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before going through the process of answering a bunch of questions and taking a quiz, I’d like to understand what’s in it for us.

To put it bluntly, if you have to ask this question, the CA program probably isn't for you. 🙂

The broader answer... There are many OwnerRez advanced users (ie. power users, experts) who sell consulting services to others like setting up accounts, giving accounting advice, optimizing rules, setting up websites, etc.  These experts want to show that they are certified by OwnerRez to sell these services, so that they stand out from the crowd. A lot of people claim to understand how OwnerRez works, but do they really? As a new customer, how do you know who to trust before you send someone money. 

A close analogy would be the Microsoft MVP certification or Cisco CCT and CCDA certifications. Oracle, Apple and many other companies offer certifications to show the world who is a tested tried-and-try export at using their software. That's what we are setting up with our new OwnerRez CAP.

If this all sounds like a bunch of pointless testing with no value, then you probably aren't running a consulting business.

Hi, Sam - If you are an OwnerRez user who assists other users by setting up their accounts or answering questions, the Badge is one more way for you to promote your services. Since not everyone will qualify for certification, it is a way to set yourself apart from others.

I would like to be a certified advisor, but before going through the process of answering a bunch of questions and taking a quiz, I’d like to understand what’s in it for us. 

right!

Hi, JRS1!  We have a helpdoc in our Support Center with info on the Certified Advisor program. As you will see, we have a section on Program Policies which defines things a little more. The Badge is a recognition of the Advisor's knowledge but does not cover anything related to the services they offer, their pricing or any agreement an OwnerRez user may make with them. Each Advisor is asked to provide a link to their personal website where you should be able to find more information. I hope that answers your questions. 
https://www.ownerrez.com/support/articles/certified-advisor-program

Hi, ATA:  I know the learning curve can be a bit much with OwnerRez, but we hope you've found it's well worth it. That's one of the reasons we're excited about offering another resource for new users. Appreciate your being a client for over two years!

Thanks for your note. At this time there are no discounts being offered to Advisors. 

Hi, Tammie!  We're also excited about the Certified Advisor Program and the potential benefits for our users. Thanks for being one of our clients!

Will there be a platform/page that advisors can list their services?  If so, how structured is the profile, services listed, and pricing sections?  Does OR plan on providing any guidelines on pricing or packages or are the company staying completely out of that?

Just curious if there is any benefits to being an advisor?  Like free platform usage?

Thank you for adding this program. It was so overwhelming for me to get started using OR,  I am doing fine now but i am happy that this will be available for new people coming in.

YAY! I feel like you made this just for me! I'm excited to go look at the advisors. 

Connect with experts. Get personalized help. Maximize your success.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the OwnerRez Certified Advisor (CA) Program, designed to connect experienced OwnerRez users with those seeking hands-on guidance and tailored support.

Certified Advisors are seasoned OwnerRez users who have demonstrated deep proficiency in using the platform and are passionate about helping others succeed. Whether you're just getting started or looking to optimize your setup, CAs provide one-on-one assistance beyond the scope of standard OwnerRez support.

What Is a Certified Advisor?

OwnerRez Certified Advisors are independent users who have passed rigorous testing to demonstrate expertise in specific areas of the OwnerRez system. They understand the real-world challenges of managing short-term rentals and offer personalized help with everything from account setup to advanced configurations.

This program empowers OwnerRez users to learn from peers who’ve “been there, done that”, ensuring that the help they receive is both practical and actionable.

Types of Certified Advisor Badges

Certified Advisors can earn badges in various specialties. Our first available badge is:

Account Setup – Demonstrates expertise in configuring OwnerRez accounts for operational use. This includes property setup, rate and rule configuration, messaging templates, and other core features (excluding channels and hosted websites).

More badges are coming soon in areas such as:

• Hosted Websites
• Property Management
• QuickBooks Integration

Program Policies at a Glance

• Certified Advisors are not employees or representatives of OwnerRez.
• There is no fee to become certified, but all CAs must pass specific quizzes and sign an agreement with OwnerRez.
• All services, fees, and expectations are arranged directly between the CA and the user.
• OwnerRez does not assume liability for work performed by a Certified Advisor.

Want to Become a Certified Advisor?

If you're an advanced OwnerRez user and love helping others, consider becoming a Certified Advisor! You’ll have the opportunity to support the community while earning income for your time and expertise.

To qualify, you must:

• Pass a series of quizzes specific to each badge.
• Sign a program agreement.
• You must be an OwnerRez user for at least two years.
• Renew your certification annually if desired (badge shows the latest certification year).

Interested? Fill out our request form here to start your certification journey. The process typically takes 2–3 weeks.

Looking for Help? Find a Certified Advisor

If you’re seeking help with your OwnerRez setup or want expert guidance on best practices, working with a Certified Advisor is a great option. Visit our public Certified Advisors page to browse current advisors, read their bios, and learn about their offerings.

Before getting started, consider these tips:

• Verify their badge is current.
• Set clear expectations for scope, timeline, and deliverables.
• Ask for references or past examples.
• Discuss fees and payment terms upfront.
• Establish regular check-ins and request documentation of their work.
• Use Team Access in OwnerRez to give temporary login access that you can revoke later.

We’re thrilled to see our community grow through shared expertise and peer-to-peer learning. Whether you're offering help or seeking it, the Certified Advisor Program is here to support your journey.

We’re thrilled to roll out our new integration with PetScreening, giving OwnerRez users a smarter, automated way to screen pets and service animals before guests arrive.

About PetScreening

In today’s travel landscape, pet-friendly accommodations are no longer a luxury; they’re a necessity. With more travelers seeking to bring their furry companions along, vacation rental owners have a golden opportunity to tap into this growing market. Enter PetScreening: a comprehensive solution designed to streamline pet management, ensure compliance, and boost your rental’s appeal.

Why Embrace Pet-Friendly Policies?

70% of vacation rentals aren’t pet-friendly, yet a significant portion of travelers are pet owners. By welcoming pets, you not only cater to a broader audience but also increase your booking potential. PetScreening facilitates this transition by offering a platform that handles the intricacies of pet management, ensuring both hosts and guests have a seamless experience. 

Comprehensive Pet Screening Before Check-In

PetScreening requires guests to provide detailed information about their pets, including breed, weight, bite history, and vaccination records. This proactive approach ensures that all pets entering your property are vetted, reducing potential risks and fostering a safe environment for all guests.

Save Time and Mitigate Risks

Managing pet-related documentation can be time-consuming. PetScreening takes the burden off your shoulders by handling the screening process, including validations for emotional support and service animals. This not only ensures compliance with regulations but also minimizes potential liabilities.

Integrate and Automate It All

PetScreening integrates seamlessly with OwnerRez, making pet verification a fully automated part of your guest’s booking experience. Once a guest completes the pet screening, status tags are automatically pushed into OwnerRez, allowing you to view the verification status directly from the bookings screen, and no manual lookup is required. This ensures a consistent, hands-off workflow that aligns with your custom pet policies.

Pricing

PetScreening is offering a limited number of free early adopter slots through the end of 2025. Regular pricing: $10 per pet per booking – no monthly minimums, no contract or base subscription required.

Ready to Connect?

Get started with PetScreening by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with PetScreening.

Happy Friday! From tightening profit margins to new taxes and stricter international rules, the vacation rental industry continues to evolve in response to shifting economic and political forces. Here are this week’s top headlines shaping the short-term rental landscape.

