While 2023 was by no means smooth sailing for short-term rentals, one inspiring theme did emerge: STRs must be here for good. There are several layers to this phrase. Hosts and managers around the country rallied together in alliances on a bigger scale and faster pace to assert STRs’ place in their communities. The industry expressed increasing demand for standardization and professionalization at large. And operators of all sizes leaned into all the ways STRs can do good for their local ecosystems and communities.
Rent Responsibly’s top 10 articles of this year reflect this sense of staking a flag in the ground, leveling up our hospitality, and extending it to those next door. The following stories were the most popular amongst our readers and our team (in no particular order).
Reader Favorite:
One for All: How Mateo Bradford-Vazquez Lifts Communities Up
Like most hosts and advocates, Mateo Bradford-Vazquez didn’t set out to have a career in short-term rentals, but his passion for investing in community, collaborative partnerships, and conscious capitalism led his path to hosting and advocacy. And the STR community is lucky to have him. READ ARTICLE >>
Abbi’s Pick:
How to create a great vacation rental guest experience by supporting local businesses
“I love this article because it highlights the role vacation rentals play within their local communities and what sets them apart for travelers in making unique and memorable experiences. From working with local alliances, I’ve seen firsthand the value of building relationships with local businesses and being visibly active in the community, and the trickle-down effect that can have when it comes to advocacy, regulations, and being a voice at City Hall.” READ ARTICLE>>
Reader Favorite:
Niche listing sites for your vacation home or short-term rental
This article is available for free in the Rent Responsibly Network! Join or log in here.
Whether you’re offering a short-term rental in a certain market or you want to cater to the needs of a specific traveler group, there is likely a niche listing site for your property. This handy roundup will help you find new ways to reach your ideal guests.
Lindsey’s Pick:
How to get rid of glitter and keep it out of your short-term rental for good
“This article makes me simultaneously laugh and cringe! One host writes, ‘Oh my gosh – I am so traumatized by glitter and confetti!’ I can relate! I, too, have been personally victimized by glitter. LOL. As a mom of two littles, we do glitter projects outside (on the rare occasion we even do them). While I love glittery things, they can be so hard to clean up. I love the quick tips on how to remove glitter from our home – and I know these steps will help you get rid of it in your short-term rental.” READ ARTICLE >>
Tanya’s Pick:
Vanessa de Souza Lage on how sustainable vacation rentals can make a better world
“I love this article because of its positive impact on the community and the planet. Sustonica’s mission is to make the world’s 10 million vacation rentals more sustainable and influence 450 million guests who stay in those homes each year. The idea that sustainable practices can motivate guests to adopt them at home is really inspiring. I love the emphasis on the community and how it’s a group effort to do the right thing as a host, guest, and human. Additionally, the conversation around badges in vacation rentals is essential, and it acknowledges the efforts of vacation rental operators who prioritize sustainability. Hearing Vanessa speak at the RR Summit Spring 2023, was a bonus! If you still need to watch the replay, I highly recommend it!” READ ARTICLE >>
Reader Favorite:
2023 STR Sustainability Report & Resource Guide
In April of 2023, Rent Responsibly hosted RR Summit: People, Places, Planet, a two-day sustainability-focused virtual conference and podcast takeover. Takeaways from each session (including a panel with Vanessa featured in the story above) were compiled into a detailed report full of data, insights, tips, and strategies for STRs everywhere to be not only better for their destinations but grow successfully and sustainably long into the future. READ ARTICLE >>
Dave’s Pick:
The ultimate guide to vacation rental podcasts
This article is available for free in the Rent Responsibly Network! Join or log in here.
“What better way to keep a pulse on our growing vacation rental industry than listening to the incredible podcasts on offer. Until Rent Responsibly pulled together a comprehensive list of 33 podcasts, I didn’t realize what I was missing out on. Since we are about empowering the education of our peers, this article is a fantastic place to start whether you’re an industry vet or the newest host on the block. (Note: we continue to update this article if you know of any podcasts we may have missed!)”
Dana’s Pick:
Why volunteering is good for your vacation rental business
“This article really hits home for me, capturing the essence of why volunteering is a game-changer for a vacation rental business. It brilliantly lays out how giving back isn’t just about being kind-hearted; it’s also a way to boost skills, connections, and positive vibes around your business. Tyann’s journey with CASA and Jamie’s impact on local rules mirror how diving into your community can elevate your business in unexpected ways, making this article a total eye-opener.” READ ARTICLE >>
Alexa’s Pick:
What to know before short-term renting around big destination events
“Big destination events like the Super Bowl or a festival are great for local tourism economies, but they do bring with them extra considerations for hosts. This guide is a great outline for how to be proactive in addressing a possibly heightened risk of issues for your neighbors and your guests – it’s a must-read for anyone in a destination that will host a major event next year, like a blockbuster concert or the Great American Eclipse.” READ ARTICLE >>
Reader Favorite:
Landing Locals pairs empty vacation rentals with local workers
In STR advocacy, the word of the year could have been “housing.” Communities across the country are crunched for available affordable and workforce housing, a driver of many conversations around STR regulations. Meanwhile, others, like Landing Locals, are focused on solutions. Landing Locals finds owners of vacant or underutilized second homes and underperforming short-term rentals to consider longer-term leases, then connects them with local workers who need housing. READ ARTICLE >>
Honorable Mentions:
Several additional articles published prior to 2023 remained some of our most popular reader favorites this year. These articles are available for free in the Rent Responsibly Network. Join or log in here.
- FAQs: Service animals at short-term rentals
- Can vacation rentals have cameras? Security, compliance, and privacy considerations
- FAQs: Do you need short-term rental insurance?
- Communicating Vacation Rental House Rules Effectively [+ templates!]
- 10 friendly (but firm) ways to respond to questions about your house rules [+ templates!]
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