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Once again, an amazing batch of updates. Can't wait to try the review triggers and field codes. New design looking good, too. Thanks team!
Cameras that detect facial recognition are already being used in public places whether we are aware of it or not. Banks, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc. I don’t have an issue with it. I think if we drafted a message for guests to explain why this necessary (to keep everyone safe, honest, and validating that the primary guest is who they say they are) is good for due diligence and preventing chargebacks. Stripe has established a similar process.
I am in favor of facial recognition and authentication of guests ID in an effort to prevent chargebacks and the reassurance that the primary guest staying in my property is who they say they are. We are in an era of people creating fake IDs. Currently I use Cognito Forms for guest ID however it’s not authenticated, nor is the link created by OR to add to the Rental Agreement. I don’t understand the objection to facial recognition. I would like to onboard but first would like to see a tutorial because as it stands I don’t see how to embed a link for Authenticate into my RA.
For any other OR users who have a surcharge that should calculate a percentage on rent+surcharges (such as a credit card processing fee), unfortunately we have to keep all our surcharges in the old system (called "custom" now).
Received this back from OR Support: "This appears to be a design limitation rather than a bug. The new Standard Surcharges system prioritizes simplicity over granular positioning control. For your specific use case where you need the CC processing fee to calculate on rent + surcharges, you may indeed need to revert to custom surcharges for full positioning control."
I agree--I think this (Facial Recognition) will be off-putting to many guests. I personally decline facial recognition when flying within the USA. Unfortunately, this will become mandatory (along with finger-printing) for most travel overseas/through the EU this fall.
@Anne - Before I spend more time reverting back to my old custom Surcharges away from your newest versions, is it possible for you to confirm with the engineers that this is the intended way this should be working? (That the new setup does not allow for setting the CC processing fee percentage to rent+surcharges.)
I apologize for the delay in responding, Alece. As OwnerRez continues to refine its surcharges, this area is continually evolving. At this point, I think you would be best served by contacting our Helpdesk team with your question. Best of luck!
Just did the "TEST" on the Authenticate website, on myself. It appears that what Authenticate does is send an link to the guest to upload a drivers license or passport or their personal information, then at that point the vetting begins. Is this correct?
Your post would be more helpful to people (me) if you could elaborate and explain why. Thanks!
Big NO! to facial recognition.
Fall is here, and October is packed with opportunities to dial in your operations and grow your business with OwnerRez. 🍁 We’ve lined up a full schedule of live webinars and two in-person events you won’t want to miss.
This month’s webinar lineup includes Demos, Q&A Sessions, and Focus Sessions on listing descriptions, guest instructions, health and safety, photos, and rooms. You’ll also hear from our friends at PetScreening about pet-friendly rental strategies that boost bookings, help manage risks, and improve guest reviews.
Additionally, the VRMA International Conference will be taking place October 12th-15th in Las Vegas, and OwnerRez will be there as a proud sponsor! At the conference, we’re also hosting a Free Hangout event on October 13th alongside some of our amazing integrated partners: PriceLabs, StayFi, Lynnbrook, Rental Guardian, RemoteLock, LG, Avalara, HostBuddy AI, PetScreening, TouchStay, and TechTape. Come enjoy free drinks and food on us as you converse with some of the biggest names in the vacation rental industry. Reserve your free ticket today using code OWNERREZ!
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Learn how to boost bookings with pet-inclusive policies, manage assistance animal requests, reduce risks, and increase revenue.
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Join us for a live Q&A! Please write in questions prior to the webinar so we can start off by answering those right away.
Join us for an in-depth focus session on the Descriptions, Guest Instructions, and Health & Safety pages inside of OwnerRez. We’ll walk through the updated layout, share best practices, and provide practical tips to ensure your listings are fully optimized across all your connected channels.
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Join us for a live Q&A! Please write in questions prior to the webinar so we can start off by answering those right away.