The U.S. travel sector is showing signs of a slowdown as economic pressures mount. Expedia’s Q1 revenue came in at $2.98 billion, below expectations, triggering a 9.2% drop in its stock price, largely due to weaker domestic demand. Marriott also revised its 2025 revenue outlook downward, citing shorter booking windows and cautious consumer behavior. Meanwhile, Airbnb reported a 6% year-over-year revenue increase to $2.3 billion in Q1, but net income fell 41.7% to $154 million, and the company is forecasting flat average daily rates for Q2.

In a first-of-its-kind move, Hawaii lawmakers approved a 0.75% surcharge on top of the state’s 10.25% lodging tax, raising it to 11%. When combined with county and general excise taxes, the total rate could climb as high as 18.712%, among the highest in the U.S. The estimated $100 million in annual revenue will go toward climate resilience projects, including beach restoration and wildfire prevention.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida, is rolling out Rentalscape, a new software system designed to monitor short-term rentals. The platform will automatically flag violations and notify property owners, reducing manual oversight and improving compliance.

In Europe, Spain passed national legislation requiring landlords to obtain consent from at least 60% of building residents before offering short-term rentals. In addition, 50% of all property owners must approve legalizing these rentals. The law also permits communities to charge up to 20% of monthly community fees to STR operators, citing increased wear and tear on shared spaces.

Airbnb is preparing to launch a major product update on May 13, with plans to go beyond accommodations. The revamped app is expected to offer deeper integration of experiences and services, AI-powered personalization, and new tools for group travel, signaling Airbnb’s continued evolution into a broader travel platform.

That’s a wrap for this week’s updates. Check back next Friday for more news and trends shaping the vacation rental world!

We are happy to announce our integration with Stay to offer our users a flexible rental platform co-founded by HGTV’s Scott McGillivray.

About Stay

Stay is designed to give property managers and owners more control and flexibility across short, mid, and long-term stays. With Stay Leads, hosts get unlimited access to high-quality guest inquiries for a flat fee—no commissions. Owners manage pricing and bookings directly, while leveraging marketing power and expert support to maximize rental income and value.

May 2025 brought powerful new automation capabilities, including six new Trigger and Tag automations, Google Ads and Tag Manager support, two new Gap Night field codes, and more exciting updates.

• New Features
  • Trigger & Tag Conditions Expanded for New Automations
  • Google Ads and Tag Manager
  • Gap Night Field Codes
• Enhancements & Tweaks
  • Push Notifications
  • Batch Update for QuickBooks Sync
  • Blog Social Share Image
  • Apply Season By Removal
  • Deprecated Legacy Ribbon View Removal
• Design Updates
  • Setup Interview
  • Add Properties
  • Deposits
  • Reviews
• Bug Fixes
  • May 7th Release With 17 Bug Fixes
  • May 14th Release With 25 Bug Fixes
  • May 21st Release With 21 Bug Fixes
  • May 28th Release With 17 Bug Fixes

New Features 

Trigger & Tag Conditions Expanded for New Automations

You requested—OwnerRez delivered. 💪 Utilizing the OwnerRez Conditions criteria for Messaging Triggers and Tag Automation enables hosts to automate their guest messaging. With our May 21st release, we've added even more Conditions to Messaging Triggers and Tag Automations! Let's review all of these new Condition criteria options.

Check-In and Check-Out statuses can be selected for Standard, Early, or Late check-in or check-out times. We all know that Airbnb guests can select early check-ins during their booking process. By selecting the Condition > Statuses > Check-In Status is > Early, you can send yourself a Booking template and trigger notifying you and your team about early check-in requests.

Or what about late check-out requests? You can also configure a Booking template and trigger notifications to notify you and your team about late check-out requests.

We added a new Financial section that includes Discounts and Optional surcharges. You can configure Conditions > Financial > Discounts and select specific discounts to notify you and your team via a Booking template and trigger when a manual discount code is applied or a discount is automatically applied to a booking.

Optional surcharges are now included in the Conditions > Financial > Optional Surcharges section, enabling you to automatically respond to guests who select an Add-on during their booking process, with a Booking template and trigger to follow up with you and your team or to send an additional legal agreement to your guest.

Want to be notified of Door Code Statuses? Now you can select the Conditions > Statuses > Door Code Status is > One Of > any or all of Code Not Generated, Code Failed to Generate, or Code Generated Successfully. This allows you to notify yourself or your team via a Booking template and trigger about any door code issues.

Another highly requested feature is a way to flag Repeat Guests. Now, you can add Conditions > Guests > Guest Type is > Repeat Guest to your messaging trigger or tag automation. Do you provide special gifts for your repeat guests? By selecting Conditions > Guest Type is > Repeat Guest, you can automatically notify yourself or your team via a Booking template and trigger about your returning guests, or perhaps send a special message to the guest thanking them for returning. Note that Repeat Guests are not limited by property, meaning that the Conditions > Guest Type is > Repeat Guest works even if your guest has previously booked another of your properties.

Finally, we've added the Review Status to Conditions. Let's say you received a poor Review. Now with the new Conditions > Statuses > Review Status, you can target either No Review or specific star reviews to follow up with yourself or your team via a Booking template and trigger to review what went wrong or your next possible steps to rectify the situation. You can also follow up with those guests who haven't yet left a review for their stay with a custom Booking template and trigger, reminding them to leave a review. Or, if you've received a 5-star review, you might want to send a special thank you to your guest or acknowledge your team for a job well done!

Are your ideas flowing yet? These are just a couple of ideas off the top of our heads, but the possibilities are endless. Remember that these new Conditions are also available in Tag Automations, allowing you to combine and leverage both for even more automation!

Still working out some kinks in your guest messaging? Explore all of OwnerRez's Dynamic Messaging solutions!

Google Ads and Tag Manager

Google Ads targets travelers seeking vacation rentals through specific campaigns, driving qualified traffic. Google Tag Manager (GTM) is a free tag management system that allows you to add, update, and manage marketing tags on your website or mobile app without changing the code, which tracks conversion rates and guest behavior on your website, enabling the optimization of your ad spending and website performance to maximize your bookings.

With our May 28th release, OwnerRez added support for adding tracking IDs for Google Ads and Google Tag Manager to your hosted website or integrated website widget, which follows and tracks the conversion process from inquiries, quotes, to bookings.

To set up your Google Ads and GTM tracking, navigate to Settings > Advanced Tools > Analytics Tracking and add your Google Ads Tracking ID, Booked Conversion ID, and Google Tag Manager ID, all of which are provided to you by Google.

Notice the similarity between the Google Analytics Tracking ID, the Booked Conversion ID, and the Google Tag Manager ID fields? The GTM ID field has the extra GTM prefix added.

Do you have a website for your short-term vacation rental business yet? Explore OwnerRez's Vacation Rental Website options to build your brand and drive your customers to your direct booking website instead of third-party listing channels. 

Gap Night Field Codes

Property managers with minimum stay requirements often face "gap nights" – periods between bookings that are too short to meet minimum stay policies yet too long to ignore. Offering enticing discounts to add these "gap nights" to incentivize guests to book at a discounted rate was great. Still, users were previously limited to the one {BADJOPEN} field code that displayed both before and after adjacent nights of the booking, resulting in somewhat confusing and clunky language in message templates sent to guests.

As part of our May 21st release, OwnerRez has added two new field codes to address this, allowing users to send customized gap night offers for either before arrival or after departure. 

