourism marketing, despite STRs’ $450M in spending and $40M in taxes. Voted down on March 11, 2025, it’s dead for now but could resurface in 2026. Stay vigilant to protect Maine’s $7.3B tourism!
Maine: Stay ready with VRP Maine for LD 283’s potential comeback.
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Colorado’s HB 25-1247: Lodging Tax Hike
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Colorado’s House Bill 25-1247, led by Rep. Elizabeth Velasco and Sen. Dylan Roberts, raises the county lodging tax cap from 2% to 6% for STRs and hotels, needing voter appr...
Top Dynamic Pricing Tools for STR Hosts in 2025: Maximize Revenue, Minimize Hassle
In the fiercely competitive world of short-term rentals (STRs), setting the right price can make or break your business. Price too low, and you attract low-quality guests who may damage your property, cutting into profits. Price too high, and you scare away bookings, leaving your calendar empty. The solution? Dynamic pricing tools that use real-time data to find the “sweet spot,” boosting occupancy and revenue by 15-40%, according to 2024 STR industry reports. In 2025, with STR markets growing 15% annually (AirDNA), these tools are essential for hosts aiming to thrive, not just survive. Inspired by Keith Cunningham’s The Road Less Stupid, which urges avoiding costly pricing mistakes through strategic clarity, this guide explores the top dynamic pricing tools to simplify rate-setting, maximize cash flow. Let’s dive into the best tools, backed by NSTRA’s Preferred Sponsors, to help you go and grow!
Why Dynamic Pricing Is a Game-Changer
Dynamic pricing tools are like having a team of ...
Top STR Tech Trends for 2025: Boost Revenue, Delight Guests, and Build a Legacy
In the fast-evolving short-term rental (STR) industry, staying ahead means embracing technology that simplifies operations, maximizes revenue, and creates unforgettable guest experiences. With the global STR market projected to hit $256.3 billion by 2030 (11.4% CAGR, Grand View Research), 2025 is a pivotal year for hosts to leverage tech trends like AI automation, smart home solutions, and eco-friendly innovations. Inspired by Keith Cunningham’s The Road Less Stupid, which asks, “What’s the cost of inaction?” this guide explores the top STR tech trends for 2025, helping NSTRA hosts avoid costly mistakes, boost cash flow by 20-40%, and allow us to support a $50 million Foster Village for timed-out foster youth with Mickey's House Foundation in Arizona. Guided by faith and compassion (Luke 1:37), let’s dive into the tools to grow your STR and make a difference!
Why Tech Matters in 2025
The STR landscape is more competitive than ever, with 80% of Airbnb’s top markets facing regulations ...
Top Hosting Platforms for Your Short-Term Rental (Beyond Airbnb) in 2025
Airbnb may be the first name that comes to mind for short-term rentals (STRs), but it’s not the only player in the game—nor always the best fit for every host. While Airbnb’s global reach and brand recognition are undeniable, other platforms offer unique advantages, from lower fees to niche audiences or longer bookings. In 2025, with STR bookings projected to grow 15% annually (per a 2024 AirDNA report), diversifying your listings across multiple platforms can boost occupancy, increase revenue, and target specific guest demographics. Whether you’re a new host or looking to expand, here’s a guide to the top STR hosting platforms besides Airbnb, with tips to optimize your strategy and NSTRA resources to streamline operations.
Why Explore Alternatives to Airbnb?
Airbnb hosts millions of listings worldwide, but its high fees (3-5% host fees, plus guest service fees), strict policies, and saturated markets can limit profits in some regions. Alternative platforms may offer lower costs, c...
STR Hosts, 2025 Is a Game-Changer for Your Rights!
Hey, awesome short-term rental fam!
We've been discussing 2025’s legislative session and how it is shaking things up with bills in New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington. Let's add Missouri to that list! Bills that could make or break your STR game are popping up all over. From tax protections to potential bans, here’s a recap of some and the scoop on all five key bills—plus how to jump in!Â
New Mexico’s HM 52: Fair Play for STRs
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New Mexico’s House Memorial 52 is your ally, launching a Short-Term Rental Work Group to study STRs’ $1.1B economic punch (14,555 jobs, $82.1M in taxes!). It digs into tourism, workforce housing, and taxes, delivering policy ideas by December 1, 2025. Best part? It pauses counties from slapping commercial tax rates on STRs, saving hosts in Santa Fe ($33.6M in taxes) and beyond from wallet-busting hikes. In committee with big support, it’s a step toward fairness!Â
Ohio’s SB 104 & HB 109: Keep Hosting Free
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Ohio’s Senate Bill 104 and House Bill 109,...