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Join us for a deep dive into the Photos and Rooms pages inside OwnerRez. In this Focus Session, we'll share the step-by-step process for uploading and arranging property photos, creating rooms, and making accessibility features clear for guests. This focus session will help you get the most out of these critical listing sections.
The VRMA International Conference is the ultimate destination for short-term vacation rental professionals eager to expand their knowledge, explore innovative solutions, and connect with peers. With a diverse range of educational sessions and an extensive exhibit hall, the conference provides unparalleled opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow. Use code MEETMEINLV for $100 off registration rates!
When: October 12-15, 2025
Where: Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, NV
At this year's VRMA International Conference in Vegas, OwnerRez is hosting a Hangout event! The event will be held across the street from the convention center at Yard House on Monday, 10/13, from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. OwnerRez is co-hosting this event with a select group of our amazing integrated partners: PriceLabs, StayFi, Lynnbrook, Rental Guardian, RemoteLock, LG, Avalara, HostBuddy AI, PetScreening, TouchStay, and TechTape.
Up to 200 people can fit in the space, so be sure to reserve your free ticket ahead of time using code OWNERREZ! Enjoy free drinks and food as you converse with some of the biggest names in the vacation rental industry.
When: October 13, 2025, 7-9 PM
Where: Yard House in Las Vegas, NV
@Anne - Before I spend more time reverting back to my old custom Surcharges away from your newest versions, is it possible for you to confirm with the engineers that this is the intended way this should be working? (That the new setup does not allow for setting the CC processing fee percentage to rent+surcharges.)
We are happy to announce our partnership with Inhaven, giving OwnerRez users a simple way to manage operations, streamline inventory, and maintain consistent quality across every property.
Inhaven is a leading supply and operations platform built specifically for professional vacation rental property managers. Through one easy-to-use platform, managers can source hospitality-grade bedding, bath, kitchen, and cleaning supplies at wholesale pricing. Beyond purchasing, Inhaven provides inventory management, quoting, and invoicing tools that help managers maintain brand standards, simplify operations, and keep every property guest-ready.
Inhaven also makes it simple to create and manage linen programs, ensuring consistent quality across every property. With tools like linen calculators, managers can easily determine par levels, plan replenishment, and eliminate the guesswork around linen costs. The Inhaven team also partners closely with property managers to develop owner pricing strategies, helping turn supply costs into revenue generators while maintaining transparency and consistency.
And with hands-on customer service, managers gain one point of contact for all purchasing and inventory needs, saving valuable time and resources.
Integrating with Inhaven’s B2B platform enables property managers to streamline purchasing, inventory control, owner quoting, and invoicing. Through the OwnerRez integration, Inhaven can:
Connecting your OwnerRez account with Inhaven and purchasing through the platform is completely free. For those who want to use Inhaven’s inventory management and quoting tools, pricing starts after a free 3-month trial at as low as $2 per property per month, based on portfolio size.
Get started with Inhaven by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Inhaven.
@Anne -- DONE! Feature request for adding check-in status trigger conditions to inquiries in addition to bookings: https://www.ownerrez.com/forums/requests/add-checkin-status-trigger-condition-to-inquiries-as-well
This week’s Industry News highlights the Ryder Cup’s impact on short-term rentals in New York, new rental regulations in Monterey and Austin, and what’s driving France’s record tourism season. Let’s dive in.
The 2025 Ryder Cup kicks off this weekend at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, with local officials estimating $160 million in economic impact across Long Island, New York. For the week of the tournament, over $2.1 million in short-term rental revenue has been booked. According to AirDNA, average daily rates in Farmingdale and Babylon are up 145% compared to the same week last year. The three most expensive properties booked in Farmingdale were all marketed specifically to Ryder Cup visitors. These staggering numbers highlight the value of tracking and adjusting nightly rates for local events. Marketing your listing to attract event attendees can also help maximize occupancy and boost revenue during those peak demand periods.