Does this mean that the {BADJOPEN} field code is being removed? No, OwnerRez added these two new additional field codes to offer more flexibility in your guest messaging.

Want to create a booking template and trigger specifically for gap nights before arrival? Users can do that by using the {BADJOPENARR} Adjacent Open Nights Before Arrival field code in their booking template.

And then pair that booking template with the Arrival Gap (bookable) Condition in your corresponding trigger.

Conversely, you could also use the {BADJOPENDEP} Adjacent Open Nights After Departure field code to create a booking template and trigger specifically for gap nights available after departure, and select the Conditions > Departure Gap (bookable) is > Equal To > 1 in your trigger.

Enhancements & Tweaks

Push Notifications

Keeping connected across devices for your vacation rental business by enabling OwnerRez's email or push notifications ensures timely and proactive communication about important booking updates without constant manual checking in-app or email inbox, enhancing your productivity in today's digital environment.

OwnerRez has optimized our push notifications as part of our May 28th release to better detect events that should have generated subscribed push notifications and to send in-app alerts immediately suggesting users to opt back into push notifications on their current device.

We added a new notification, Push Subscription Unregistered, which, by default, emails users immediately if their device has been unsubscribed from push notifications.

Users can enable push notifications for Push Subscription Unregistered notifications for their subscribed device by navigating to their Profile dropdown menu (top right corner) > Notifications > Subscriptions tab > Push Subscription notifications and enabling the Push toggle.

If enabled on your subscribed device, here is the Push Subscription Unregistered notification preview.

Batch Update for QuickBooks Sync

While OwnerRez provides invoicing and payment collection, it lacks standard accounting functions, so our users often rely on our QuickBooks Online premium feature to ensure financial accuracy.

Manually deleting multiple payments can be tedious, especially if you unintentionally sync excessive data. It became apparent that our QuickBooks Batch Update for QuickBooks Sync tool also needed to identify and eliminate payments. With our May 14th release, we now include payment options in the Batch Update for QuickBooks Sync, enabling users to locate and remove payments made by guests on specific dates identified by the user.

When Show Payments is clicked on, the payments found are listed below. To exclude a payment, check the Exclude checkbox and click on Turn Off these payments.

Note that if a single payment is turned off, all future payments for that booking are no longer synced, and even if a payment is excluded later, any existing payment records in QuickBooks can still be excluded or removed.

Learn more by exploring all of OwnerRez's Accounting integration options.

Blog Social Share Image

Sharing your hosted website blog posts on social media can help increase traffic, build your brand, and share news with your vacation rental business's followers. As part of our May 14th release, OwnerRez has added the ability to add Social Share Images for blog posts from your hosted site.

Apply Season By Removal

The concept of Seasons in OwnerRez is pretty straightforward—a period of time to which you can apply specific nightly rates. However, guests often do not fully book according to season boundaries, and bookings may extend over two (or more) seasons. OwnerRez allowed users to choose how to handle bookings that span across more than one season, but with our May 7th release, the Pricing Preferences Apply Season By section has been removed, and nightly rates will be applied as configured. 

This feature only worked for direct bookings; channel bookings have always used the “Split Across” method, which is now the default and only option for all bookings. This change will only affect future direct bookings that span multiple seasons. Instead of applying rules based solely on the arrival or departure date, all bookings now follow a split-season approach.

Why did we remove the Apply Season By section from Pricing Preferences? While that option worked for direct bookings, most listing channels, including Google Vacation Rentals (GVR), did not support it, and the Apply Season By section created more problems for users than it helped. Luckily, this removal will not affect many users, and the nightly rates configured for each season will now apply accordingly, even if a booking spans two (or more) seasons.

Deprecated Legacy Ribbon View Removal

The deprecated Legacy Ribbon View has been removed as part of our May 14th release.

However, the Ribbon View is still available as part of the Main Bookings display.

Design Updates

Setup Interview

As part of our May 14th release, OwnerRez has upgraded the Setup Interview design.

Add Properties 

As part of our Setup Interview design refresh, we also updated the Add Properties portion of the Setup Interview process with our May 14th release.

Deposits 

The Deposits section also got a design update with our May 14th release.

Reviews

Reviews received a design modernization as a part of our May 21st release.

Bug Fixes

May 7th Release With 17 Bug Fixes

Fix Availability Widget Not Showing the Correct Price When Used on a Listing Site With a Specific Rate. This edge case occurred when the Availability/Property Search widget for a multi-property integrated website failed to display the correct total prices. OR corrected this issue to ensure that the Availability/Property Search widget for multi-property integrated websites will display correct total prices.

Fix Booking Not Marked as Pending When Booked Via Global Landing Page. This edge case occurred when a credit card was not charged correctly for a Request to Book (RTB) booking via a Public Booking Link (aka Global Landing Page), nor was it marked as pending; instead, it was incorrectly confirmed. We resolved this glitch, and RTB bookings via the Public Booking Link will be correctly marked as pending.

Fix Bookings on a MOR Channel Cannot Switch to Manual Charges. Users were unable to set a Merchant of Record (MOR) channel booking (e.g., Vrbo, Glamping Hub, Whimstay, etc.) to "Configure manual charges," posing challenges to the user if a channel sends incorrect data. OR fixed this bug, and users can now set a Merchant of Record (MOR) channel booking (e.g., Vrbo, Glamping Hub, Whimstay, etc.) to "Configure manual charges."

Fix the Change in Color When Importing Property Photos. When importing property photos, some image color profile information was changed when resizing and processing, making some images look desaturated and lifeless. We corrected this issue so property photo color profiles remain unchanged when imported.

Fix Changing Review Status When Merging Reviews. Some review public visibility statuses were incorrectly changed when merging reviews. OR resolved this glitch to ensure review public visibility remains unchanged when reviews are merged.

Fix Commissionable Amount in Line Item Pivot Report When Taxes are Marked as Not an Expense. Commissionable amounts displayed in the Line Item Pivot report were incorrect when taxes were marked as non-expenses. We corrected this issue so that commissionable amounts in the Line Item Pivot report are correct.

Fix Error When Having Connected Properties That Are Disabled. Connected properties encountered errors when disabled. OR fixed this bug so that connected properties can be disabled properly.

Fix Filtering For "Needs Attention" in the Deposits Grid. Even though there were deposits that needed attention, the Deposits filter for 'Needs Attention' failed to return matching records. We corrected this issue, and the Deposits filter will function correctly.

Fix Google Vacation Rentals Warnings for Taxes That Do Not Apply. Google Vacation Rentals (GVR) channel-integrated properties with taxes configured to exclude GVR continued to receive incorrect Listing Quality Analyzer (LQA) errors for applicable night requirement violations. OR resolved this glitch to ensure that GVR channel-integrated properties with taxes configured to exclude GVR will no longer receive LQA errors.

Fix Inbox Breaking When a New Message Arrives. Occasionally, the Unified Inbox encountered errors when a new message arrived. We fixed this bug, and the Unified Inbox will function correctly when new messages arrive.

Fix Inbox Not Receiving Updates After Posting a Reply. The Unified Inbox sometimes failed to remain current after posting a reply. OR corrected this issue so that the Unified Inbox always remains up to date.

Fix Inquiryspot Mailboxes to Bring Messages into OwnerRez. Due to a Google update, Inquiryspot mailboxes failed to bring messages into OwnerRez. We fixed this bug to ensure Inquiryspot mailboxes correctly bring messages into OwnerRez.