How to Choose the Perfect Short-Term Rental for Your 2025 Vacation
Booking a short-term rental (STR) can elevate your vacation, offering home-like comfort and unique experiences that hotels often lack. However, choosing the right STR is crucial to ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons. A poorly selected rental can lead to unexpected hassles, while a well-researched choice can maximize value and enjoyment. In 2025, with STR platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and direct booking sites booming, travelers have endless options—but also new considerations like safety tech and local regulations. Whether you’re a guest planning a getaway or a host aiming to attract discerning travelers, here’s a guide to what to look for in an STR, with NSTRA resources to support hosts in meeting guest expectations.
Why Choosing the Right STR Matters
The quality of your STR directly impacts your vacation experience, from comfort to convenience. A 2024 Tripadvisor study found that 85% of travelers prioritize accommodation quality when booking, with cleanliness, ...
More Big Wins in Ohio!
Hello, our amazing short-term rental community! Whether you’re welcoming guests with Yada’s AI magic, Touch Stay’s digital guidebooks, or RueBaRue’s local tips, there’s exciting news from the 2025 legislative sessions in Ohio. Game-changing efforts—OH’s Senate Bill 104 (SB 104) / House Bill 109 (HB 109)—are fighting to protect your STR business and keep hospitality thriving. Here’s the lowdown, and how you can get involved!
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Ohio’s SB 104 & HB 109: Protecting Your STR Freedom
In Ohio, identical bills SB 104 (Sen. Andrew Brenner) and HB 109 (Rep. Justin Pizzulli) are pushing back against local bans on STRs. These bills say NO to municipalities:
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Banning or capping STRs in residential zones.
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Limiting how many STRs you can operate.
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Requiring you to live in your rental.
- Using lotteries for permits.
They also extend lodging taxes to STRs, potentially boosting local revenues by $29M annually ($121M to $150M), with platforms like Airbnb handling collection. Ohio’s S...
Big News for New Mexico’s Short-Term Rental Hosts!
Hey, hospitality heroes! As we host travelers in our beautiful state, there’s exciting news from the 2025 New Mexico Legislature. House Memorial 52 (HM 52) is stepping up to protect short-term rental (STR) hosts like you, ensuring fair policies that keep our communities thriving. Here’s the scoop, plus a nod to other housing wins we’re cheering for!
What’s HM 52 All About?Â
This memorial creates a Short-Term Rental Work Group, bringing together the Economic Development, Tourism, and Taxation & Revenue Departments to study STRs’ massive impact. In 2023, STRs pumped $1.1 BILLION into New Mexico’s economy, created 14,555 jobs, and generated $82.1M in taxes—think $33.6M in Santa Fe and $14.6M in Lincoln! They also provide crucial housing for traveling nurses, construction crews, and remote workers. By December 1, 2025, the group will share data-driven policy ideas to balance STR growth with housing needs.
The best part? HM 52 hits pause on county assessors reclassifying STRs as co
...Smart Tax Strategies for STR Hosts
Running a short-term rental (STR) is a lucrative venture, but taxes can eat into your profits if you’re not strategic. From federal income taxes to local occupancy taxes, STR hosts face a complex landscape that requires careful planning. In 2025, with tax codes evolving and IRS scrutiny on STRs increasing, smart tax strategies are essential to maximize deductions, minimize liabilities, and keep your business thriving. One powerful tool? The Augusta Rule, which can save you thousands. Here’s a guide to key tax strategies for STR hosts, including how to leverage the Augusta Rule, with NSTRA resources to support your financial success.
Why Tax Planning Matters for STR Hosts
STRs are businesses, subject to federal, state, and local taxes, including income tax on rental revenue and occupancy taxes (2-15% of bookings). A 2024 TurboTax study found that 65% of STR hosts overpay taxes due to missed deductions or improper filings. Effective tax planning can save you thousands annually, freeing...
STR Hosts, Legislative Action Is Heating Up Across the U.S.!
Hey there, our incredible short-term rental crew! You’re the heartbeat of hospitality. But new laws in New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington could shape your STR business—some for the better, some with challenges. Here’s the latest on four key bills, plus how you can jump in to protect your hosting freedom!
New Mexico’s HM 52: A Fair Study for STRs
New Mexico’s House Memorial 52 is all about balance! It launches a Short-Term Rental Work Group to study STRs’ $1.1B economic impact (14,555 jobs, $82.1M in taxes!) and their role in workforce housing for traveling pros. By December 1, 2025, they’ll propose policies to keep STRs thriving without unfair tax hikes. HM 52 pauses counties from reclassifying STRs as commercial properties, saving hosts from steep tax jumps in places like Santa Fe ($33.6M in tax revenue). It’s in committee and has strong support—let’s keep it moving!
Ohio’s SB 104 & HB 109: No Bans, More Freedom
Ohio’s Senate Bill 104 and House Bill 109, led by Sen. Andrew ...