Previously reported in Industry News on August 22, Monterey County has officially passed its new vacation rental ordinance. The Board of Supervisors approved ordinances banning commercial vacation rentals in Big Sur and Carmel Highlands, and limiting short-term rentals to only 4% of single-family homes in unincorporated areas. This change will force 37 rentals in Big Sur and many others in Carmel and Pebble Beach to shut down. Exceptions include hosted stays where the owner is present during the booking period and rentals that happen three times a year or less. The new permit requirements and regulations are set to take effect in October. Vacation rental owners operating in these areas should review these changes carefully to ensure they comply with the stricter regulations.
Skift reported this week on France’s record-breaking summer tourism season, driven by four key factors. Among the factors behind the surge were fewer overtourism headlines, as officials worked to promote regions beyond Paris and the Riviera, and a rise in American travelers, who now spend more than double the average domestic tourist at €140 ($164) per day. While final numbers are still being counted, French tourism is projected to contribute $312 billion to GDP, up 3% over last year and 10% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council and Oxford Economics.
The City of Austin, Texas, is bringing a number of updates to its short-term rental regulations starting October 1st. Short-term rental licenses will now last two years instead of one, and owners must list a local contact who can quickly respond to any issues or complaints. The city will also send more license notifications to surrounding residents and is working to improve how it handles complaints. Other changes include new spacing rules between short-term rentals, limits on how many units can operate in multifamily buildings, and stricter platform requirements. Starting July 2026, listings must display license numbers, and listing platforms like Airbnb will be required to remove unregistered properties upon request by the city. City officials expect these changes to improve oversight and generate more tax revenue.
With big events and new rules shaping the market, expect continued changes across the vacation rental industry this fall. Check back next week for the latest news!
That’s good news, thanks for the update, Paul. PayPal state they support Antigua and Barbuda (where our property is) and they obviously support the UK (where we live) so fingers crossed if Stripe cut us off again for the property being in Antigua, it’s a good Plan B! 🤞
We are in the middle of working on an integration with Pagadito which is entirely based in Central America. That will serve countries like Panama and Costa Rica with native local processing.
The new PayPal stuff is finished and mere days away from release. It was a huge update and took a couple extra months to polish it after building and verifying the original integration with PayPal. I'm not sure if that will help you or not in Antigua. Just FYI.
I'll let StretchBill respond about their options for Panama and Antigua if that is something they support.
We have similar issues for Antigua. OR told me that they are working on a new advanced integration with PayPal which was meant to be ready by the end of June…. But no sign of it yet 🤔
Is stretchbill with authorize.net an option for those of us outside of the US and Canada? (Specifically Panama)I need to find a permanent (reasonable) solution for taking payments…..
Is stretchbill with authorize.net an option for those of us outside of the US and Canada? (Specifically Panama)
I need to find a permanent (reasonable) solution for taking payments…..
We are pleased to announce our latest integration with XenGuide, giving OwnerRez users a simple way to provide fast accurate support throughout each stay.
XenGuide is an AI-powered concierge platform that streamlines vacation rental operations by automating guest conversations across web and mobile chat. It learns from your listing details, photos, and host-created articles, so guests get instant, accurate answers, multilingual support, and helpful troubleshooting for common appliances and home systems.
The assistant securely shares booking-specific information like door codes and Wi-Fi when available, and it only answers when confident. Questions that need a human are routed to a mobile-friendly service desk for fast host follow-up.
Setup takes minutes. Once configured, XenGuide invites guests automatically and handles a large share of routine questions with very little manual effort. The assistant improves over time as your team resolves escalations.
XenGuide supports 1 free property as a free trial. After that, pricing is $8 per property per month. Learn more about their pricing here.
Get started with XenGuide by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with XenGuide.
We are super excited about the WhatsApp solution! It would mean a lot for the European market since it's very much a standard for a lot of people in that part of the world and they even seem to prefer that over SMS (probably due to fees when traveling). It will definitely improve our conversions and service! Keep at it!