Fix Legacy Bookings Showing on PMv2 Statements to Hide Expense Categories as Selected by the View. Because pre-deducted expenses didn't exist as expenses to be hidden on legacy bookings, expenses contained blank or displayed "--" amounts in expense columns on PMv2 owner statements, which was confusing. OR resolved this issue by fixing those legacy bookings displayed on PMv2 statements to hide expense categories as selected by the statement view.

Fix the Misaligned Calendar in the Availability Widget. The calendar pop-up in the Availability/Property Search widget on the Properties page of hosted websites was misaligned, obscuring the month on the calendar. We fixed this bug to correctly align the calendar in the Availability/Property Search widget on the Properties page of hosted websites.

Fix Showing an Unsuppressed Email Address as Still Suppressed. Reactivated suppressed email addresses only displayed that the email address was reactivated for the account user who initiated the reactivation, confusing users with multiple OwnerRez accounts. OR resolved this issue by displaying reactivated suppressed email addresses for users with multiple OwnerRez accounts across all accounts.

Fix Time Triggers That Run After an Event Fails to Retry. Even when retries were configured to run, some scheduled triggers failed to retry even though all trigger conditions had been met. We fixed this bug, so scheduled triggers configured with retries will run correctly.

Retry Sending SMS Messages When a Transient Error Occurs. SMS messages sent by triggers that encounter message failures due to transient errors were not attempted to be sent again; they were only logged. OR resolved this issue, and we will retry sending SMS messages that encounter failures due to transient errors.

May 14th Release With 25 Bug Fixes

Correct Google Vacation Rentals LQA Property Description Error Message. The Listing Quality Analyzer (GVR) incorrectly referred to Google Vacation Rentals (GVR) property description Elements as Body. We resolved this issue so that if the property lacks a GVR property description override, "Description" should be used instead of "Body." If there is a GVR property description override, continue using "Body."

Correct Typo in Vrbo Channel Integration Mode Section.  A typo was displayed in the Vrbo channel integration booking mode section, and has been corrected.

Fix Ability to Check DNS When a Team Access Staff User. While the branded portals were functional, Team Access Staff members could not check the Domain Name System (DNS) configuration of branded portal domains. OR fixed this bug, and Team Access Staff members will be able to check the Domain Name System (DNS) configuration of branded portal domains.

Fix Airbnb Resolutions Updating the Existing Payment for a Reservation. This edge case arose when an Airbnb Resolutions payment incorrectly updated an existing booking payment. We resolved this issue to ensure that Airbnb Resolutions payments are applied correctly.

Fix Airbnb Triggers Firing Twice When a Booking's Dates are Adjusted. Occasionally, when Airbnb booking dates were changed, triggers incorrectly sent duplicate templates. OR corrected this glitch so Airbnb triggers will send templates correctly when booking date changes occur.

Fix Availability Widget Displaying Past Days as Available. The Availability/Property Search widget incorrectly displayed past days as available. We resolved this issue to ensure that the Availability/Property Search widget displays availability correctly.

Fix Book/Inquiry Widget Max Guests Displaying When No Property is Selected. This edge case occurred when the Booking/Inquiry Widget inaccurately displayed guest type input fields (e.g., Adults, Children, Pets) without any guest maximum limits, allowing guests to select more than the property's guest maximum before selecting a property. OR fixed this bug, and the Booking/Inquiry Widget will only display guest type input fields (e.g., Adults, Children, Pets) after a property is selected.

Fix Booking Cancellation Screen Calculation Display Error When PM Feature is Disabled. Some cancellation calculation refund display amounts were incorrect when the PM feature was disabled. We resolved this display issue to ensure that the cancellation calculation refund display amounts are correct.

Fix Channel Bridge Airbnb Import From Adding Refunds for Cohost Payout. Occasionally, Airbnb Channel Bridge import files incorrectly added refunds for cohost payouts, leading to incorrect guest balances due. We fixed this bug so that the Airbnb Channel Bridge will skip these transactions.

Fix Channel Bridge Vrbo Properties Dropdown Not Populating. The Vrbo Channel Bridge (CB) properties dropdown list was not populating properties correctly. OR corrected this glitch, and Vrbo CB properties will be populated correctly.

Fix Check-in/out Time Display When Purchasing Travel Insurance for Non-US Cultures. Non-US customers' check-in and check-out times were ambiguously displayed when purchasing travel insurance. We resolved this issue to ensure that non-US customers' check-in and check-out times are accurately displayed when purchasing travel insurance.

Fix LQA Payment Method Error Message. The Listing Quality Analyzer (LQA) displayed an unnecessary payment method warning error message for users who already had a payment processor configured. OR fixed this bug to remove the LQA unnecessary payment method warning error message for users with a payment processor configured.

Fix LQA Rule Showing as Channel Rules to be Property Rules. The Listing Quality Analyzer (LQA) incorrectly displayed an error message category as channel rules rather than the correct property rules. We corrected this issue to display LQA error message categories correctly.

Fix OAuth Error Message When Logged in as a Read-Only User. Read-only users who connected an OAuth application received unhelpful OAuth error messages. OR fixed this bug, so that a more helpful error message is displayed when read-only users attempt to connect an OAuth application.

Fix Review Stars Validation. Occasionally, when users configured custom Review stars, they encountered errors. We resolved this glitch to ensure that custom Review stars are saved correctly.

Fix Sending of Past Due Notifications for Grace Period Scheduled Payments. Following our April 30th Cancellation Grace Period release, past-due notifications were sent incorrectly for scheduled payments to hosts for properties with cancellation grace periods configured. OR corrected this issue, and properties with cancellation grace periods configured will no longer receive incorrect past-due notifications for scheduled payments.

Fix Sending of Triggers and Notifications When Importing Historical Vrbo Reviews. Occasionally, the system incorrectly sent notifications and templates via triggers when users imported historical Vrbo reviews. We fixed this bug, so the system will not send notifications and templates via triggers when users import historical Vrbo reviews.

Fix Sending Triggers for past Airbnb Inquiries. Occasionally, upon message updates, triggers incorrectly sent templates to past Airbnb inquiries. OR corrected this issue to prevent triggers from sending templates to past Airbnb inquiries upon message updates.

Fix Team Access 'Log In As' Portal User.  Following our April Team Access Design Update, we encountered a code regression in which clicking on the "Login as portal' button sent users to a page not found instead of successfully impersonating the portal user as intended. We fixed this bug to ensure that users can impersonate portal users.

Fix Vrbo Error When Offline Fees Are Configured With No Security Deposit. Vrbo channel-integrated properties that didn’t have security deposits configured but had offline fees set up encountered errors. OR resolved this glitch, so Vrbo channel-integrated properties without security deposits configured but with offline fees will be processed correctly.

• Fix $0 Bookings Being Included on the Owner Statement Export. $0 bookings continued to be incorrectly included on the Owner Statement Export files. We fixed this bug to exclude $0 bookings from Owner Statement Export files.
• Fix Canadian {OPHONE} Owner Phone Number Format on Template Preview. The {OPHONE} owner phone number field code was incorrectly formatted for Canadian phone numbers on PMv2 owner statements. This glitch has been corrected, and the {OPHONE} owner phone number field codes will now be properly formatted for Canadian phone numbers on PMv2 owner statements.
• Fix Undeposited Funds Being Included on Owner Statement When an Expense is Pre-paid. When prepaid expenses were configured, undeposited funds were incorrectly included on Owner Statements. OR resolved this issue by no longer including undeposited funds on Owner Statements when the expense is prepaid.
• Handle Airbnb Transaction-linked Channel Fees as Channel Fees. We experienced a code regression where Airbnb transaction-linked channel fees were incorrectly handled. We fixed this bug to handle Airbnb transaction-linked channel fees correctly.
• Protect Against Starting the PMv2 Upgrade Multiple Times. If a browser was slow to respond, users could click on the PMv2 Upgrade button multiple times, resulting in duplicate statement views. OR corrected this glitch by preventing users from clicking the PMv2 Upgrade button more than once.

