This week’s roundup covers Airbnb’s new Earnings Protection program, major short-term rental regulation changes in Cleveland, Ohio, and Florence, Italy, and AirDNA’s latest analysis on how rising gas prices could influence booking behavior this summer. Let’s dive in.
Airbnb announced this week that it will be rolling out a new insurance plan for hosts called Earnings Protection, offered in partnership with MIC Global. Currently available in 45 U.S. states, with plans to expand to all 50 states in early 2027, the optional paid insurance plan is designed to cover lost income for hosts during unexpected events such as natural disasters or severe property damage. Coverage amounts will be calculated using a listing’s historical earnings rather than a fixed payout. Airbnb says hosts must have five or fewer listings, more than 50 reserved nights in the past year, and have hosted on Airbnb for at least one year to qualify.
The city of Florence, Italy, approved a major expansion of its short-term rental restrictions on Thursday, increasing the number of affected properties from roughly 35,000 homes to more than 100,000. The new measure extends the existing limits beyond the historic center into several additional neighborhoods, with officials noting concerns over overtourism. Existing short-term rental operators in these areas will be allowed to continue operating under current permits through May 2028, when Florence plans to establish a new licensing system aimed at reducing the number of short-term rentals in the city.
On Monday, Cleveland City Council voted 14-1 to approve new short-term rental regulations after years of debate. The new rules, which will take effect in 180 days, require short-term rental operators to obtain an annual license, pay hotel taxes, designate a local contact who can respond to complaints within an hour, and comply with a new density cap limiting short-term rentals to 10% of homes on a block or within a building. The ordinance also includes fines of up to $5,000 for violations. Dave Stokley, leader of the Northern Ohio Short-Term Rental Association, noted in an interview with Cleveland.com that most short-term rental owners agree with "95% of the rules" but believe the density cap could reduce lodging options for visitors and force responsible operators out of business.
AirDNA released an interesting analysis this week examining how rising gas prices may impact booking behavior this summer. Using guest travel data from 2025, the report suggests travelers may favor shorter, closer-to-home vacations over further destinations as transportation costs increase. AirDNA noted that Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Bozeman, Montana, and Park City, Utah, were among the markets that attracted guests from the farthest distances in 2025, while many mountain and coastal destinations appear to be better insulated from higher fuel costs. While this data can only produce projections, it may help operators adjust pricing and revenue strategies based on expected demand.
As traveler behavior shifts and cities continue to refine their approach to short-term rentals, expect more changes across the vacation rental industry this summer. Check back next week for the latest news.