HI,
We understand that you are searching for a new provider. We aren't sure why this should be a big issue. We send texts across the world, mostly for fee. Even ESims allow this for an odd cent or two. Please keep working on this as not everyone has WhatsApp! We have found, since the introduction of texting in North America was introduced, that guests respond better and read our messages, saving us a fair bit of time. We know you can't flip a switch overnight and you will be needing a supplier who can send hundreds if not thousands of texts, but this is a game changer. Thanks for keeping up the support for this. 👍
I assume (based on previous experiences) that this is a completely different situation since consumer products and corporate-level solutions are usually vastly different in both pricing and technical requirements. I can see why it might seem strange from the outside, but I’m sure it’s quite a pain for OwnerRez to navigate.
It makes me wonder if it could be worth looking outside the US for potential providers, if it hasn't been done already. Some global competitors—especially in places like Australia or Europe—might already be further ahead in developing scalable solutions, simply because their markets require cross-border capabilities to grow revenue.
HI,
We understand that you are searching for a new provider. We aren't sure why this should be a big issue. We send texts across the world, mostly for fee. Even ESims allow this for an odd cent or two. Please keep working on this as not everyone has WhatsApp! We have found, since the introduction of texting in North America was introduced, that guests respond better and read our messages, saving us a fair bit of time. We know you can't flip a switch overnight and you will be needing a supplier who can send hundreds if not thousands of texts, but this is a game changer. Thanks for keeping up the support for this. 👍
Jeff and Karin Gauvin founded Utah Escapes with a clear philosophy of underselling, over-delivering, and creating consistent experiences that earn 5-star reviews. With decades of hospitality experience and a passion for travel, they’ve built a thriving vacation rental business in the beautiful state of Utah.
I grew up in Rhode Island and first discovered Moab, Utah, while on a college spring break trip. I was instantly hooked; the landscapes, the red rocks, and the chance to mountain bike all day without seeing another person left a lasting impression.
My wife, Karin, is from Sweden, and together we’ve been in hospitality for more than 25 years. We met in 2001 while working aboard high-end cruise ships, where we learned firsthand the value of service, attention to detail, and consistency. From there, we managed a B&B in Aspen, Colorado, before purchasing our own B&B in Salt Lake City in 2006, an adventure that even landed us on HGTV’s House Hunters. Travel has always been our passion, and vacation rentals gave us the perfect way to combine hospitality with real estate. Karin brings a European perspective and a focus on quality, instilling our core philosophy of underselling, over-delivering, and ensuring consistency that results in 5-star reviews.
I officially entered the vacation rental space in 2012, running the reservations department for a luxury vacation rental provider in Park City. That experience solidified my interest in the industry. In 2019, after negotiating out of a non-compete, we launched Utah Escapes. By 2020, I became a licensed Realtor, which allowed us to merge property management with real estate services under one roof.
I’m originally from Rhode Island, while Karin grew up in Sweden. Utah wasn’t where we started, but it’s where we found our home. That first Moab trip hooked me; the open space, the scenery, and the sense of freedom. Over time, Karin and I both felt that Utah offered the right mix of natural beauty and hospitality-driven communities. Today, we operate across Moab, Park City, Kanab, and Salt Lake City, each with its own unique personality but the same commitment to quality.
We love that we get to serve two sets of customers: our guests and our owners. For guests, it’s about consistency, making sure every stay lives up to the 5-star promise. For owners, it’s about transparency, cost-efficiency, and results. We’ve built Utah Escapes around the belief that both sides should win: owners maximize revenue while guests enjoy memorable experiences.
The unpredictability can be a challenge. From last-minute cancellations to maintenance surprises, there’s always something. But we’ve learned that consistency and systems make the difference. Karin’s emphasis on quality and process keeps us grounded even when things get hectic.