May 21st Release With 21 Bug Fixes

Allow Guest Deletion With Linked Inquiries and Quotes. When guests were deleted, inquiries and quotes were not deleted in the correct order, resulting in errors. We fixed this bug to delete inquiries and quotes correctly when guests are deleted.

Alpha Sort Taxes Under Guest Channel Fees Section of Booking Charges Tab. Taxes listed in the Guest Channel Fee section of the Booking Charges tab were not displayed alphabetically, causing confusion. OR corrected this glitch to display taxes alphabetically in the Guest Channel Fee section of the Booking Charges tab.

Always Send Triggers With No Pending Criteria for Bookng.com Bookings. Pending Request to Book (RTB) booking triggers were not sending templates correctly. We resolved this issue by allowing pending RTB booking triggers to send configured templates, with the exception of pending Vrbo RTB bookings, in alignment with Booking.com RTB restrictions.

API v2 Messages Endpoint Quote_ID is Blank for Messages That are Received as Part of Airbnb RTB. Even though the IDs were present in subsequent messages, the initial Airbnb Request to Book (RTB) messages endpoint quote IDs were blank. OR corrected this glitch to ensure that endpoint quote IDs are included in the API v2 for initial Airbnb RTB messages.

Booking.com Transient Error Handling Improvement for Retrieving Conversations. This edge case occurred when OwnerRez received a Booking.com transient error when we attempted to retrieve a message thread. We fixed this bug to better handle and improve the process of retrieving Booking.com message threads.

Capture Security Deposit Reauthorization Before Expiry. Occasionally, users manually release security deposits while the system simultaneously reauthorizes them, resulting in guest confusion. OR resolved this issue by improving the security deposit reauthorization validation process to prevent this.

Change PM Property Filters/Lists Label to "Don't Group By Owner" Under Preferences. The Preferences > Property Management > Property Filters/Lists label "Group By Owner" was confusing, as it grouped by the inverse. Therefore, we have changed the Preferences > Property Management > Property Filters/Lists label to "Don't Group By Owner." 

Fix the Ability to Disable Automatic 5-star Reviews if No Templates Exist. Users were prevented from disabling automatic 5-star reviews if no review templates were configured. OR fixed this bug to allow users to disable automatic 5-star reviews even without configuring review templates.

Fix Arrival Date Criteria Validation. Arrival date conditions did not have any validation for missing values on surcharge and trigger conditions, resulting in errors. We corrected this glitch to validate arrival date conditions on surcharges and triggers.

Fix Grace Period Scheduled Payments to Follow Property Rules. When grace periods were configured for a property, scheduled second payments were not scheduled correctly according to the property's rules. OR resolved this issue by correctly scheduling second payments when grace periods are configured for a property.

Fix Inbox Real-time Updates With Old Messages and Messages Out of Order. Sometimes, the Unified Inbox displayed older messages out of order. We fixed this bug to ensure that Unified Inbox messages are displayed correctly.

Fix Latitude/Longitude to Use Period Rather Than Other Decimal Separator, No Matter the Culture. Depending on the culture selected, some latitude and longitude numbers were incorrectly formatted with a comma separator instead of the correct period, preventing channel integration completion. OR resolved this issue by always using a period separator for latitude and longitude numbers, regardless of the culture configured.

Fix Rate Calendar UI Issue Due to Internationalization. The in-app rate calendar displayed days in an incorrect column due to a regression in the internationalization code. We corrected this glitch to ensure that the rate calendar is displayed correctly.

Fix Rate Calendar Unexpected Popover Display. Some users reported that the rate calendar pop-up, which appeared when hovered over, remained visible even after other items were selected. OR resolved this issue so that the rate calendar is displayed correctly.

Fix Sendability of Airbnb Messages When Logged in as a Team Access User. Team Access staff members with limited access were not able to send Airbnb messages. We corrected this glitch to allow team access staff members with limited access to send Airbnb messages.

Improve CSV Import Error Messaging for Vrbo Commission Files. Users encountered vague or unhelpful error messages when importing Vrbo commission files, resulting in frustration and confusion. OR fixed this bug to provide more helpful error messages when importing Vrbo commission files when necessary.

Improve Invalid Phone Number Handling. When adding, editing, or updating guest phone numbers, the system failed to display error messages for invalid phone numbers. We corrected this glitch to validate guest phone numbers correctly when adding, editing, or updating.

• Non-commissionable Amount Should Include Taxes. Non-commissionable amounts incorrectly excluded taxes. We resolved this issue by including taxes in non-commissionable amounts.
• Booking Expenses on Bookings With No Owner Should Not Be on Statements (v1/Legacy also). Pre-deducted booking expenses with no owner selected were incorrectly included on owner statements. OR fixed this bug to exclude pre-deducted booking expenses with no owner selected on owner statements. Historical statements are unchanged.

Tax Effective As Of Option Doesn't Always Display. The tax "Effective As Of" radio button option for either Arrival Date or Booked Date did not always display correctly when the tax was saved. We corrected this glitch to ensure that the tax "Effective As Of" radio button option for either Arrival Date or Booked Date is displayed correctly.

Update Quote Statuses to Specify the Airbnb Quote Stages. Airbnb quote statuses were not updated and displayed correctly. OR resolved this issue by reordering the quote and inquiry statuses for clarity. 

We are happy to announce our integration with CookinGenie to offer users a personal chef service for their properties.

About CookinGenie

CookinGenie is a platform that connects personal chefs with guests seeking unique, personalized dining experiences. It enables guests to book chefs for anything from a taco night to 5-course French menu directly through the platform. Our chefs take care of everything – shopping, cooking and even cleaning up the kitchen. Your guests relax and get to enjoy the space you’ve created for them!

Features

• Enhance Guest Experience with an easy add-on.
• Include CookinGenie messaging as a custom code in your guest communications.
• Guests browse and select chefs based on their profiles, menus, and reviews. You don’t have to lift a finger.
• Kitchen requirements? Nope! Chefs just need a full kitchen (stove, oven, fridge). They’ve seen worse, trust us.

Pricing

Free for hosts! Guests will book the chef and pay the rate the chef charges. Reach out for guest promotion and referral commission options!

Ready to Connect?

Get started with CookinGenie by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with CookinGenie.

We are pleased to announce our integration with Knokx to offer users a custom website solution that utilizes our API.

About Knokx

Knokx transforms your vacation rental business with a high-converting website built by marketers, engineered to crush commissions and maximize profits. With powerful SEO tools, AI automation, email and social marketing, lead captures, and real-time analytics, it’s everything you need to own your bookings, boost revenue, and ditch the fees for good. It’s more than just a website; it’s your growth engine.

