Updated on December 10, 2025
This year, hosts started preparing for global guests, adjusted to shifting regulations, and adapted to the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence. Through it all, many of the top articles of 2025 were there to help hosts stay grounded in times of change and challenges.
Readers sought resources that made uncertainty manageable, whether by learning inclusive communication for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, navigating guest agreements, or reading our Halloween series to avoid their own hosting horror stories.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 articles across RentResponsibly.org and the RR Network, chosen by readers and RR staff. Thank you for reading!
Reader Favorite: 2026 destination events that draw short-term rental guests
Big events have always been lightning rods for travel demand, but this year’s roundup of 2026 destination events was a lightning strike. Hosts across the country are already gearing up for what’s expected to be one of the biggest global travel surges in recent memory, and this article laid out exactly where that energy is headed. From festivals and concerts to championship matches, it mapped the pockets of opportunity and prepared operators to capture maximum bookings and returns. If you’re shaping your 2026 strategy, this is the event forecast you’ll want to read.
Staff Pick: How to Welcome Global Guests Inclusively During the FIFA World Cup [Abbi’s Pick]
Speaking of major destination events, multiple cities in the US are set to host one of the world’s largest events in 2026: the FIFA World Cup.
“Recent experiences showed me how quickly inclusivity can be overlooked and how clearly that absence is felt, which made this article’s practical guidance especially meaningful,” said Abbi Booth, RR Director of Alliance Operations. “It’s a helpful reminder that with a little intention, every host can help our industry shine on the global stage.”
Reader Favorite: Regulatory News
Major events and several other factors continue to spark regulatory discussions nationwide. Regulatory news articles were frequent front-runners throughout the year as state bills, local ordinances, and lawsuits succeeded and failed. Regulatory activity shows no signs of slowing. Sign up for our email list to get updates.
Most popular:
- Spring 2025 State STR Bills to Watch
- What New York State’s new STR registry means for host, platforms, and local governments
- Idaho Supreme Court overturns town’s short-term rental ban in residential zones
Want to make sure your area is as prepared as possible for a regulatory threat? Become a part of the Right to Rent Collaborative and join or start an STR association in your area.
Staff Pick: Hospitality Heroes: Nonprofit helps hospitality workers weather any storm [Dana and Dave’s Pick]
In brighter news, our Humans of STRs series continued to spotlight incredible people in our industry, like April Burns, Sue Jones, and Rachele Hobbs with Hospitality Heroes and the people they serve.
“I picked this article because it shines a light on the housekeepers, maintenance teams, and local workers who keep our industry going, and asks what it really looks like to show up for them when disaster hits,” said Dana Lubner, RR Director of Community Development. “It turns a heartbreaking story into a clear plan, with real examples of how we can prepare ahead, protect paychecks, and connect displaced workers to support faster. For me, it is a powerful reminder that our industry’s real strength is our people, and that we have the tools to take better care of them.”
Staff Pick: Hosting Horror Stories Halloween Series [Tanya’s Pick]
RR Network Exclusives
“I chose the Halloween Horror Series because, as a cautious person, I appreciated the preventive advice, but I also enjoyed the ghost stories, fun industry trivia, and seeing how these niche guests show up in the STR market,” said Tanya Keller, RR Brand Manager. “It was genuinely a fun read, offering practical guidance and unexpected insights.”
The series included:
- How ghosts can haunt, or help, your vacation rental’s value
- Cautionary tales every host should know
- How to stop Wi-Fi and camera tampering in your short-term rental
Reader Favorite: 4 vacation rental guest agreement clauses every host needs
RR Network Exclusive
Thankfully, there are several steps hosts can take to prevent becoming the star of their own horror story. One of the strongest protections is a rental agreement, a document that lays out the rules of engagement, prevents misunderstandings, and gives hosts more certainty when the unexpected happens. This article lays out four essential clauses you might not have considered.
Staff Pick: How to beat short-term rental hosting anxiety [Esmond and Lindsay’s pick]
Do you feel anxious when you see cautionary tales or aren’t sure if your preventive measures are enough? You’re not alone.
“I chose this piece because, as a new STR host, it feels incredibly calming to read like someone finally naming the worries hosts have been carrying alone,” said Esmond Fountain, RR Community Support Coordinator. “It offers gentle, practical guidance that turns that early hosting anxiety into a sense of grounding and confidence.”
Lindsay Bolton, RR Project Manager, added, “This article was spot on, and back in my property manager days, I saw many owners overthinking the tiniest details of their rental to appeal to every guest. I appreciate how this article highlights the importance of communication with guests, before and during their stay, along with the friendly reminder that hosting is a journey that will improve over time.”
Staff Pick: STR Cleaning Series [Alexa’s Pick]
Cleaning enjoyed the spotlight this year, and rightfully so.
“Like the millions of other travelers who handle booking accommodations for a group, I feel a ton of pressure to pick a great, clean property,” said Alexa Nota, RR Chief Operations Officer. “These guides are incredibly handy for hosts cleaning themselves or, even better, hiring professionals to ensure every guest walks into a sparkling clean property – which is what they expect.”
Included in the series:
- Guide to vacation rental linens
- Guide to STR turnover inspections
- How to hire a professional cleaning crew
Staff Pick: Rachel Covello: The LGBTQ advocate and host behind OutCoast [Paris’s pick]
A pillar of hospitality is making guests feel welcome, but for members of the LGBTQ community, that’s not always a given.
“One of my favorite stories this year was profiling Rachel Covello,” said RR Staff Writer Paris Achen. “Her story shows how advocacy can create a home for people who feel out of place and effect changes that benefit everyone.”
From Pennsylvania to Florida, Rachel has created and highlighted destinations, local businesses, and advocates that epitomize hospitality, acceptance, and inclusion. The result was OutCoast.com, an inspirational travel resource for the LGBTQ community and others who want to discover Florida’s hidden gems and support local businesses and lodging options that are safe and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their identity.
Reader Favorite: How to use AI in your STR business
AI was one of the most talked-about and confounding tools in the STR world this year, so it’s no surprise that this guide on using AI in your vacation rental business was a reader favorite. Hosts are juggling more tasks than ever, including guest messaging, marketing, and serving as local guides. This article examines how AI can reduce hosts’ workload and save time without compromising the human touch at the heart of hospitality.
This recap of an online workshop covers use cases for writing listings, enhancing communication, data analysis, and avoiding pitfalls with AI. It gives hosts practical steps to work smarter.
…
GET UPDATES