OwnerRez is the hub of our operation. Its integrations allow us to automate repeatable processes, streamline communication, and keep everything centralized. We connect OwnerRez with third-party partners like Turno, AKIA, Jervis, and Accountable, which rounds out a powerful ecosystem. This setup frees us to focus on the human side of the business: guest experience and owner relationships.
For our owners, OwnerRez is especially important because it helps us run lean and efficient. By leveraging technology, we’ve been able to implement a very low commission structure, proving that you don’t need bloated overhead to deliver high-quality service.
It’s not just one feature, it’s the way everything comes together. Channel management keeps our calendars and rates synced across platforms, while professional owner statements ensure transparency. But the real magic is in how OwnerRez integrates with other tools, allowing us to automate without losing personal touch.
OwnerRez was instrumental in our initial scaling, giving us all the core services we needed at a reasonable, scalable cost structure. That foundation let us expand quickly while staying true to our philosophy: undersell, over-deliver, and deliver consistent 5-star results for both owners and guests.
With a passion for travel and a clear commitment to quality, Jeff and Karin continue to shape Utah Escapes while staying true to their core philosophy. Here at OwnerRez, we look forward to seeing their business grow as they continue to deliver 5-star experiences across Utah.
@Anne - Got it. Disappointing that the latest version of Surcharges is limited to the extent that CC processing fees cannot be set up correctly.
(And no, sadly, those instructions for configuring a CC processing fee are inadequate as it will apply the percentage only to rent -- which is unfortunately not how the CC processors charge their percentage!)
Hey Anne -- I'm struggling to get the credit card processing fee to apply to all the other surcharges and not just rent. I've created it as a custom surcharge so I can give it a position, but because all the new style Surcharges/Discounts have no positions set, they are being placed beneath it. It seems I too hastily redid all my surcharges to make use of your new system, because now the credit card processing fee (which should be a percentage of all rent and surcharges) is significantly lower than it should be. Is my only recourse to go back to my old Surcharges so I can give everything a position number??
Alece, Advanced Custom Surcharges allow you to select the Percent of the Subtotal and determine positions.
But yes, you are correct that the new Standard Surcharges don't offer a Percentage of the Subtotal or positions.
This doesn't appear to meet your needs, but check out our How do I configure a credit card processing fee? FAQ.
Hey Anne -- I'm struggling to get the credit card processing fee to apply to all the other surcharges and not just rent. I've created it as a custom surcharge so I can give it a position, but because all the new style Surcharges/Discounts have no positions set, they are being placed beneath it. It seems I too hastily redid all my surcharges to make use of your new system, because now the credit card processing fee (which should be a percentage of all rent and surcharges) is significantly lower than it should be. Is my only recourse to go back to my old Surcharges so I can give everything a position number??
Earlier this month, we announced that SMS messaging through OwnerRez had expanded to include additional +1 countries and territories. After going live, we discovered that this expansion cannot continue as planned.
To clarify: OwnerRez SMS has always been limited to phone numbers registered in the U.S. and Canada. That part has not changed. What we attempted to add was the ability to send SMS to guest numbers outside of the U.S. and Canada.
Before launching, we conducted research and negotiated directly with our telecom carrier for expanded coverage. We were assured that sending to other +1 regions would be included under our contracted rates. Unfortunately, once the expansion was live, we were hit with unexpected surcharges, charges that the carrier had explicitly told us would not apply.
In short, the carrier misrepresented the deal. We are very unhappy about this outcome and are actively evaluating new telecom partners that can provide fair, predictable international SMS pricing.
We know global communication is critical, and affordable messaging outside the U.S. and Canada remains a top priority. Beyond researching new SMS carriers, we’re also deep into the development of WhatsApp messaging. WhatsApp is widely used across the world and offers a reliable, low-cost alternative to SMS.
When WhatsApp launches in OwnerRez, it will work alongside SMS, so you can use both channels seamlessly, depending on what works best for you and your guests.