Features

• Pro-Grade SEO:
  • Dominate local search and drive commission-free direct bookings
  • Built-in keyword tracking for measurable, transparent results
• Custom-Branded Websites:
  • Professionally designed, high-converting sites that showcase your brand
  • Built by marketers for both beauty and performance
• Embedded AI Tools:
  • Automate messaging, content creation, and dynamic responses
  • Save time and boost engagement around the clock
• Live Performance Dashboards:
  • Real-time insights into traffic, leads, rankings, and ROI
  • Make informed marketing decisions for growth
• Advanced Lead Capture:
  • Smart funnels designed to convert visitors into guests and owner leads
  • Optimized tools for maximizing direct bookings
• Enterprise-Grade CRM:
  • Automations, segmentation, and journey tracking
  • Drive repeat stays and close more property management deals
• Transformational Host Benefits:
  • Brand Elevation: Launch a standout, trust-building website
  • Marketing Amplification: Attract quality guests, reduce OTA dependence
  • Operational Excellence: Seamless PMS integration to streamline operations
  • Future-Ready Tech: Built-in AI and analytics for scalable growth

Example Websites

• BeachStaysVacations.com
• EliteFloridaRentals.com

Pricing

Pricing starts at a one-time setup fee of $3,495. You can view the full details here.

Ready to Connect?

Get started with Knokx by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Knokx.

Happy Friday! From million-dollar mergers and global booking shifts to stricter local rules and high-stakes legislation, the vacation rental industry is staying as dynamic as ever. This week brought major headlines, from Airbnb’s earnings outlook and Casago’s acquisition of Vacasa to anti-tourism protests in Europe and regulatory crackdowns across North America. Let’s dive into the top stories shaping short-term rentals right now.

Airbnb’s Q1 2025 earnings revealed a 6% year-over-year revenue increase to $2.27 billion, surpassing expectations. However, the company anticipates a slowdown in U.S. travel demand due to broader economic uncertainties, including high prices and trade tensions. This outlook led to a 5.3% drop in Airbnb’s stock price in after-hours trading. Notably, bookings by Canadian travelers to the U.S. have declined, with a 27% increase in bookings to Mexico instead.

Casago has officially completed its acquisition of Vacasa in a $130 million deal, marking the end of Vacasa’s time as a publicly traded company. The merger brings together Casago’s owner-focused management style with Vacasa’s large-scale technology platform, creating a combined portfolio of over 43,000 properties across North America and beyond. Casago CEO Steve Schwab will lead the new entity, with support from proptech investor Roofstock to further enhance operations and guest experience.

British Columbia, Canada, is enforcing new short-term rental regulations requiring all hosts to register their listings by May 1, 2025. Platforms must validate these registrations by June 2, or face penalties. Since the legislation’s introduction, over 20,000 listings have been registered, and long-term rental vacancy rates have increased from 1.2% to 1.9%.

If you’ve made summer travel plans to Europe, particularly Spain, Italy, or Portugal, you could be impacted by coordinated anti-tourism protests planned for June 15. Demonstrations are expected in popular destinations like Barcelona, Venice, and Lisbon, with possible disruptions to airports, roads, and tourist areas. The protests aim to draw attention to the strain mass tourism places on housing, infrastructure, and local communities.

Vrbo is dialing back parts of its Super Bowl ad campaign after Airbnb called foul. The ads hinted that booking with Airbnb means sharing space with a host, which isn’t always the case—Airbnb offers plenty of entire-home rentals. After a review by the National Advertising Division, Vrbo agreed to tweak the messaging, adding another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between the two vacation rental giants.

Now onto the legislation news. The Houston, Texas, city council has implemented new regulations for short-term rentals, including mandatory certification applications, annual human-trafficking training for operators, and a $275 annual operating fee. The ordinance also bans advertising rentals as event spaces and allows the city to revoke certifications following multiple code violations.

Senate Bill 1162 in Idaho would preempt local bans on STRs and limit the regulations cities and counties can impose. Requirements such as owner occupancy, rental caps, or signage rules would be prohibited. While basic licensing and enforcement are still allowed, the bill seeks to standardize how STRs are treated, more like traditional residential homes than businesses.

Arkansas lawmakers are advancing HB 1445, a bill that would block local governments from banning or heavily restricting short-term rentals. The bill allows revocation of STR licenses after three nuisance violations but limits municipalities’ ability to regulate beyond that. While proponents frame it as a property rights and tourism-support bill, several local officials have voiced concern over losing control to address community issues.

Twin bills in Ohio (SB 104 & HB 109) aim to ban local governments from outlawing or capping STRs, limiting owner permits, or requiring host residency. While health and safety regulations and licensing would still be allowed, the bills expand state lodging taxes to include STRs, potentially generating up to $150 million annually. Both bills are still in committee with hearings pending.

Vermont State Legislature put forward bill H.242, which proposes restricting STRs to only owner-occupied properties, a move the Vermont STR industry warns would devastate tourism and eliminate thousands of jobs. The bill has not progressed past committee review, but stakeholders are watching closely. Industry advocates argue that STRs represent a small housing footprint while making up a large portion of the state’s visitor capacity.

Colorado’s HB 25-1247 seeks to raise the cap on county lodging taxes from 2% to 6%, pending voter approval. In addition to current uses like tourism promotion and housing for workers, the expanded tax revenue could fund infrastructure, sustainability, and public safety. Critics caution the broader usage might stray from the tax’s original purpose and unfairly burden the STR industry.

Washington’s SB 5576 would replace the state STR tax with a 4% optional local excise tax that cities and counties could use for affordable housing. The bill has faced pushback from small operators who say the added tax burden could drive them out of the market. It passed the Senate and House committee and now awaits a full House vote.

If you’re looking for a strong advocacy and support network for short-term rental professionals, be sure to explore Rent Responsibly’s Alliance Program.

That’s a wrap for this week’s updates. Be sure to check back next week for the latest news and trends in the vacation rental industry!

We’re excited to share some great news - OwnerRez has been officially named a 2025 Airbnb Preferred+ Software Partner! 🎉

We’ve been a connected partner with Airbnb for many years, and for the past four, we’ve consistently earned recognition as a Preferred Software Partner! This recognition reflects the ongoing commitment and collaboration between OwnerRez and Airbnb to create a seamless, high-quality experience for short-term rental hosts and property managers around the world. Only a select group of software providers are included in the Airbnb Preferred Software Partners program, and even fewer achieve the “Preferred+” tier.

Why This Matters

Being part of the Airbnb Preferred Software Partners program means we’ve met Airbnb’s highest standards for integration quality, technical performance, and customer value. The Preferred+ designation is reserved for software providers who go above and beyond across key metrics and consistently deliver top-tier performance and innovation.

Collaboration That Moves the Industry Forward

For years, we’ve worked closely with the Airbnb team to improve our integration and ensure a smooth, feature-rich experience for OwnerRez users. From API enhancements to streamlined workflows, the partnership has allowed us to support your business with better tools, faster updates, and improved reliability.

We’re grateful to the Airbnb team for their partnership and support, and most of all, to our OwnerRez users who make milestones like this possible!

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the rest of 2025 and beyond, our focus remains on giving you the best tools in the industry and supporting your business with powerful automation, channel integrations, and unmatched reliability. The Airbnb Preferred+ badge is a proud moment for us, but we’re just getting started.

Thanks for being on the journey with us. More great things are coming soon!

That's a great story. I love to see how you started off with your own STR and began managing others based off your success. My wife and I are doing a similar thing over in Destin to 30a Florida. We have been realtors selling short-term rental properties from Destin to Panama City Beach since 2010.

We purchased our first property two years ago. We also use OwnerRez and just started managing our first external property.

