Updated on October 15, 2025
October is for scary stuff.
But so is every other month if you’re a host. Hospitality comes with enough stories to frighten away even the toughest wannabe heroes.
Experienced hosts know the plot. Things start off silly-scary – a haunted AC unit that won’t cool below 80, a self-proclaimed exorcist guest freeing your Wi-Fi of its demons, the jump-scare tax bill, the blood-sucking refund seeker – and can become a never-ending comedy of errors.
Other times, hosting can take a dark turn.
Like the Alpha Bro who ignores his friends’ shouts of “Don’t go in there!”, some hosts ignore red flags and warning signs, naively believing everything will be fine or they can handle the monster solo. But then squatters possess the home, or a “quiet family gathering” summons a horde, or a storm severs all access and contact, or other very real cautionary tales happen.
It’s enough to leave us sleeping with one eye open 🫣
But as every final girl knows, surviving comes down not to luck but to arming oneself with the right gear, calm and strategic thinking, and the courage to rewrite the ending.
We can help you with the first two with our Hostbuster KitTM*.
- Who you gonna call? Your peers in the RR Network, our free community for hosts
- Get field guides to prevent issues and what to do when they happen here and here
- Get essential training at our upcoming STR Huddle on Nov. 19
The courage part is up to you, because the call is coming from inside the house. Do you have the guts to answer it?
Alexa Nota,
COO and Co-Founder of Rent Responsibly
*Just kidding. We didn’t trademark this.
📣 Rent Responsibly is growing!
We’re hiring Executive Directors in Washington, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Texas. If you’re a nonprofit executive or association leader passionate about building stronger, more resilient communities, check out the openings and apply today.
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