We know many users were excited about the expanded SMS coverage, and we share your frustration. Thank you for your patience as we work to deliver reliable, cost-effective ways to reach your guests worldwide.
This week’s roundup highlights Expedia Group’s latest platform updates, Airbnb’s continued shift towards hotels, a new vacation rental platform gaining traction, the IRS targeting short-term rental income, and trends shaping Greece’s rental market. Let’s dive in.
This week, Expedia Group unveiled a series of updates set to reshape the experience for both hosts and guests on its platforms. First, Expedia is expanding Vrbo property distribution through its B2B network, reaching 70,000 businesses and over 160,000 travel agents, with partners like Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Revolut among the first to distribute Vrbo listings. On the consumer side, Expedia has enhanced its search experience with a new tab-view filter, allowing users to easily toggle between hotels and vacation rentals. Looking ahead to early 2026, Vrbo will also introduce changes to its Premier Host program, aiming to drive more traffic to exceptional listings. The biggest shift will be moving recognition from the host level to individual listings. New qualifications for this listing-level recognition include a 99% acceptance rate, 0% cancellation rate, and a 4.6+ review rating. This change is aimed at highlighting top-performing properties and giving them increased visibility. Lastly, Expedia is rolling out a range of AI-powered features, including AI Guest Review Summary (Live Now) for quick, summarized guest feedback, AI Property Q&A (Beta) for instant answers, AI-Powered Property Highlights (Testing) to showcase unique features based on guest reviews, and Trust Through Real Photos (Testing) allowing guests to upload photos with their reviews.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says the company is now getting serious about hotels, with plans to launch a dedicated hotel interface inside the Airbnb app. After pausing hotel expansion during the pandemic, Chesky confirmed Airbnb will now focus on boutique and independent hotels, starting with a pilot in a few cities, including New York. The move builds on the company’s 2019 acquisition of HotelTonight and aims to keep guests from leaving the platform when they can’t find a suitable home. Chesky also noted that Airbnb’s recent shift to a single-fee pricing structure positions the company to better compete in these markets, where transparent, up-front pricing is already the standard.
Lake.com, a vacation rental platform specializing in lake houses and waterfront properties, has raised $2.6 million in pre-seed funding led by the Business Development Bank of Canada. The site currently features about 40,000 listings across 7,000 destinations in North America and Europe, with plans to handle over 100,000 bookings in the next 18 to 24 months. Lake.com aims to address frustrations with existing platforms by offering clear pricing without surprise fees, consistent cancellation policies, and AI-driven search tools designed to help guests find the perfect home. CEO David Ciccarelli describes the company as creating a new kind of travel agency built for families and the next generation of travelers. By the way, Lake.com is finalizing the OwnerRez integration now, and you'll be able to list your properties in the coming weeks!
The IRS announced this week that it will focus on vacation home rentals in 2025, urging homeowners who rent through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to report their rental income properly. In the announcement, they stressed the importance of distinguishing between personal and rental use, with the increased enforcement targeting properties rented beyond certain limits. With this being a key focus in 2025, it's crucial to double-check state and national tax laws to ensure everything is reported correctly.
Travel and Tour World released an article focusing on Greece’s short-term rental market, featuring key data from AirDNA. The report highlights a rise in rental prices across popular Greek destinations, despite a slight dip in occupancy rates. Experts suggest that higher rental prices may be contributing to the decline in occupancy, while still reflecting strong demand for vacation rentals in the region. The article emphasizes the importance of property owners staying on top of their pricing among shifting market trends as Greece continues to attract new travelers.
As the Expedia Group rolls out major updates and Airbnb moves into the hotel space, the vacation rental landscape is shifting in exciting new ways. Stay tuned for more on these developments and how the industry continues to evolve in the weeks ahead!
We’re excited to announce our new integration with InterCoastal Net Designs, giving OwnerRez users access to powerful digital marketing and website solutions to help drive direct bookings.
