June 2024 Newsletter (Inside: What the WSJ missed – and got right.)

Life is all about sharing. If we are good at something, pass it on.?Mary Berry, Chef & Food Journalist

We’ve come a long way…

Four years ago in the depths of the pandemic, STR alliances had little connection to one another, advocates were scrambling to show our policymakers why it was safe to open STRs, and few knew who Rent Responsibly was.

But we’ve collectively worked and grown since then, and on Monday, Rent Responsibly and several of our peers’ endeavors were featured in the Wall Street Journal . This is a major win in recognizing the STR industry’s advocacy efforts ?? Massive shoutout to the alliance leaders featured: Julie Marks of Vermont STRA , Ricky Cortez of the Poconos VRO , and Toby Babich of SAVRM and CLARA .

…and we’ve still got a long way to go.

The article doesn’t tell the whole story.

?? Housing: Housing is a complicated issue, and skimming its surface doesn’t help uncover viable solutions. In our upcoming State of the STR Industry Report, we dove deep into housing (and many other things) surveying 1,600 local government officials. What we found may shock you, and I’m not clickbaiting you here. Results are coming out in two weeks. Register to attend our June 20 live release of the top takeaways here.

??Alliances: STR alliances are grassroots organizations led by passionate operators. They are not “under” Rent Responsibly (nor the platforms, for that matter) but rather supported by us with everything from free tools to professional services. You tell us where you want to go, and we help you get there faster, especially pioneering advocates like those mentioned in this story. If you’re a current or aspiring alliance leader and want to learn how we can help you, head here .

?? Support: We love our partnership with Expedia Group, but we must also celebrate our other incredible partners and research sponsors who make it possible for us to bring advocacy and responsible renting resources to the industry. Advocacy is a team sport.

I have to admit, the mic drop end quote was more fitting than the WSJ probably realizes: “If Julie Marks and her three friends, who are also Vermonters, walk through the door, they’ll listen.”

That is true. Our policymakers, journalists, neighbors, and everyone in between benefit when we show up and speak up – even better if we show up with friends.

Like Mary Berry says, if we are good at something, pass it on. We are the experts in hospitality and renting responsibly, and it is our duty to share our expertise and stories with those who are not, especially those in power.

An easy place to start: Inviting a council member or local journalist for coffee at your STR – perhaps over a square of Mary’s famous lemon drizzle traybake ??

Alexa Nota, COO and Co-Founder of Rent Responsibly

Join us on?June 20 for a live reveal?of the top takeaways from 130,000+ data points – and how you can use these insights to better your business.?We’ll explore:

• The top tech and amenities hosts have implemented?
• What policymakers really think about STRs in their communities
• Which regulatory and enforcement mechanisms work and don’t work?
• The most widely adopted best practices so you can ensure that 5-star experience guests expect

Register for free to be the first to get your hands on the actionable insights from all the new data.

VIEW OUR FULL EVENTS CALENDAR >>

Summer bookings a bit slow? Check out these RR Network Exclusives (login required):

• AI Dos and Don’ts: Using AI in your Vacation Rental Business
• Guest avatars to supercharge your STR marketing
• Summer reading list for marketing mastery to direct booking success

Last week, Rent Responsibly hosted 13 alliance leaders from around the US for almost three full days of advocacy workshops, community building, and FUN at our second annual SPARK Retreat!

To learn more about SPARK and become a part of this delightful crew, join the?STR Community Builders ?group in the RR Network.

The summer brings an influx of guests to short-term rental properties, increasing your opportunities for more income but also the potential for accidents, damage, and unexpected incidents. This makes verifying your insurance coverage time sensitive as we quickly approach the busy season.

No need to wait until your insurance is up for renewal — call our friends at Proper Insurance for a comprehensive coverage comparison so that you understand the coverage in your current policy and the protection you may need for the unique risks of your short-term rental property.

Call Proper Insurance at 888-631-6680 or?submit?a quote request online.