It's nice to see that you guys have already done the same thing in PCB. Were hoping to have similar success as your neighbors. Best of luck!

We are happy to announce our integration with WelcomeScreen, offering digital signage directly to your properties' TVs.

About WelcomeScreen

WelcomeScreen is a game-changing digital signage product that allows hosts to elevate their guest experience, boost direct bookings, and also create an entirely new revenue stream with advertisements.

Features

• More Direct Bookings - Increase repeat stays by displaying your direct booking link where it can’t be missed.
• Fewer Questions - Eliminate common guest questions about Wi-Fi, email, emergency contacts, and more.
• Seamless Setup - Get started in minutes—just download the app and personalize it for your property.
• Wow Your Guests - Create a 5-star hotel feel with personalized welcomes and instant access to everything they need.
• Fully Automated - No need to manually update guest names, weather, time, or check-in/out details—it’s all done for you.
• Extra Revenue Stream - Promote local businesses and upsell services directly through WelcomeScreen to earn passive income.

Pricing

Starts at $10/month/listing and they offer bulk discounts. Pricing details can be found here.

Ready to Connect?

Get started with WelcomeScreen by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with WelcomeScreen.

Tropical Beach Getaways began in 2016 when a husband-and-wife team bought their first condo in Panama City Beach, FL. Their success in managing rentals led to a growing business, now overseeing 13 properties. With backgrounds in business and accounting, they enjoy the flexibility of vacation rentals while creating great guest experiences.

Can you tell us a little bit about your history? 

Tropical Beach Getaways was founded in 2018. My wife and I purchased our first condo in Panama City in 2016 and realized we could manage our own property for vacation rentals. Encouraged by this success, we bought a second condo in the same complex in 2018. After successfully renting out our condo through OwnerRez and word of mouth, other owners began asking us to manage their units as well. Today, we manage 13 vacation rental properties in Panama City Beach, FL.

What is your background? 

My wife and I are traditional business owners. I am the founder and president of a local insurance group in Covington, Georgia. My wife has a background in accounting but is now enjoying life as a stay-at-home wife. She manages our condos and helps out with the grandkids.

Were you always in VR or property management, or is this a 2nd/3rd career?

Over the years, we have consistently managed various types of rental properties to supplement our income. As time went on and we purchased condos in Panama City Beach, we sold our long-term rental homes in our hometown and transitioned to starting a short-term rental management business. We have always had experience in rental management, though not specifically in short-term vacation rentals. Therefore, I would consider this our second long-term career plan for retirement.

Are you from that geographical area, or did you move there later?

We currently reside in Covington, Georgia, and have always lived there. We vacation in Panama City Beach, FL, monthly to check on our condos for ourselves and the owners we manage for.

If later, is there something that drew you to that area?

Panama City Beach, FL, is an excellent vacation destination for families in our area. As a young family, we often took our daughter there to enjoy the beach, and we believe it’s a wonderful place for others to have memorable family vacations as well.

What do you love the most about the VR business?

We appreciate the flexibility it provides and the joy of giving others a wonderful vacation or experience, whether that is once a year or twice a year when they book with us.

What do you dislike the most about it?

One disadvantage of vacation rentals is that they can be quite demanding during peak months. In the summer, we often have numerous check-ins and check-outs throughout the week, which can make it stressful to ensure that each unit is cleaned and ready for the next guest. Communication is essential in vacation rentals, especially when you are not on the property every day.

How do you use OwnerRez to manage your business?

We use OwnerRez to effectively manage our business in various ways. It allows us to handle property bookings, manage cleaners, send guest emails, and control door codes. Overall, it has significantly simplified our rental management operations.

What is the most useful feature OwnerRez offers?

One of the standout features of OwnerRez is its seamless integration with a variety of external applications, enhancing operational efficiency for property management. This functionality allows users to easily connect with smart door lock systems, ensuring that guests can enter their accommodations with ease and convenience. Additionally, OwnerRez can coordinate with cleaning services, streamlining the scheduling process and ensuring that properties are cleaned and prepared between guest stays. This level of automation not only saves time but also reduces the potential for miscommunications, ultimately elevating the guest experience and allowing property owners to focus on other important aspects of their business.

Tropical Beach Getaways has built a thriving business by combining experience, passion, and a commitment to great hospitality. Wishing them continued success in their vacation rental journey!

We are pleased to announce our integration with Keepers to help users manage cleanings.

About Keepers

Keepers helps take cleaning off your plate, for good. They handle everything behind the scenes, automated scheduling, cleaner dispatch, photo-verified inspections, and payments, so you don’t have to text, confirm, or follow up with anyone. Your calendar stays in sync, your properties stay guest-ready, and your time goes back where it belongs. If you’re still managing cleanings manually or relying on marketplaces that leave you doing the work, it’s time for something better. Keepers is built to make sure you never have to think about cleaning again.

With Keepers, cleaning pricing is no longer a guessing game. They set the cleaning fee for each property using their internal pricing algorithm, based on market rates, property size, and job complexity. You don’t have to figure out what to charge, they tell you exactly what cleaning fee to set in your listing so it matches the actual cost of the job. No more undercharging, no more surprises. Cleaners get paid what they expect, and you stay aligned with your guest fees. It’s accurate, consistent, and completely hands off.

Features

• Direct OwnerRez Integration – Syncs seamlessly with your OwnerRez calendar.
• Automatic Scheduling – Cleanings are scheduled in real-time based on bookings.
• Real-Time Job Creation – Cleaning jobs are instantly created as reservations come in.
• Photo Verification – Before-and-after photos are required for every job.
• Quality-Based Payments – Cleaners are only paid when the job meets your standards.
• Hands-Off Coordination – No need to text, confirm, or check in—everything is automated.
• Peace of Mind – Know your property is guest-ready without lifting a finger.

Pricing

They charge a $16 monthly fee per property to remove the entire housekeeping burden off of you. More details here. 

Ready to Connect?

Get started with Keepers by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Keepers.

See if Keepers services your market here. For questions, please call 866-341-5337 or email info@usekeepers.com

We’re excited to introduce our new integration with Hello Guest Screen, bringing a personalized digital concierge experience directly to your properties' smart TVs.

About Hello Guest Screen

Hello Guest Screen is the digital concierge for your smart TV—making guests feel welcomed and informed, while helping hosts stand out and book direct. If your TV has access to the Amazon App Store or Google Play Store, you're all set! And even if it doesn’t, a Firestick or Google Chromecast works like a charm! No need for two remotes or pre-setting the TV for your guest(s)—they've got you covered!

Features

• Personalized Guest Greetings - Display the guest’s name, check-in/out dates, and a custom welcome message on your TV screen.
• App-Free Experience - Guests don’t need to download anything—everything appears directly on the smart TV.
• Automated Scheduling - Messages appear and disappear based on the guest's reservation dates.
• Brand Customization - Add your logo, brand colors, and custom messages to enhance your brand identity.
• QR Code Integration - Share house manuals, Wi-Fi info, local guides, or direct booking links with a simple scan.
• Streaming Video Support - Add YouTube videos to showcase your property, city, or even a personal welcome.
• Weather Forecast Display - Automatically shows a 5-day forecast based on the property's location.
• Multi-Screen Support - Use HGS across multiple TVs within one or several properties.
• PMS Integration with OwnerRez - Connect with property management systems to automate guest data syncing (like name and dates).