At ICND, they are hyper-focused on providing the best digital marketing and website solutions for the vacation rental industry. They are trusted industry veterans with over 25 years of experience in business; their proven conversion-focused approach is founded on the book direct philosophy. Test drive their newest platform, AXIS. As the preferred booking engine platform for vacation rental websites around the world, AXIS delivers cutting-edge website management tools, a powerful CRM, and integrates with OwnerRez.
Their digital marketing team is committed to providing direct strategies and techniques that maintain and improve your online presence, which drives qualified traffic to your website. Combining their industry expertise and superior customer support, they provide the ideal agency experience to gain exposure and maximize online reservations.
Reach out to InterCoastal Net Designs for a custom quote tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Get started with InterCoastal Net Designs by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with InterCoastal Net Designs.
This week’s roundup covers Gen Z travel trends, legal updates affecting short-term rentals in Montana and New Orleans, New York City’s ongoing affordability issue, and Airbnb’s AI development plans. Let’s dive in.
Airbnb reports Gen Z is driving a surge in fall 2025 travel, with searches up 26% compared to last year. Paris ranks as the top trending destination, with Osaka, Dubai, Miami, Porto, Cartagena, London, Munich, Mexico City, and Santiago also seeing strong demand from this demographic. The article shares a recent Focaldata survey, showing that affordability plays a role in the fall travel decisions of more than 80% of Gen Z travellers. In the U.S., Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, and Minnesota lead the reviews for fall foliage experiences. Gen Z is also showing a preference for quieter beach getaways this season, with Naha, Ipojuca, Ericeira, San Andrés, and Praia Grande emerging as popular choices. This report highlights the value of showcasing affordability in your listing to attract Gen Z travelers this fall.
The Montana Supreme Court ruled this week that subdivision covenants can restrict vacation rentals, siding with neighbors in a Flathead County subdivision near Whitefish. The case involved property owners who argued that the subdivision’s covenants, which prohibit any business, trade, or commercial activity, prevented short-term rental use. R&R Mountain Escapes, the rental operator, argued that they could operate the property because they had received a conditional use permit from Flathead County. The court upheld the covenants, stating that private subdivision rules can limit vacation rentals even when local government permits exist. Legal observers say the ruling could influence how communities across Montana choose to manage short-term rentals within subdivisions.
Two years after the historic ban on short-term rentals in New York City, the New York Post reports that "Local Law 18" failed to lower rents and increase housing availability. The article shares that the law had little to no effect on affordability or availability, but it coincided with a consistent boost in hotel occupancy, as travelers were forced to shift toward traditional lodging options. In a statement to The Post, Airbnb's director of public policy strategy for North America states, "Airbnb made up only a small share of units, and rents have actually risen faster in neighborhoods that once had the highest number of Airbnbs. The law has only made the affordability crisis worse." The New York City short-term rental ban continues to serve as an interesting test case for how cities approach long-term affordability and regulate short-term rentals.
Skift shares key takeaways from Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky’s talk at the 2025 Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference. Chesky said Airbnb will introduce AI search next year to help guests find rentals more efficiently. He also highlighted that AI will make adding listings easier for hosts, with property photos automatically updating to reflect the seasons. “I think everything is now back on the table,” Chesky said, emphasizing that with AI, Airbnb can more easily expand into new markets and businesses.
A federal judge has dismissed ten of the eleven claims made by Airbnb in their lawsuit challenging New Orleans’ short-term rental regulations. The court ruled that property owners do not have a fundamental right to rent their homes on a short-term basis and upheld the city’s authority to require platforms to verify that listings comply with local laws before collecting fees. Council President JP Morrell hailed the decision as a significant victory for residents, emphasizing the city’s commitment to preserving neighborhood integrity and holding short-term rental platforms accountable.
As we get ready for the fall rental season, expect more news on traveler trends, regulations, and technology shaping the vacation rental industry. Check back next week for more updates!