Benefits

• Better First Impressions - Guests walk into a personalized, high-tech welcome that sets the tone for their stay.
• Stronger Brand Loyalty - Showcasing your brand and direct booking links helps convert OTA guests into repeat guests.
• Less Guest Confusion - Answer common questions up front (like Wi-Fi, checkout time, or local tips).
• Reduced App Fatigue - No need for guests to fumble with another app—info is displayed clearly on the TV.
• Quick Setup - Takes under 10 minutes to get up and running.
• Low Cost, High Impact - Priced affordably per screen and scalable for any portfolio size.

Pricing

Starting as low as $14.99/month. You can find the pricing details here. Recive 10% off your subscription by using code: OR_10%

Ready to Connect?

Get started with Hello Guest Screen by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Hello Guest Screen.

Happy Friday! The vacation rental landscape continues to shift, with new regulations, legal battles, and evolving guest expectations shaping the market. From policy changes and community pushback to booking trends and rebranding efforts, here’s a look at the major developments making headlines this week.

As of April 21, 2025, Airbnb has implemented a global update to display the total price of listings, including all fees, by default in search results. This move aims to enhance price transparency for guests and aligns with regulatory pressures, such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s “Junk Fees Rule.” Hosts and property managers are advised to reassess their pricing strategies to remain competitive under this new system.

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen has proposed phasing out more than 7,000 short-term vacation rentals in an effort to address the island’s severe housing shortage. While the plan could free up over 6,000 units for long-term residents, a UHERO study warns it may cause major economic fallout, including a $900 million annual drop in visitor spending and nearly 2,000 lost jobs. The Maui County Council has yet to vote on the proposal, but uncertainty is already impacting property owners and the broader tourism industry.

In Ocean City, Maryland, residents have initiated a petition to overturn a recent ban on short-term rentals in certain residential zones. The petition, which has garnered over 1,300 signatures, seeks to place the issue on the next election ballot, reflecting ongoing debates about the role of short-term rentals in community dynamics. 

Louisiana lawmakers are reviewing bills that would grant local governments the authority to regulate short-term rentals more effectively. Proposed legislation includes measures to enforce permitting and safety standards, as well as provisions allowing residents and organizations to take legal action against unlicensed rentals. These efforts aim to address concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts. 

New York City’s Office of Special Enforcement has filed a lawsuit against LuxUrban Hotels, Inc., seeking to enforce a $1.2 million judgment related to illegal short-term rental operations. The city alleges that LuxUrban attempted to evade accountability through corporate rebranding, emphasizing its commitment to upholding housing laws and regulations. 

Bookings by Canadian travelers for U.S. Airbnb accommodations dropped by 12.1% in March 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This decline is attributed to escalating trade tensions and new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. The decrease is notably impacting border regions and popular destinations for Canadian tourists. 

Summer rental bookings along the Jersey Shore are off to a sluggish start in 2025, prompting some property owners to reduce prices. Factors contributing to the slowdown include higher inventory levels and concerns about decreased Canadian tourism, influenced by recent trade disputes. 

Panama City Beach, Florida, historically known for its vibrant spring break scene, is implementing measures to transform into a family-oriented tourist destination. Efforts include stricter regulations on alcohol consumption, increased policing, and the introduction of new attractions like a $60 million Dolly Parton-owned venue. 

A recent report from Phocuswright indicates that the short-term rental sector’s growth has plateaued, with usage among U.S. leisure travelers remaining steady since 2020. Challenges include increased scrutiny, inconsistent guest experiences, and competition from traditional hotels. The industry is urged to enhance transparency and service quality to meet evolving consumer expectations. 

That’s a wrap for this week! Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-changing landscape of vacation rentals.

I signed up for the free trial and there is seemingly no way to cancel on the website. Additionally there is a huge lack of functionality for Android as you can only access the messaging feature on mobile. I specifically wanted to use this to book more gap nights and while the tech seems like it could work, I want to be able to manage this on my phone which doesn't seem possible. Overall the lack of being able to manage my account and billing on the website and not being able to cancel the free trial without jumping through hoops is a massive turn off. 

Happy Friday! The vacation rental industry continues to evolve, with significant developments this week highlighting the dynamic nature of the market. From regulatory shifts to community concerns, here’s a roundup of the latest news.

Brands are now using vacation rentals as a new sampling channel, placing natural and organic products directly into Airbnbs and boutique hotels. This immersive strategy delivers high conversion rates, targeted consumer reach, and valuable marketing data, offering a more intimate and effective alternative to traditional in-store demos.

In Riley County, Kansas, officials are considering amendments to short-term rental regulations. Proposed changes include a 500-foot minimum distance between STRs, mandatory designation of a local responsible agent, and ensuring all property taxes and fees are paid before licensing. The effort aims to address growing resident concerns about neighborhood impacts while still allowing rentals to operate under clearer rules. 

Meanwhile, Houston, Texas, has passed its first short-term rental ordinance, requiring an annual $275 registration fee per unit and a 24/7 emergency contact. City leaders framed the ordinance as a starting point, suggesting that more updates could follow based on feedback and enforcement experience.

In St. Joseph County, Indiana, police are warning property owners to be cautious about one-night local bookings. Officials report a rise in short-term rentals being used for parties, including one recent incident involving gunfire at a rental in Granger. Authorities recommend owners require multiple-night minimums, carefully screen guests, and install exterior security cameras.

Optimism remains strong in the industry despite competitive pressures. According to Key Data’s 2025 Vacation Rental Industry Outlook, 66% of surveyed property managers expect revenue growth this year, although 55% anticipate increased competition as more listings hit the market. The report emphasizes the need for strong marketing, guest experience enhancements, and smart pricing strategies.

That’s a wrap for this week! Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-changing landscape of vacation rentals.

Happy Friday! The vacation rental industry continues to evolve, with significant developments this week highlighting the dynamic nature of the market. From regulatory shifts to personal stories of homeowners leveraging rental opportunities, here’s a roundup of the latest news.

During the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, local homeowners are capitalizing on the influx of visitors by renting out their properties. For instance, photographer Whitney Boykin and her family vacate their North Augusta, South Carolina home to accommodate guests, earning enough in one week to cover their annual mortgage. Data from AirDNA indicates that in April 2024, the number of rentals in Augusta surged to 1,700, with average revenues reaching $5,300.

Vacation rental management company Vacasa is at the center of a bidding war, with Davidson Kempner offering $5.83 per share, surpassing Casago’s $5.30 per share bid. The outcome of this competition could significantly impact the company’s future direction and the broader vacation rental market.

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposal to phase out over 7,000 short-term vacation rentals by 2026 aims to address the island’s housing shortage, exacerbated by the 2023 wildfires. A recent study by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) indicates that while this move could add approximately 6,127 units to the long-term housing market and improve affordability, it may also lead to significant economic drawbacks. These include a projected $900 million annual decline in visitor spending, the loss of 1,900 jobs, and a $60 million decrease in property tax revenue by 2029. UHERO suggests alternatives such as implementing new taxes, auctioning rental permits, and incentivizing new developments to mitigate potential economic disruptions while addressing housing needs.

Washington lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 5576, which would allow cities and counties to impose up to a 4% excise tax on short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. The revenue would fund affordable housing initiatives, including construction, rental assistance, and homelessness services. Supporters argue the measure addresses the state’s housing shortage, while critics warn it could deter tourism and burden small rental operators. If enacted, the tax could take effect in April 2026.

That’s a wrap for this week! Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-changing landscape of vacation rentals.